My Philosophy

I utilize a mind and body integrative approach to enhance overall wellness as a psychotherapist and physical therapist in assisting individuals. I see the mind and body as a whole embracing a variety of factors that contribute to the client’s present state, with less attention to diagnostic labels. The mind and body is an interrelated system within itself and its ecosystem.

I include several adjunct therapies as appropriate according to individual’s needs and desires, and bring forth my intuitive ability in my work. I function as a facilitator to the client in their process (s) and assist individuals in their own natural self-corrective process through a cooperative relationship of honor and respect between the therapist and client. I believe individuals have their own innate ability to assist themselves in growth, change, and expansion, but at times may need assistance in some level of movement or understanding.

My Background

I began my work as a physical therapist (a graduate from University of Miami in 1984), specializing in neurology (primarily head injury, stroke, and spinal cord injuries), pre- and post-natal care, and chronic pain conditions (primarily headaches, back pain, TMJ, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders). I practiced craniosacral therapy (CST) and somatoemotional release (SER) since 1990, and studied and worked at the Upledger Institute together with John Upledger and colleagues. CST and SER became my primary modality in my somatic work, and after years of addressing physical issues and their psychosocial and emotional components, I decided to enhance my skills in the psychological arena. I completed my masters in mental health counseling in 2012, and my Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy in 2017 from Nova Southeastern University. 

My clinical work includes therapy with individuals, couples, and families with psychosocial-emotional issues and physical difficulties with a variety of diagnoses. I utilize several therapy approaches including solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), hypnotherapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), and CST and SER, Access Consciousness/Bars; and at times I incorporate adjunct modalities such as attention and awareness to aspects of nature, meditation, mindfulness, grounding activities, exercise, supportive readings, and breathing techniques.

I have taught classes in awareness of individual’s inner healing ability, meditation, and self-hypnosis to clinicians and non-clinicians; as well as introduction to CST, chakra balancing, alternatives to psychotherapy, and self-care. I have been involved in development of several clinical programs, including work with refugees at an NGO in Turkey. I am an adjunct professor, writer, and conference presenter. I have lived and worked as a clinician and adjunct professor in variety of settings in America and Istanbul, Turkey; and a clinician in Munich, Germany. 

Professional Affiliations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

AAMFT,  Pre-Clinical Fellow,  AAMFT Approved Supervisor

International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHP)

National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)

NBCC Board Certified

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA)