Hi, I’m Hilary.
I studied Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Fight On! After receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2007, I went on to earn a Master in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2010. As a student at USC, I was actively involved in behavioral science research and had the opportunity to assist on clinical and social psychology research projects. I remain an avid consumer of the latest psychological research and incorporate new concepts and techniques into my practice regularly.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Colorado and maintain practices based out of Manhattan Beach, CA and Denver, CO. During my supervised clinical work, I received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems. I began my career working with underprivileged children and families in the greater Los Angeles area as a school and community-based psychotherapist. This provided me a solid foundation in child/adolescent development, mindful parenting, and family therapy. In addition, I received training in dual-diagnosis and addiction recovery, later working with addiction in private practice and at an inpatient and outpatient treatment facility. More recently, I have had the honor of working with our military, providing counseling services for children and families of service members. A highlight of this opportunity was living in the United Kingdom while providing counseling for military families on the US Air Force base.
In my current practice, I utilize an integrative approach to therapy with a primary focus on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Meaning, I borrow concepts and techniques from several therapy modalities but rely heavily on CBT. CBT is the most well-researched and empirically validated treatment modality. CBT is based on the Cognitive Model, which explains the interrelationship between people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. From this framework, I work with clients to help them identify the thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve them. We work together to modify these ineffective thoughts and behaviors and replace them with ones that will alleviate suffering and lead to greater emotional well-being. In addition to CBT, I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength Based Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Family Systems.
When working with couples, I use The Gottman Method. The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment, research based interventions and science-based relationship skill-building tools. Treatment will focus on disarming conflicting verbal communication, increasing intimacy, respect and affection, removing barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy, and creating a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.
Education
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, May 2010
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 2007
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Professional Licenses
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, License no. 88204 (California)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, License no. MFT.0001323 (Colorado)
Clinical Experience and Training
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training
EMDR Trained Therapist
Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method
Level I and II Trained Therapist
Group Practice
Pacific Coast Behavioral Health, Inc.
MFT Associate, LMFT, Torrance, CA
Addiction Treatment
CLARE Foundation
MFT Associate, Santa Monica, CA
Recovery NOW, Inc.
MFT Associate, Hermosa Beach, CA
KLEAN Treatment Centers
LMFT, West Hollywood, CA
School and Community-Based Mental Health
Green Dot Public Schools
MFT Associate, Los Angeles, CA
Star View Community Services
MFT Associate, LMFT, Long Beach, CA
Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention
Jenesse Center
MFT Associate, Los Angeles, CA
Military Life
Military & Family Life Counseling Program
LMFT, Colorado Springs, CO
Cadet Healthy Personal Skills (CHiPS) Program
Small Group Facilitator, USAFA, CO