Licensure
President
A. Thomas Horvath, Ph.D., ABPP
Senior Psychologists
David Jacobs, Ph.D.
Tom Brown, Ph.D.
Psychologists
Daniel Galant, Ph.D., C.H.T.
Mojgan Jahan, Psy.D.
Natalie Masson, Ph.D.
Amy Epner, Ph.D.
Rob Gibson, Ph.D., J.D.
Karen Sorensen, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral MFT Fellow
Masha Godkin, Psy.D.
Social Work, Equine and Animal Therapy
Diedre Knowlton, LCSW
Counselors
Linda D. Lewis, B.S., CADC, CCP
Rachel Gobar, B.A.
Galen Cooper, Ph.D
Hypnotherapist
Reg Pyrke, CHT
Psychiatrist
Charles Moreau, M.D.
Body Worker
Solluna Moyoah, L.M.T.
Yoga & Meditation
Rachel Gobar, B.A.
Nirvair Singh Khalsa, B.S.
Energy Healers
Nirvair Singh Khalsa, B.S.
Nancy Princetta, B.S.
Nutrition Consultant
Debbie Simon, R.D.
Herbal and Nutritional Pharmacist
James Mattioda, Ph.D.
Acupuncturists
Acupuncture Center of La Jolla
Clinical Coordinator
Erin Williams, LMFT
Intake Coordinator
Sandra Jacobs, MFT
Executive Assistant to Dr. Horvath
Shana Shaterian
Office Manager
Ana Ferraro
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant
Alba Inzunza
Licensure
Pyrysys Psychology Group, Inc. and the outpatient services of Practical Recovery, a division of Pyrysys Psychology Group, Inc. (PSY7732; pyrysys.com), operate under the licenses of its psychologists. License numbers are listed at the end of each biography. All staff work under the supervision of Dr. Horvath. Postdoctoral psychology fellows and predoctoral psychology interns, because they are preparing for independent licensure as psychologists, have additional individual supervision with Dr. Horvath or another staff psychologist.
President
A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D., ABPP
A. Tom Horvath was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1975, and a Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology at San Diego in 1981. From 1981 to 1984 he served as an active duty Navy Psychologist. In 1984 he entered full time independent practice. In 1985 he founded Practical Recovery, which offers a self-empowering alternative to 12-step and disease-oriented addiction treatment. He became a board certified clinical psychologist of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in 1990. In 2006 he founded Pyrysys Psychology Group, Inc., which offers a wide range of services, including Practical Recovery, Supporting ME (Moderate Eating), and the Center for Cognitive Therapy La Jolla. Currently the Practical Recovery system of services includes office-based services (Pyrysys), and a sober living home (Reunion San Diego) in University City.
Dr. Horvath has been active in professional psychology and behavioral health at the local, state, national and international levels. He is a Past President (1990) and Fellow (1993) of the San Diego Psychological Association and a Past President (1988-1990) of the San Diego Phobia Foundation. He was the Volunteer Advisor for SMART Recovery San Diego from 1990 to 2010. In 1992 he was appointed by Speaker Willie Brown to the California Controlled Substances Prescription Advisory Council, which produced recommendations regarding California’s triplicate prescription program for controlled substances.
At the national level, he was the Secretary-Tresurer (1995-98) of the American Psychological Association’s Division on Addictions (Division 50), and served as President from 1999-2000. The Division has over 1200 members and is the world’s largest organization of addictive behavior psychologists.
He is the President of SMART Recovery (1995-2008, 2009 to present), an international, non-profit network of free, self-empowering, science-based support groups, face-to-face or online, for abstaining from any substance or activity addiction.
Since 2000 Dr. Horvath has been adjunct faculty at the Leadership Studies Program, School of Education, University of San Diego, where he helps leaders in all fields develop their leadership and executive potential. Since 2010 Dr. Horvath has been adjunct faculty at Alliant International University in San Diego, teaching the Chemical Dependency course.
Dr. Horvath’s publications, media interviews, and presentations to professionals are helping to change how individuals, professionals, and societies understand addictive behavior. PSY7732
Senior Psychologist
David Jacobs, Ph.D.
Dr. Jacobs received his Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Chicago. His clinical background includes training in the Person Centered Approach with Carl Rogers, psychodynamic depth psychology, and developmental psychology. He has broad treatment experience over a 25 year period. He is an active scholar and has published numerous scientific papers in journals in psychology, psychoanalysis, and medicine. He serves as Associate Editor of two scholarly journals in psychology.
Since arriving at Practical Recovery in 2002, Dr. Jacobs’ work has focused primarily on treating self-harming over involvement with drug use and sexual activities. He sees such self-harming activities as attempts to cope with emotional injuries that the individual has been unable to heal. In general, Dr. Jacobs has found that over-reliance on drugs as a major coping strategy indicates that the individual’s experience in life has provided him/her little reason to trust other people and feel they can be safely turned to as a source of comfort. Reliance on solitary sexual activity can de facto be very much like reliance on drug use. Driven sexual activity with many partners suggests a bottomless need for affirmation—affirmation that was missing during formative periods of personality development. Treatment requires attention to self-harm in the present and the emotional foundations of desperate efforts to cope with past injuries. PSY10926.
