I'm on your side.
Working with me
As a clinician, I'm practical and optimistic, known for my calm manner, genuine style, and positivity. We'll look for your strengths in addition to the problems you identify. I'm gentle but I won't shy away from something that needs to be said. I aim to live what I teach, but just like you, I'm far from perfect. For fun, I enjoy cycling, singing, being in nature, and travel. For rest and rejuvenation, I like reading and being with family.
What you might need
You may feel stuck or know that something needs to change, but not know where to start. Your struggle may be with your health, mood, fears, work or relationships, but you need help to make things different. You feel together and powerful in some areas of your life, but lost or helpless in others. You are committed and willing to work towards a better life.
My counseling approach is flexible and integrative. Some days you'll need to cry and some days we'll laugh together. You might need help with motivation or to create an action plan. Some of the time we'll use mindful awareness and explore what is happening in your body and mind. Working as a clinical psychologist in Sacramento, we are privileged to be near the beautiful American River Parkway where we might choose Walk and Talk therapy outside the office. Together, we'll clarify what you need and work towards that goal. My greatest joy as a therapist is to witness transformation.
Therapy Influences
My primary therapeutic influences come from mindfulness based practices, acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), relational and psychodynamic perspectives, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I continually work to strengthen my knowledge and skills to bring to my clinical practice. I've had specialized training in clinical health psychology, including for chronic pain, chronic illness, and insomnia. I've completed extensive training in Clinical Hypnosis, CBT, and ACT. I love being a lifetime learner which inspires both my clinical work and my teaching.
Aside from what I bring to you, there is also what you bring to the work with me including motivation and openness. The bottom line is that therapy is a dynamic process and provides many opportunities for you to grow and change and heal. I know both from my own personal experiences in therapy and from working with people over the years that psychotherapy can be truly transformational and life-changing.
Credentials
Licensed Psychologist (California PSY #20491)
- Learn more about what it means to be a Psychologist
Specialty Certification
- Certification in Clinical Hypnosis (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis)
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
- My Doctoral Dissertation studied the psychological, medical, and psychosocial impact of advanced stage cancer.
M.A., Psychology, San Diego State University, California
- My Master's Thesis explored identity and role shifts in first-time parents during the transition to parenthood.
B.A., Psychology, University of California, Irvine
- Peer Counselor and Campus Representative at UCI.
Professional Memberships
- Sacramento Valley Psychological Association
- American Psychological Association
- California Psychological Association
- American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Current Positions
- Private Practice, Sacramento, California, since 2011. Specializing in Clinical Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine. Offering psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, "walk & talk" therapy, and consultation.
- Assistant Professor, College of Psychology, California Northstate University. Teaching Adult Psychopathology and Practicum Case Conferences for doctoral students of psychology.
- Joy of Medicine Psychologist Consultant: Providing counseling and consultation to local physicians and medical students through the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
Past Experience
- Sacramento State University, Department of Psychology, Lecturer Faculty. Psychology 137: Stress Management.
- CARE Chair (Colleague Awareness Resources Education): Sacramento Valley Psychological Association.
- Co-Chair: Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychology Section, Sacramento Valley Psychological Association.
- Sacramento State University, Student Health Center and Counseling Services. Health Psychologist and Counselor Faculty. I co-created a healthy lifestyle program for students, provided counseling and outreach, and trained psychology interns.
- Integrative Pain Center of Arizona. Psychology Fellow for multi-disciplinary pain center in Tucson, AZ.
- Southwest Neuropsychological Associates, Post-doctoral Fellow, inpatient and outpatient services in Tucson, AZ.
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago (Sleep Disorders, Cancer Services, Rehabilitation, Behavioral Medicine, & Cardiology). Psychology Resident.
- University of Illinois Counseling Center. Therapist.
- On-Track Obesity Treatment Program, Chicago. Therapist.
- DePaul Community Mental Health Center and University Counseling Services. Therapist and University Outreach.
- Psychiatric Crisis Centers, San Diego. Therapist.
Media
Presentations:
- Better Sleep Tips Webinar
- Strategies for Improving Health and Reducing Stress
- Foundations of Health
- The Balancing Act: Family, Work & Home
- Health Behavior Change and Enhancing Motivation
- Goal Setting and Making Changes
- Stress and Illness
- Relaxation, Imagery & Hypnosis
- Treating Psychophysiological Conditions: Chronic Pain & Insomnia
- Eating/Weight Problems and Eating Disorders
Ramezani, A., Roberto, L.K., Andrade Jr., A.L, DeMesa, C., Carver, R., Raheel, A. Khan, R.A., Aria, L., Rockers, D., Barry, L., Rasmussen, C., Malekafzali, S., Aurora, M.A., Cohen, C., Rogers, C.G., Lloyd, S. (2018). Taking on a Community Solutions Process (Co-Solve) to the Pain and Opioid Epidemic: A Multi-disciplinary and Multi-institute Pain Panel and Community Response in Sacramento, California. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, Volume 16, Issue 2, Pages 66-73.