Professional Training and Experience
I have spent most of my life in school! The many years spent training for, and perfecting this profession, have been substantial and absolutely worth it.
I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, followed by an M.Ed. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas at Austin. I later completed both an M.S. and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology through the Stanford Psy.D. Consortium in Palo Alto, CA. My professional background includes work as a Clinical Interviewer in the research department at The Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX, as well as serving as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Austin, TX. Over the years, I have trained in a range of settings—including inpatient, outpatient, and college counseling centers. You can find more details about my training and experience below.
Education & Experience
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2018
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium (APA Accredited)
Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
2015
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium (APA Accredited)
Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
2007
Master of Education in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
2006
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
Study Abroad: University of Sussex, Sussex, England
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2025-Present
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology granted by PsyPact (#22154), review the PsyPact Map to learn if you are in a state where I am licensed to practice
2025- Present
Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist
Evergreen Certifications
2024-Present
Member
The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
2024-Present
Member
New Mexico Community for Emotionally Focused Therapists
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08/2024-2026
Clinical Psychologist
Private Group Practice
Alcova Therapy, Charleston, SC
Provided individual and couples therapy using integrative approach which included elements of: Psychodynamic Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Conducted in-person intakes for individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy services. Completed and maintained documentation, session notes, treatment planning and organizational forms for client charts via online charting system (Simple Practice). Participated in bi-monthly consultation meetings with interdisciplinary staff.
08/2019-08/2024
Clinical Psychologist
Private Group Practice
Charleston Counseling Center/Lifestance
Mount Pleasant, SC
Provided individual and couples therapy using integrative approach which included elements of: Psychodynamic Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Conducted in-person intakes for individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy services. Completed and maintained Medicaid documentation, session notes, treatment planning and organizational forms for client charts via online charting system (Therapy Appointment). Conducted and interpreted Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) as part of intake process. Participated in weekly supervision with licensed psychologist and monthly consultation meetings with interdisciplinary staff.
09/2018-08/2019
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Private Group Practice
Charleston Counseling Center, Mount Pleasant, SC
Provided individual and couples therapy using integrative approach which included elements of: Psychodynamic Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Conducted in-person intakes for individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy services. Completed and maintained Medicaid documentation, session notes, treatment planning and organizational forms for client charts via online charting system (Therapy Appointment). Conducted and interpreted Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) as part of intake process. Participated in weekly supervision with licensed psychologist and monthly consultation meetings with interdisciplinary staff.
Supervisor: Christina Ward, Psy.D.
Total Hours Anticipated: 1,700
08/2017-08/2018
Psychology Pre-doctoral Intern
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Provided brief and short-term psychotherapy to University students utilizing an integrative approach, which included elements of: Psychodynamic Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Conducted in-person intakes for individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy services. Conducted, interpreted and integrated Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) assessment scores into treatment planning. Attended to students during weekly crisis hour shifts. Participated in outreach activities including: National Depression Screening Day, QPR-training, Residence Hall meetings, and tabling events to promote CAPS services. Served as liaison to various departments and housing communities on campus. Co-facilitated process and mindfulness groups. Supervised practicum level student on two-four cases. Common presenting problems included: anxiety and depressive disorders, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders and personality disorders. Received weekly: group, individual, and supervision of supervision (of practicum student). Participated in weekly didactic training on empirically supported treatment modalities.
Supervisors: Sarah Rotsinger-Stemen, Psy.D. and Kathy Lee-Anderson, Ph.D.
Total Hours:2,000
08/2016-05/2017
Practicum Student
College Counseling Center
Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA
Provided brief and short-term psychotherapy to University students utilizing psychodynamic orientation. Conducted telephone and in-person intakes for individuals seeking psychotherapy services. Common presenting problems included: anxiety and depressive disorders, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders and personality disorders. Received weekly group and individual supervision. Participated in weekly didactic training on empirically supported treatment modalities.
Supervisors: Jessica DiVento, Psy.D. and Karin Sponholz, Ph.D.
Total Hours:626
06/2015-06/2016
Practicum Student
Inpatient Behavioral Health Services Program
El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, CA
Provided psychiatric services to a culturally and socioeconomically diverse inpatient population on two locked units. Led group psychotherapy independently using psycho-education, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and ACT on acute and intensive inpatient units. Provided individual psychotherapy to patients, ages 18-85 using evidenced-based interventions including CBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing. Common presenting problems included: anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar and related disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Administered, interpreted, and completed comprehensive psychological assessment reports including measures such as: Rorschach, MoCA, MMPI-2, MCMI-III, PAI, FAS-Animal, Trails A&B, WTAR, CVLT-II. Received 2 hours of group and 1 hour of individual supervision per week. Participated in 1 hour of weekly didactic training on assessment cases and clinical practices. Attended weekly interdisciplinary team meetings.
Supervisors: Peter Scheufele, Ph.D. and Brooke Schauder, Ph.D.
