| I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who
entered the world of private practice after 23 years as an educator.
I have taught biology and chemistry at the high school and junior college level,
as well as being a Counselor at
the college level. I have been an educator at all levels, including elementary.
As a Clinical Psychologist I have
had experiences in hospitals, private clinics, and convalescent homes, as well
as professional work in the
medical/legal area.
I provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and as a consultant. The
therapeutic modalities in which I am
trained are: Behavioral Medicine; Human Sexuality; Developmental Physiology/Psychology;
Cognitive Therapy;
Hypnosis; EMDR; and Psychopharmacology. I provide treatment either as brief focused
therapy or, in cases of
trauma and major injuries, over longer periods as is necessary for the individual
to heal. I work with individuals
who are in life transition. Changes in work, family, and personal relationships
are encouraged and supported.
Cognitive therapy is used to change patterns of negative thoughts and self-defeating
attitudes in order to generate
healthy and positive thoughts, emotions, and actions. My experiences in both the
biological-health and behavioral
sciences oftentimes are useful in helping integrate and stabilize a person or
relationship.
My approach to treatment is multidisciplinary emphasizing cognitive-behavioral
modalities to reduce and manage
stress. Cognitive therapy uses the basic components of education to help understand
responses to stressful
situations. Imagery is the rehearsal and practice of new coping skills. Specific
practices include direct action
techniques and cognitive techniques to replace negative statements. Logic and
rational thinking is encouraged
to overcome catastrophizing which is viewing a minor setback as a catastrophe.
"Problems are opportunities to
learn something new." Emotional reasoning is practiced to overcome the belief
that one's negative feelings about
a situation must be true. "To change your feeling one needs to change some
behavior." Seeing oneself as the
cause of a negative event over which one actually has no influence is the cause
of personalization of the
problem. Therapy concludes when an individual is equipped with management techniques
which allow for
better coping strategies. A person is able to return to enjoyable life and is
better able to survive and achieve.
I have undergone extensive training in Psychopharmacology and have successfully
passed a national exam
in which 400 psychologists in the United States have been granted the title of
Psychologist-Physician, with a
Fellowship in Psychopharmacology. In September 2000, I was awarded professional
designation as a Fellow
of the American College of Advanced Practice Psychologist as a Board Founding-Fellow.
This level of study
has been helpful in dealing with chronic pain and injured patients. I have testified
in workers' compensation
cases, criminal, and civil court.
I have recently celebrated my 33rd wedding anniversary year. I have two adult,
married children, and am a
proud grandfather of three. I am the co-founder of North Bay Center for Behavioral
Medicine in 1987.
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