WHAT I BELIEVE
For the last 25 years, I have felt so much gratitude for my work in helping others on their journeys of healing and self-growth.
I believe in our innate capacity to heal. I believe in our shared humanity and the power in recognizing that. I believe every human needs connection and deserves support. I believe that struggles can be transformed into meaningful growth. I believe it is brave and takes strength to speak your truth. I believe in health at every size. I feel passionate about my work with others and I continue to grow and learn from my clients every day.
Meet Andrea
I did my undergraduate studies in Sociology and Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara, and completed my Master’s degree in clinical Social Work at San Diego State University.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in California (CA license #22137). I first took a special interest in working with eating disorders in 1999, when I began my training as a graduate student intern at a residential and day treatment program for women struggling with eating disorders. After graduate school, I spent three years as a clinical therapist in an outpatient clinic working with children, adolescents and their families/caregivers. I also participated in the Infant-Early Childhood-Family Mental Health Initiative through the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. During my time with these programs, I was trained in a range of attachment-based and trauma informed therapeutic techniques, and came to really enjoy my work with children, especially utilizing play therapy, sand tray therapy and guided dyadic play therapy with their caregivers. This experience gave me the opportunity to establish a deep understanding of early child development and attachment styles.
Areas of Expertise
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Psychodynamic Therapy
During my time working in the outpatient clinic, I attended advanced extension courses at The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles. I obtained my clinical foundation after three years of training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, including developmental, attachment, relational, and intersubjective theories.
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Mindfulness Techniques
As I began to participate in various trainings, conferences, and retreats that were about somatic based work, I became fascinated by the interweaving of somatic and mindfulness techniques into psychotherapy. The importance and power of directly working with and supporting the body while guiding clients in their healing deeply resonates with me and continues to shape my work profoundly.
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Eating Disorders
In 2004, I followed my passion and continued my work with eating disorders and co-occurring issues as a licensed Primary Therapist at The Center for Discovery. During my six years in this residential and day treatment setting, I had the opportunity to work intensively with individuals and their loved ones in individual, family, and group therapy. Through my work with an interdisciplinary team, I gained extensive knowledge about all aspects of the continuum of eating disorders, honing my understanding of medical complications and necessary assessments, dietary components, appropriate movement/exercise plans, and appropriate psychiatric support.
I have been working with clients in my private practice since 2004, and in 2010, I fully transitioned out of residential care for eating disorders to expand my practice. I continue to work with individuals struggling with their relationships with food, exercise, and body, as well as those seeking support in a wide range of other issues.
I base my work with clients on both my years of experience and training and an intuitive approach, often incorporating somatic work, gentle yoga, and meditation into sessions.
Clients often share with me that I have a calming presence. Over the years, I have also really enjoyed providing clinical consultation to therapists in the field, as well as training to physicians, psychiatrists, and nurses.
Experience
LCSW
I have been licensed in California since 2004. I work with adults 18 years of age and older. I believe in a "whole person" mind-body-spirit approach to healing and self-growth. I utilize an eclectic approach that often incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, narrative therapy concepts, and acceptance and commitment tools. I have experience supporting individuals struggling with a range of issues including eating disorders, anxiety/stress, inner critic and perfectionism, depression, trauma/PTSD, OCD, grief/loss, shame, relationships, fertility challenges, navigation of motherhood, and life changes/transitions.
LCSW #22137
Eating Disorder Specialist
With 25 years of experience in the field of eating disorders, I have extensive knowledge and expertise as an eating disorder specialist. I have worked in residential, day treatment, and outpatient levels of care, helping clients and loved ones find their way to being recovered. I conceptualize eating disorders as relational/attachment based and focus on the underlying functions the behaviors have served. I help support clients to identify more adaptive and direct ways to get their needs met. The client and I work together to decode the language of the eating disorder and strengthen the healthy parts of their self. As clients move through this journey, I guide them in healing their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. I work with individuals who feel distressed in any way in their relationships with food, body, or exercise. This can range from what is typically defined as an “eating disorder,” to those that feel stuck in diet cycling or emotional eating, to those who feel uncomfortable being in their bodies. I also really enjoy my work with loved ones of those struggling with an eating disorder. I find that it is so important to provide education and individualized support to those in a supportive role.
Certified Yoga Teacher
Integral to my clinical philosophy, I have a dedication to mindfulness practices and am a Certified Yoga Teacher. I completed my 200-hour Holistic Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training Program with Saul David Raye in 2010. Since then, I have continued my training in trauma-sensitive yoga and embodied movement. For clients that find it helpful, I incorporate guided meditation and a gentle yoga experience that focuses on restoration and self-care. This supportive experience allows clients to practice releasing stress, feeling safe and grounded when experiencing difficult emotions, and rebuilding trust in being present in their body. I bring a yogic perspective to movement and guide clients in how to develop a more intuitive relationship with movement and exercise. As a somatic therapist, I guide individuals into reconnecting with their bodies in a safe way at an appropriate pace.
Training and Professional Development
Over the years I have been trained in a range of therapeutic techniques. Here are just a few highlights…
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Urban Yogi: Contemporary Teacher Training in Mind-Body Yoga and Somatic Psychology(Julian Walker, E-RYT and Hala Khouri MA, E-RYT) - Sept 2008
The Body Keeps Score: Mind, Brain, and Body in the Transformation of Trauma (Peter Levine, Ph.D. and Bessel van der Kolk, MD) - 2010
Somatic Experiencing: Healing Trauma (Peter Levine, Ph.D. ) - 2010
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Mindfulness and Psychotherapy: Cultivating Well-Being in the Present Moment
A Sensorimotor Approach to the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation
Reflections on the Mindful Brain - 2007
The Art and Science of Meditation - 2006
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Healing Moments in Trauma Treatment - 2011
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Three Decades of Successful Treatment Strategies - 2019
Dancing with Resistance - 2022
Deconstructing Eating Disorder Behaviors/Working with the Eating Disorder Self - 2019
Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse - 2019
Navigating Tricky Situations - 2019
Analogy and Metaphor - 2022
Eating Disorders: Families and Loved Ones - 2022
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Jack Kornfield, Ph.D. and Tara Brach, Ph.D. - 2009
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A Professional Workshop and Training for Women Treating Eating Disorders and Body Image (Carolyn Costin, LMFT, CEDS, Anita Johnston, Ph.D., Francie White, MS, RD, and Elissa Shapiro, LCSW) - 2011
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Empowering the Soul: Finding Meaning and Purpose in Recovery - 2006
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Accurate Body Composition Analysis, Metabolic Testing and Appropriate Exercise Prescriptions in the Treatment of Eating Disorders - 2009
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Hala Khouri, MA, E-RYT - SEP 2022
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Healing Shame and Fear in Clinical Practice (Tara Brach, Ph.D.) - 2017
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Breakthrough Healing for Trauma and PTSD (Dick Schwartz, Ph.D.) - 2023
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Peter Levine, Ph.D. - 2024
I live in beautiful Santa Barbara and I am filled up by time in nature and the beach, yummy food, deep connection with family and friends, my sweet golden retriever dog, reading and learning, music, fresh flowers, and my yoga and meditation practice.