As a health psychologist, my goal is to help you to reduce stress, adjust to illness, develop better coping methods, and implement lifestyle changes in order to achieve a greater sense of stability and peace in the face of medical challenges. While we often have limitations in our ability to change our illness course, we can work together to better understand and reduce the emotional impact of illness or injury. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will find new ways to help you achieve a greater sense of wellness as you find a "new normal". My focus is on helping patients improve and maintain the quality of their lives regardless of illness trajectory.
In addition to my work with patients, I also work with family members to support them as they work to help a loved one through difficult medical situations. I work with couples and families to improve communication, address loss, and handle conflict in the face of illness. We will also focus on the importance of self-care and balance for the well family member(s).
While I treat patients with a range of health conditions, I have spent years assisting cancer patients and their families. I have worked with patients with a range of hematologic and oncologic diseases and have helped patients to adjust to their diagnosis, cope with treatment, and transition back to work and family responsibilities after treatment has finished. At each stage of the journey, patients face different types of challenges and often need outside support in order to cope more effectively.
Although many patients do very well and recover from their illness, there are some for whom treatments are not successful. I have helpedmany patients with end-of-life concerns including anticipitory grief, anxiety, guilt, and difficulties in communicating with loved ones.
Working with medically ill patients is my greatest passion and I am committed to helping each patient as they adjust to the challenges they face with compassion, support and guidance.
For more information about counseling sessions or my services, please contact me by calling 805-405-6945.
