My background

For over 25 years, I’ve helped people make changes that are hard to make, and harder to stick with.

Much of my career was at VA Palo Alto, where I provided substance use treatment and worked with veterans managing chronic medical conditions. As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), I trained clinicians across the country through the VA’s national Motivational Interviewing initiative. I’ve also taught and supervised at Palo Alto University, and contributed to research through VA Palo Alto and Stanford.

Through all of it, I’ve focused on what research shows actually helps people change, even when that differs from traditional thinking.

Who I work with

I work with adults who want to change a behavior that isn’t serving them, often professionals who are:

• Questioning their drinking, cannabis or other substance use

• Struggling to follow through on health changes for diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure

• Stuck in habits they’ve tried to change on their own

Many of my clients aren’t sure they want to stop entirely, or have found that AA or rehab isn’t right for them. That’s a fine place to start.

How I work

Change is hard, and there isn’t one right way to do it. I start by understanding what matters most to you, then we build a plan around the goals you choose, not ones I impose.

My main approach is Motivational Interviewing, which helps people work through mixed feelings about change. I also draw on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. Our work is collaborative: you’re the expert on your life, and I bring expertise in how change happens.

What you can expect

• A plan tailored to you. No one-size-fits-all program.

• Transparency. I’ll explain what we’re doing and why, and we’ll regularly check whether it’s working.

• Focused, efficient therapy. My goal is meaningful progress, not endless sessions.

• Respect for your choices. You decide what change looks like for you.