Contemplative Psychotherapy therapists in Napa, CA

I've been a therapist for over 30 years and bring warmth, curiosity, intuition, and an open mind to my work. I can also be direct when I think it will be helpful. I especially enjoy working with thoughtful, self-aware people who are looking for real change—not just insight into what's happening, but new ways of experiencing themselves, their relationships, and their lives. I see therapy as a collaborative process, and I bring both my experience and genuine curiosity to each person I work with. If you're wondering whether we might be a good fit, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to tell me a little about what you're looking for, ask questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels right.  

My goal is to provide positive therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I have worked in private practice since 1999 and during that time I have developed methods that have proven helpful for a number of challenges people seek treatment for. In addition, I have spent many hours getting extra training and skills to enhance my ability to help people who may be struggling.  

I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for profound growth. My path to understanding the human condition began in the theater and the study of Method Acting, where I learned to look beneath the surface to explore how internal experience drives outward behavior. This "inside-out" perspective remains central to my work: helping you align your internal reality with your external actions. Over my 20-year career, my approach has continually evolved. After graduating from top universities and training programs, I was mentored by leading experts in trauma, addictions, and relationship dynamics. This foundation led me to establish a successful group practice in Orange County, teach psychology at UC Irvine, and serve on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Professional Practice Committee for the Orange County Psychological Association. However, my career is only part of the story. In the midst of professional achievement, I navigated a deep personal crisis and divorce that transformed my understanding of therapy. This led me on my own journey of growth—including seven years living in Asia, studying with Buddhist monks, and caring for local villagers. What I offer today is an integration of rigorous academic training and Eastern wisdom. My decision to practice psychology grows from a sincere desire to relieve suffering and transform life's hardships into catalysts for self-actualization. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence, nervous system regulation, and deep connection to what matters most. What to Expect in Our First Session Our first meeting is about more than cataloging problems; it is an opportunity to assess the "internal climate" of your life. Together, we will examine the patterns that are no longer serving you, identify where old narratives or high-pressure reactions have you "hooked," and see what is holding you back from living authentically. I believe therapy should offer a shift in perspective from the very first hour. You will leave our initial session with practical, evidence-based tools designed to settle your "biological alarm" and transition your nervous system from a state of defense to one of openness and flexibility. By the end of our first meeting, we will begin clarifying a personalized roadmap for long-term change, leaving you with immediate skills to start shifting your life from day one. Core Strengths & Therapeutic Philosophy A Life Dedicated to Inner Work: I don't ask you to do work I haven't done myself. My insights stem from extensive clinical training, decades of deep meditation, and navigating my own pivotal life transitions. I bring a perspective that is both seasoned and deeply empathetic. Creating a Foundation of Safety: True change requires safety. By blending a warm, collaborative connection with a structured success plan, I help you settle constant internal alarm systems, moving you from the exhaustion of perpetual "doing" into a grounded state of "being." Moving Toward What Truly Matters: I help you spot the cycle of avoidance—the habits we build to run away from pain or fear—and redirect your energy toward positive growth, core values, and meaningful action. A Strategic, Personal Roadmap: I reject one-size-fits-all, standardized protocols. By strategically blending evidence-based practices (CBT, ACT, Clinical Hypnosis, Imago, and Structural Family concepts) with Eastern principles, we build a customized success plan designed specifically for your life. Who I Work Best With I specialize in working with adults and professionals who feel stuck at a critical crossroads—whether navigating a major life or career transition, relationship strain, burnout, trauma, or a recurring pattern they are ready to break. My clients appreciate insight, structure, and forward movement. They want more than a space to vent; they are ready to understand themselves deeply and take concrete steps toward lasting change. Practice Details & Credentials Education: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited, UT Austin); M.A. in Developmental Psychology (Teachers College, Columbia University); B.A. in Psychology (UC Santa Cruz). Licensure & Certifications: Licensed Psychologist in California (PSY 17495) and Singapore Registered Psychologist. Session Formats: Virtual sessions & In-person care in Roseville, CA. Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Trauma & PTSD, Stress & Burnout, Relationship Dynamics, Men's Issues, and Military/Veterans care.  

At Somatic Spiritual Counseling, we offer mindfulness- and body-based therapy for people who want to understand themselves more deeply and feel more at home in their lives. Our practitioners bring different specialties to the work, including somatic trauma therapy, couples counseling, support for depression and anxiety, transpersonal psychology, LGBTQ+ concerns, spirituality, and spiritual emergence. Rather than focusing only on the stories you tell about what has happened, we at Somatic Spiritual Counseling also pay attention to what your body and nervous system are communicating. Through somatic healing, mindfulness, and compassionate exploration of unconscious patterns and beliefs, we help you work with what may be difficult to reach through talk therapy alone. Our approach to somatic spiritual counseling is grounded, individualized, and designed to support meaningful, lasting change.  

"When experience matters! Specializing in ALL relationship challenges including complex, court related custody related and extended family related challenges. I can help you with Therapy using zoom visits for multiple people, I have a nice office you could come into and Mission Viejo. I am a nationally recognized "Marriage-Friendly Therapist." and advanced training in Couple, Family, custody and anger management and Discernment Counseling. I see children of all ages and we can talk about the best way to do this. Online or Mission Viejo office sessions. Prompt /emergency appointments