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My professional background

I majored in Psychology and French at Bates College, Maine and received my Master’s in Clinical Psychology in 2002 and PsyD degree in Clinical Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology, with Integrative Psychology focus, in San Diego in 2004. I also obtained a second Master’s degree in Bioethics from Loyola Marymount University in L.A. 2017.

I have taught and practiced internationally throughout my career. My experiences include: working in private practice and group practice in Istanbul, North Vancouver, Los Alamitos, founding and directing a mental health program for asylum seekers and refugees in Istanbul; teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in Istanbul, Turkey and Vancouver, Canada. My practicum and internship sites include: Pomerado Outpatient Psychiatric Program, LGBT Center and Job Corps in San Diego.

Certifications / Trainings

Board certification demonstrates specialty expertise that is higher than competence required to be licensed as a psychologist. While most medical doctors are board certified, only 4% of psychologists in the U.S. hold board certification. There are several specializations in psychology. I am board certified in Clinical Psychology by American Board of Professional Psychology. For this certification, I had to demonstrate my competency through several written and oral examinations.

I have completed an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training.

Fellow in Thanatology: Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) is an internationally recognized professional organization. To receive certification as a Fellow in Thanatology, professionals are required to demonstrate through professional experience, education and examination that they have mastered the body of knowledge in death, dying and bereavement. For this certification, I had to demonstrate that I had at least 5 years of experience in working with clients who were dying and/or bereaved, verify necessary education and training and pass the certification exam.

 End of Life Doula Professional Certification: I received this certification from University of Vermont (UVM) to enrich my knowledge about the dying process and grow my skills in providing emotional support and empowerment to clients who are facing death and assist loved ones in their grief and bereavement. 

Education/Qualifications

·       Doctoral and Master's Degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, CA

·       Master’s Degree in Bioethics from Loyola Marymount University, CA

Licensure/Certifications

• Fellow of Thanatology: Death, Dying, and Bereavement (Highest Certification as an Expert in Death, Loss and Bereavement from ADEC), December, 2018

• Licensed Psychologist, California, May, 2014 (PSY26367)

• American Board of Professional Psychology specialty board certification in Clinical Psychology (Certification Number: 6355)

Professional Memberships

• Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), since 2018

• American Psychological Association, Full Member since 2014

• California Psychological Association, since 2014

• American Board of Professional Psychology, since 2007

Awards/ Scholarships

·      Graduate Grant, Loyola Marymount University, M.A. in Bioethics

·      Seidler Bioethics Scholarship, Loyola Marymount University, M.A. in Bioethics

·      Outstanding Doctor of Psychology Award (2004), California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) San Diego, California