My interest in working in the field of mental health started early for me, and I was fortunate enough to follow up this passion with both an undergraduate and graduate degree. I did my first graduate program internship at a psychiatric intensive outpatient program attached to a local hospital. My final year’s internship was at a large HMO’s department of outpatient psychiatry and addiction medicine, where I was later hired and worked for 16 years.
Throughout the years as a counselor, I have worked with a large variety of clients with varying diagnoses and acuity levels. Working with clients in an intensive outpatient setting, as a case manager, and in an outpatient psychiatric setting, I have been able to assess, diagnose and treat a vast number of clients to help them manage or alleviate their symptoms. Eating disorders, health issues, chronic pain and complex trauma histories have made up a majority of my work, along with the often severe depression and anxiety that unfortunately accompanies these disorders. I have the unique experience as a counselor of working with multidisciplinary teams to help clients, which not only include mental health providers (therapists, psychiatrists, case managers and psychiatric nurses), but also includes medical doctors and nurses in a wide variety of specialties. Additionally, I am a current faculty member in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University where I am honored to teach clinical skills to undergraduate and graduate students for use in their field placements.
I find the best modalities to increase positive coping skills and lay a foundation for possible trauma work are both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Teaching clients how to challenge cognitive distortions, set boundaries, increase their self care and learn how to utilize mindfulness and grounding when they are triggered is crucial no matter the presenting issue. When you have chronic pain or are struggling with a mental or physical illness, being able to manage your symptoms can be the difference of being able to do routine things during your day and feeling completely debilitated. Additionally, research studies show that EMDR has been helpful in managing chronic pain as well as reprocessing negative memories that might be associated with the onset of the physical symptoms. Often too, emotional issues (like increased stress), can exacerbate any physical pain or discomfort, and EMDR can help to restore some of the mind-body balance that can increase feelings of happiness and connectedness. I find my work with EMDR invaluable for both mental health and physical health issues.