Total Hours: 660
06/2014-06/2015
Practicum Student
The Gronowski Center
Palo Alto University, Los Altos, CA
Provided outpatient psychotherapy services in a community mental health low-fee psychology training clinic serving a culturally diverse population. Conducted individual, couples, and group psychotherapy utilizing evidenced-based interventions such as CBT, EFT, DBT, AEDP, and TLDP to patients ages18-65 presenting with anxiety and depressive disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders. Co-lead a 6-week group on CBT for Depression. Administered, interpreted, and wrote up psychological assessments including: HART, MoCA, PAS, DASS, OQ-45, and BAI. Received 3 hours of group and 1 hours of individual supervision per week. Participated in quarterly didactic training on empirically supported treatment modalities.
Supervisor: Nancy Haug, Ph.D.
Total Hours: 640
10/2010-08/2013
Clinical Interviewer
The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX
Administered the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-IV) to adult patients diagnosed with various mental health disorders, on four locked inpatient units. Wrote patients’ clinical reports based on the SCID results, a clinical interview, and behavioral observations. Presented the results to multidisciplinary treatment teams consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and nurses. Attended weekly meetings with senior psychologists to review case studies and evaluate data.
Supervisors: Jon Allen, Ph.D. and Chris Fowler, Ph.D.
Total Hours: 1,920
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6/2025
Induced After-Death Communication for Grief (IADC) Trained
(6.5 hour online training)
10/2024
Externship in Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples
(4-day/26-hour workshop)
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), Charleston, SC
Facilitator: Lorrie Brubacher, M.Ed., LMFT ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer and Supervisor
06/2017
Treating Hoarding Disorder (4-hour workshop)
The Gronowski Center, Los Altos, CA
Facilitator: Michael Tompkins, Ph.D., ABPP
07/2016
Introduction to the Rorschach: R-PAS (30-hour course)
PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Los Altos, CA
Facilitator: Jamie, Kent, Ph.D.
06/2016
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (12-week course)
PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Los Altos, CA
Facilitators: Sarah Adler, Psy.D. and Cristin Runfola, Ph.D.
05/2016
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (6-hour workshop)
The Gronowski Center, Los Altos, CA
Facilitator: Paul Guillory, Ph.D.
09/2015
Couples and Family Therapy (12-week course)
PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Los Altos, CA
Facilitator: Doug Rait, Ph.D.
08/2014
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (6-hour workshop)
The Gronowski Center, Los Altos, CA
Facilitator: Caroline Fleck, Ph.D.
05/2012; 03/2011
MANDT Training (Annual 1-day training)
The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX
Facilitator: Sarah Waterwall, RN
11/2010
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (6-hour course)
The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX
Facilitator: Pam Greene, PhD, RN
05/2008-05/2013
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
Commission on Counselor Certification, Schaumburg, IL
Completed certification exam and continuing education credits to obtain and maintain CRC certification.
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10/2010-08/2013
Mental Health Blogger
The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX
Contributed over 10 blog posts for The Menninger Clinic mental health blog (SayNoToStigma.com).
01/2008-9/2010
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
State of Texas, Austin, TX
Managed a caseload of 150 individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disabilities. Coordinated psychological, vocational, and academic training services leading to gainful employment.
Supervisor:Tim Spong, M.Ed.
07/2007-12/2007
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Intern
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
State of Texas, Austin, TX
Assisted in managing a caseload of X individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disabilities. Assisted with the coordination of services to obtain gainful employment.
Supervisor:Tim Spong, M.Ed.
01/2007-5/2007
Student Counselor
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Austin, TX
Provided weekly counseling to two consumers for adjustment to recently acquired visual impairments in a rehabilitation center for visually impaired.
Supervisor:Randal Parker, Ph.D.
10/2006-8/2007
Clinical Volunteer
Adult Psychiatric Services
The Austin State Hospital, Austin, TX
Developed behavior plans and compiled reports in a public mental health hospital serving an acute psychiatric population.
Supervisor:Joseph Pacini, M.A.
What is the difference between a master level and doctoral level therapist?
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A doctoral level therapist (Ph.D., Psy.D.) has completed a 5-6+ year graduate program in additional to several years post-doctoral work in the field of psychology. This includes at least two years (3,000 hours) of direct clinical experience in a supervised setting (internship and fellowship years). If the program is APA accredited, that means it included high standards of vigorous training, evaluation and certification.
To become licensed, doctoral level clinicians complete the EPPP exam—a 225 multiple choice exam covering the following domains: Assessment and Diagnosis, Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior, Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues, Growth and Lifespan Development Research Methods and Statistics, Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior, Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention and Supervision. Additionally, to become a licensed psychologist, one must pass a state-mandated exam and provide proof of their training, supervision, degree completion.
A doctoral level therapist is the only therapist that can call themselves a “psychologist” and can use the title “Dr.”
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Master level clinicians (LPC, LMFT, M.Ed., LMSW, LISW, MSW, LCDC) have completed a 2-3 year graduate program with an additional 1-2 years of supervision after graduation.
To become licensed, a master level clinician must complete the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). This is a 200-item multiple-choice examination designed to assess knowledge, skills and abilities for providing effective counseling services. Additionally, a master level clinician must provide evidence of their education and training, and at least 1500 hours of clinical experience.