I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno and have specialized in the treatment of PTSD and worked extensively with veterans for the past 15 years. Today, I am the South County PTSD Clinic Director for VA San Diego. In addition, as an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the University of California, San Diego Psychiatry Department, I play an active role in training psychologists. I have counseled all types of trauma survivors, both for the VA and in my private practice, and am dedicated to promoting the delivery and development of high quality trauma-focused treatments. I am the author of Behavioral Activation for PTSD: A Workbook for Men.
While my specialty is the treatment of trauma, I also enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing difficulties in other areas including: mood, anxiety, self-harm/suicidal thoughts, identification of values and goals, regulating emotion/cognition/behavior, and relationship issues.
What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after an individual experiences trauma. Traumatic events can include: accidents, work-related incidents (first responders and medical personnel), sexual/physical assaults, combat, and child abuse or domestic violence.
Symptoms of PTSD include: intrusive recollections, hypervigilance (being “on guard”), emotional numbing, difficulty with concentration, exaggerated startle response (“jumpy” around loud noises or sudden movements), anger/irritability, insomnia, nightmares, depressed mood, difficulty establishing trust, social isolation, inappropriate guilt, and avoidance. These symptoms can put individuals at increased risk of: self-harm/suicide, maladaptive coping (substance abuse, overwork, or compulsive behaviors (i.e. spending, sex, gambling, or eating), and relationship difficulties.
Not everyone who survives trauma goes on to develop PTSD and others who develop trauma-related symptoms will undergo a natural healing process over time. However, when months or years have passed and symptoms have persisted or gotten worse, professional treatment can help.
