About Carole

My Philosophy of Treatment

My style of psychotherapy and counseling is to incorporate active, compassionate and empathetic listening in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere. I believe trust is a vital part of the therapeutic relationship and that I need to earn that trust.

My interactive, reality-based approach emphasizes forming that trusting relationship to help individuals achieve greater self-awareness and self-esteem, heal unresolved past emotional wounds, work through anger, improve relationships with spouses, romantic partners, family members, or co-workers and increase the ability to make life-enhancing choices.

I help couples create more satisfying, intimate relationships by improving communication skills, reducing conflict, looking at underlying factors, and facilitating deeper empathy, love and understanding of one another.

I recognize the complexity and uniqueness of each individual or couple I work with, therefore, I draw upon different styles of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or psycho-dynamic psychotherapy along with short and long-term treatments depending upon my client's needs. Of course, I highly regard the confidentiality of every person I work with.

In my clinical experience, I find that therapy works best when you are open to it and are willing to participate in your own healing.

My Credentials

I have been a practicing marriage and family therapist in private practice since 1994. I am a board licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), plus an active clinical member of the Los Angeles chapter of CAMFT.

I hold a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling/Relationships, from Ryokan College in Los Angeles, CA.

I have extensive training in Clinical Hypnosis from the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.

My Professional Experience

I provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, couples, children, adolescents, families, and groups. Treating relationship/marriage issues, suicide bereavement counseling, depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem and personal growth.

I bring over 20 years experience in suicide pre-vention and post-vention to my practice. Through my compassion and dedication to help survivors heal from their loss, I have helped many people go from such deep sorrow and pain to being able to look up and see the light toward healing.

I was the original Coordinator of the Survivors After Suicide (SAS) Bereavement Support Program at the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center, Culver City, CA. My experience included forming and coordinating bereavement support groups for people (survivors) who have lost a loved one to suicide; training and supervising volunteers and licensed therapists to lead these specialized groups.

Provided training to the Beverly Hills Crisis Response Team (CRT) on how to help survivors immediately after a suicide. I have lead corporate and school debriefings following the suicide of a co-worker or student.

I have been an invited panelist at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Conference, New York. A workshop leader at the AFSP Conference, Los Angeles. Topic: "The Role of Survivor Support Groups and The Role of the Professional Therapist."

Additionally, I provide compassionate grief counseling to individuals, couples, families or groups for other losses such as a pet, job, health, divorce, infertility and any death.

I facilitate students of all ages and athletes to help get past their "internal" barriers to success through the use of individualized attention and instruction toward accomplishing each person's licensing or athletic goals. My primary technique for test and sport performance is to use hypnosis and supportive strategies.

Publications:

Suicide and Its Impact. The Los Angeles Psychologist, Publication of the Los Angeles County Psychology Association, Jan/Feb. 2001

Quoted in A Colleague's Suicide Has a Lasting Impact on Fellow Employees, The Wall Street Journal, June 13, 2001.

Media:

Guest speaker on the radio show "Shrink Rap"- KCSN public radio.

Topic: "Bereavement After Suicide."

Featured on Discovery Health Channel  leading a mock Survivors After Suicide bereavement support group.

I look forward to speaking with you and if you have any questions or want more information, please don't hesitate to call me at:

(310) 289-4643

If I am unable to answer the phone, you may leave a secure and confidential voice message and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Please indicate some good times for me to reach you. I truly look forward to speaking with you!