Professional Background

Education, License & Certifications

Bachelor of Nursing Degree (BS RN), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda CA

(Supervised by Dr. Victoria Eagle, PsyD)

Other Training

IFS level 1 training

IFS level 2 training : An IFS approach to working with Children and Adolescents

IFS and the Addictive process

An IFS Approach to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 

Professional Affiliations

Bay Area Psychological Association

California Psychological Association

Jill DePass, IFS Therapy in California

(Waitlist)

Hello and welcome! I am thrilled to be joining the team at the IFS Telehealth Collective so that I can bring the this healing modality to my clients. I honor your desire for the personal growth that therapy in general, and IFS in particular, can bring. Therapy is a relational endeavor. After learning a bit about me, I welcome you to reach out for a free 15 minute free consultation to see if I feel like a good fit for you.

My Approach

All of us have parts within us that are yearning to be heard, and many of those parts have long carried burdens that they would like to release. It takes courage to seek therapy and I hold deep admiration for you as you embark on your therapeutic goals.  It is my job to create a safe and non-judgmental space in which, together, we can explore these parts. In my role as your therapist, I commit to bringing curiosity and compassion as I support you on your journey of healing and self-discovery. As parts are unburdened,  we will explore what these parts would like to bring back inside to restore them to their natural state. I commit that all parts of you are welcome in this safe space, even those that may carry burdens of shame. I will serve as a guide and compassionate companion as you access your innate wisdom and ability to heal.

My Journey

Even as a young child, I was drawn to help those who were suffering. I worked with institutionalized youth starting in the fourth grade, and visited those in nursing homes that did not have families to visit them. I began my professional journey as a registered nurse with a specialization in psychiatric nursing. Though this work I gained experience working with individuals who had undergone complex trauma, including profound child abuse and neglect, rape and homelessness. Although  I enjoyed this work immensely, I found that I longed for  longer term therapeutic relationships where we could work together toward healing these wounds rather than just scratching the surface. In order to accomplish this, I decided to get a degree in clinical psychology. 

I took a break from professional pursuits, as I had a child with special emotional and educational needs. It was clear that I was needed at home. My experience with  this child and their disabilities has taught me how to advocate for your child within the school system, and how to ensure that your child gets the accomodations that they are legally entitled to. I also have experience making sure that these accommodations follow the child into college. 

When I heard a podcast of Dick Schwartz describing IFS therapy, I was drawn to do my own IFS work and to train to provide IFS therapy. This coincided with my re-entry into  the workforce. Although I was psychodynamically trained in graduate school, I was amazed at the transformative power of IFS therapy, both for myself and for my clients.  

About Me

I have been married to my partner for 30 years and we have 2 grown children. One is pursuing a graduate degree in Barcelona, and the other is struggling to become an independent adult.  I love to watch documentaries and read memoirs. I find there is much to learn from exploring how others have struggled to overcome their difficulties. 

 I have a lifelong love of nature and of dogs. I combine these passions with hours-long hikes in a beautiful nature preserve close to my home. I use this time to commune with my own parts and connect with Self-energy. I have a favorite quote: "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." - Rumi. I find this especially true out in nature – you hear the birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and the voices of your parts as they communicate their feelings and their needs. 

My areas of specialty include trauma, complex trauma, mood disorders (including manic presentation), chronic pain management, obsessive compulsive disorder, and meeting the challenges of parenting, especially with a special needs child.  I also work with those who are struggling with an addictive process. If you feel that we would be a good fit, I welcome you to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.

I’d love to help you.

Please contact our client care team to get matched with an IFS therapist who would be a good fit for you.