(This is an adaptation of an article that originally appeared in the April 2009 edition of Verdadera, a student run publication at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, CA) I was thrilled when I received the phone call from the Verdadera staff inviting me to ...

Continue Reading

(This is an adaptation of an article that originally appeared in Verdadera, a student run publication at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, CA, April 2009) What is self image? Self image is how you perceive yourself. It is made up of numerous impressions, ...

Continue Reading

(This is an adaptation of an article that originally appeared in Verdadera, a student run publication for Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, CA, April 2008) When the Verdadera staff asked me to write the essay for this issue, my thoughts immediately went ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Fall 2004) When I was a young woman, I thought nothing of getting into my car and driving across the country alone to a summer job far from everyone I knew. I was so ready for an adventure and eager to meet new ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Fall 2004) One thing that I think most therapists, myself included, often fail to explore with our clients is the role that pets play in their lives. Outside my office, I've noticed how often people speak about ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Fall 2004) I've noticed many clients sigh as they sink into their seat in my office. I do the same thing when I see my therapist. It is a subtle acknowledgment of coming into a different kind of place. Being ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Spring 2004) While running errands with my son, one of our favorite places to stop is a small pet store nearby. They have a few fish, a couple of turtles and a handful of snakes, but the area we are most drawn ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Winter 2004) Something that I noticed, and enjoyed, in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the role food played in the relationships between the family members, and the manner in which it symbolized how ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Winter 2004) When I was little, my grandmother was well known for her baking skills, and walking into her house was like stepping into an olfactory nirvana. One of the first things I did when we arrived was ...

Continue Reading

(Originally appeared in Sense and Psychotherapy, Fall 2003) I recently discovered the joys of books on tape, and this summer I listened to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on tape. I was enchanted by Mark Twain’s descriptions of the Mississippi. I could ...

Continue Reading