About me
My professional career began in Ireland. I lived there for nearly twenty years, raising a family and taking pleasure in warm friendships, the breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture of the land. I trained and qualified first as an addiction counselor, then as a somatic psychotherapist. I had a large private practice and was on staff at a number of addiction treatment centers.
Reaching and treating marginalized people
Awareness of addictions, primarily alcoholism, and the possibility of successful treatment and recovery was just emerging in the years I was working in Ireland. It was a unique opportunity to be instrumental in helping develop and promote addiction recovery. I trained addiction counselors and volunteers on help lines and crisis centers in assessment and treatment options. My energies were focused on reaching and treating marginalized people: women, LGBT persons and the clergy.
Settling in Santa Cruz, CA
In 2004 I followed my younger daughter and moved to Santa Cruz CA. I fulfilled the qualifications for Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic. # 49730), earning a masters degree in integral counseling from The California Institute of Integral Studies.
Recovery from addictive behaviors
I have enjoyed building a private practice working with adults and families. I focus on life transitions, anxiety, depression, recovery from trauma, with a special emphasis on couples in recovery from addictive behaviors.
Janus Family Therapist
For over five years, I have been employed at Janus of Santa Cruz, a residential treatment program for addicts and alcoholics. As the Janus Family Therapist, I facilitate the Family Program and offer support, education, and counseling to families of the residents.