About | | Counseling La Jolla

About Me

I was born and raised in sunny Southern California. My family was very typical for that generation in that my dad was an aerospace engineer and my mom was a stay-at-home mom raising four kids. In high school I was the person everyone told their secrets and problems to. Hmm, future career path? I originally came to San Diego to earn my B.A. in Social Work from San Diego State University. I completed a one year undergraduate internship as a Social Worker for San Diego County Child Protective Services and was later hired for this position.

Additionally, I worked in many different adolescent treatment settings and foster care for delinquent, emotionally disturbed and learning-disabled youth. These experiences heightened my interest and decision to pursue a Master’s degree and become a Marriage & Family Therapist. I maintained private practice offices in El Cajon and Hillcrest/UTC for 13 years. I then got the opportunity to serve as the Clinical Coordinator & Administrator for a grant funded program at the Chula Vista Elementary School District. I remained in that position and as a school counselor for 10 years. In 2010, I decided to resume private practice work and locate my office in downtown La Jolla, so I could live and work in the same community.

On a personal note, I have been happily married for 26 years and am the proud mother of (adult!!) twins. My daughter is pursuing her degree in biology at UCSD and my son is passionate about old cars & trucks and works full time as an auto mechanic. In my free time, I love to garden, read, ride my bike, travel to tropical places, walk on the beach and watch my children and hubby surf! We have a funny poodle named Mia and a Baja-rescued cat, Diega.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is warm and collaborative while knowing when to offer honest, compassionate and practical direction. I don’t believe it is sufficient as a therapist to merely listen, nod my head or create “feel good” moments. I believe growth comes from enhancing our understanding of ourselves and learning to make difficult choices that can lead us to greater freedom and lasting positive change.

I believe in empowering people to move beyond what’s holding them back, to grow and strengthen new “emotional muscles,” and to serve as a beacon of light and hope during our work together. Also, I believe wholeheartedly that the power and effectiveness of therapy is solely dependent on forming a trusting relationship and caring rapport between client and therapist.

I pride myself on being authentic, open and candid (when appropriate about my life), and I’m very relatable as a person not just a professional. If you’ve been in therapy before and are ready to try it again (maybe you felt you got limited results), I am the kind of therapist who will keep you working deeply so that you can reach your desired goals. I genuinely love this work and want to provide you, your child or your relationship all the benefits of my knowledge and wealth of experience.

A Journey of Education, Development and Passion

Over the years, my background and career steps have always led me towards expanding my education, training, and knowledge to better help those I serve. I’m grateful for my journey and that I’ve found a career that I am passionate about and absolutely love doing every day.

Qualifications

Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology-Emphasis in MFCC
Bachelor of Arts, Social Work
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists-35 year clinical member
Certificate in Developmental Model of Couples Therapy
PPS Credential for School Counseling
Previously Served SD Juvenile Court Approved Therapist
Associate Member of the SD Psychological Association
Clinical Member of Post-partum Health Alliance

Professional Experience

July 2010 - Present

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Linda Perreault, LMFT, Private Practice

Jan 2011 - Dec 2011

Faculty Member

University of Phoenix

Aug 2003 - June 2009

School Counselor

Discovery Charter School/CVESD (2003-07)

San Diego Unified School District (2007-09)

Sept 1997 - July 2003

School-Based Mental Health Professional

EMHI- KIDCO Program, CVESD

Aug 1986 - Jan 2000

Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Counselor

Linda Geipel, LMFT, Private Practice

Sept 1994 - June 1996

Counseling Services Coordinator

Vista Hill Foundation

April 1988 - June 1989

Committee Member

San Diego County Self-Esteem Task Force

May 1986 - May 1988

Group Therapist

Parents United

Continuing Education