Biography
I attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, graduating in 1990 with a double major in creative writing and Asian studies. During this time, I spent time at Zen Mountain Monastery, developing an experiential knowledge of zen meditation practice. Moving to San Francisco in 1991, I completed a Masters in counseling and a Ph.D. in psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, graduating in 2000. I added the practice of Tai Ch'i to my health routine.
My therapeutic work has included working with individuals and groups at a public middle school in Dublin, Ca. and Braun Day Treatment Center in Marin, Ca., a private high school for disturbed adolescents. My doctoral dissertation, Phenomenological Investigation of the Experience of Being under the Influence of Prozac, focused on the history of drug use in the field of psychology and closely examined inherent flaws in the accepted theories which support their use. This work also examined flaws inherent in the F.D.A approval process for Prozac and other psychotropic drugs prescribed for psychological reasons. During this time, I also received training in body-oriented psychology and completed training and certification in Rosen Method Bodywork in 2000.
As a post-doctoral student, I worked under Dr. Kevin Macready, a pioneer in medication-free day treatment, at his clinic in Fresno, Ca., the San Joaquin Psychotherapy Center in Fresno, Ca., There, I trained in working with deeply disturbed children and adults without relying on toxic medications or diagnoses.
In 2003, I became a licensed clinical psychologist, a registered Cranial-Sacral Therapist (Biodynamic), and an adjunct faculty member at J.F.K. University, teaching basic psychological research methods and specializing in empirical phenomenological research.
In 2004, I opened the Full Spectrum Progressive Psychology Center, specializing in medication and standard diagnosis-free body-oriented psychology. In addition to directing Full Spectrum, I also hosted a weekly radio program, the Organic Psychology Radio Hour. This program promoted the integrative health model supported by Full Spectrum as well as green living, green activism, and the freshest, newest developments from the fields of psychology, nutrition, and complementary health practices.
In 2012, I relocated to Manhattan, NY. Although my practice is based in New York City, I am always available for phone consultation and crisis House Calls anywhere and anytime, schedule permitting.