About Connie

A Personal Note
Part of my interest in working with anxiety and depression relates to my grandmother, Tess. Sadly, she spent much of her life in Minnesota state hospitals beginning in the 1930’s.

Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, my family hid her condition, even from me. With the help of Ancestry, I began to uncover what happened to her. Tess spent the better part of her adult life without much contact with her family. She was treated for “pregnancy related depression” and “mania” following the birth of my father. I can’t help but wonder if modern medication and treatment could have helped restore her functioning. By 1960 she was finally discharged when a compassionate nurse took her into her home. Now, from the other side of the universe, Tess inspires me to do whatever I can to bring peace to troubled minds and hearts.

Professional Credentials: License, Certifications, Affiliations and Methods

• I have worked with 1,000+ people on issues of anxiety, depression, and relationship discord.
• I was a director of a child abuse prevention program, a coordinator of a mental health day treatment program, and a co-director/therapist of a domestic violence treatment program. For 12 years I worked with people to transform aggression and violence into respectful non-violent behavior. I also worked with victims to promote their safety and recovery from trauma.
• I am a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor; awarded in 1985; #LMFT19877
• Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
• I am a certified practitioner of Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (also known as TEAM Therapy or CBT) developed by Dr. David Burns, M.D., a “founding father” of CBT, and a Professor Emeritus at Stanford Medical School.
• I am a Level 3 therapist trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy. I use this method in couples therapy but also to help individuals. This highly researched method provides clear guidelines in how to build a sound relationship. Additionally, I value what I have learned by being married to Jim for many years!
• I practice Solution Focused Therapy, a method that calls on people’s strengths to reach personal goals.
• I practice a method of treating OCD and other emotional issues developed by Jeffrey Schwartz, M. D. This method, based on extensive research, calls upon Mindfulness and CBT to build new, functional neural pathways in the brain. I find it especially useful in dealing with negative thoughts.