About Holly

I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach in 1992, and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Chapman University in 1995.  I have been licensed by the state of California since 1998.

Many prospective clients ask the question, "what is your therapeutic orientation?"  That is a difficult question, not because there is not an answer, but simply because there are many approaches to psychotherapy and not all approaches work for all clients.  Applying a "one size fits all" approach is generally not beneficial in meeting all of the client‘s needs and presenting challenges.  It is my belief that during the first part of therapy you and I discover together the style that fits best for you.  I adjust my approach to varying problems because not every key will open every door.  This is a relational approach to counseling in which you and I as a team work through your challenges.  Granted, the therapist may bring knowledge and experience to the sessions, but it is not simply the knowledge and experience that makes change happen in the life of a client.  A therapist needs to be willing to be present with a client, in the moment.  If a therapist is uncomfortable with a particular subject matter, emotion or issue this impedes the therapeutic process.  A therapist cannot help guide a client through a subject matter or issue that they are unable or too uncomfortable to face or discuss.  It simply does not work.  The therapist needs to be able to be emotionally available for change to occur.

I have had in-depth training in Family Systems, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Crisis Management, and Developmental Therapeutic modalities.  All of these approaches can be intertwined so my clients can gain a more complete understanding of their presenting problems and coping skills to address these difficulties.