Senior Psychologist
Tom Brown , Ph.D.
Dr Brown is a clinical psychologist and founder/member of the National Registry for Certified Group Psychotherapists. He earned his BS in Social Studies Education from Indiana University and MA in Group and Interpersonal Communication from the University of Cincinnati. A transforming life event led Dr Brown to pursue an interest in Transpersonal Studies at The Union Institute. There he received one of the country’s earliest PhD’s in the then emerging field of mind, body, spirit integration. Dr Brown has continued to pursue his Transpersonal Studies interests as a university professor, researcher and therapist.
Among Dr. Brown’s many honors is a Presidential Citation for his efforts in humanizing the workplace and a National Leadership award from the Institute for Behavioral Healthcare for his work in improving outcomes in behavioral health. In addition, he was a Resident Fellow and later Board Member at the Center for the Studies of the Person. Over the past twenty years, Dr. Brown has developed a solution-focused, integrative approach to helping people with issues of addiction, depression, anxiety, major life challenges and spiritual yearning. PSY17382.
Psychologist
Daniel Galant, Ph.D., C.H.T.
Dr. Galant is a clinical psychologist and holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA. In addition, he is a certified hypnotherapist through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). He has been on staff at UCSD and Kaiser Permanente. His areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress management, pain control, phobias, and sports/skills enhancement. PSY18543.
Psychologist
Mojgan Jahan, Psy.D.
Dr. Mojgan Jahan is a clinical psychologist with over 22 years of experience in a variety of clinical and organizational settings. In addition to her Doctorate degree, she has two Masters degrees. She assists clients to gain a clear perspective on becoming confident and balanced in their private and professional lives.
Dr. Jahan is passionate about helping clients set personal goals. She supports them in overcoming obstacles to realizing their dreams. These obstacles often involve unacknowledged limiting beliefs and assumptions. She has a deep appreciation and respect for each person’s individuality which is reflected in her warm and informal interpersonal style.
She has a special interest and expertise in leadership and organizational development, with a focus on providing a safe environment for people to realize their potential, and to work and live meaningfully and in alignment with their core values.
Dr. Jahan’s areas of specialty include addictive behaviors, trauma, EMDR, personal growth, and midlife transition. Her approach integrates cognitive behavioral, schema, narrative, and psychodynamic modalities. She has extensive training and teaching experience in multicultural counseling and is bilingual in English and Farsi. PSY19101
Psychologist
Natalie Masson, Ph.D.
Dr. Masson is a clinical psychologist specializing in healthy lifestyle maintenance and mind-body processes. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies, she helps clients attain optimal physical and emotional health through increasing mind-body awareness and developing effective skills for self-care and wellness. Using research-supported therapy approaches, her specialty areas include anxiety, panic attacks, depression, chronic pain, addictions, medical illnesses, weight management, relationship issues, and couples communication. Her educational background includes a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California, and a pre-doctoral internship at Yale University. PSY17895
Psychologist
Amy K. Epner, Ph.D.
Amy K. Epner, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. She has worked extensively in both clinical and research eating disorder treatment settings. She is passionate about helping individuals understand and overcome their eating and body image issues.
Additionally, Dr. Epner has specialized training in health psychology, including coping with chronic illness (e.g., diabetes), stress reduction, time management, lifestyle changes (e.g., nutrition, exercise), and parenting issues.
Dr. Epner earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, her master’s at Brandeis University, and her doctorate at the California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, San Diego Psychological Association, Society of Behavioral Medicine, and International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. PSY18455
Psychologist
Rob Gibson, Ph.D., J.D.
Dr. Gibson specializes in the treatment of addictions in addition to general psychotherapy, mediation, and problem solving. He earned his B.A. at the University of California, Riverside, M.A. and Ph.D. at the California School of Professional Psychology, and J.D. at California Western School of Law. He is licensed both as a psychologist and attorney in the state of California.
His experiences range from private practice to various inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, the treatment of substance abuse, sexual offending and sexually compulsive behavior, and psychological correlates of various medical conditions in a skilled-nursing setting. Other areas of specialization include the psychology of religious fundamentalism and domestic violence. In addition, he has conducted SSI appeals hearings and interned at the California Attorney General’s office of Health Quality Enforcement.
Dr. Gibson’s experience is also rooted in his past practice of Aikido and current practice of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido. PSY18827, CA Bar 202349
Psychologist
Karen Sorensen, Ph.D.
Karen Sorensen, Ph.D.’s post-graduate degrees are a Ph.D. in psychology with a specialization in Chemical Dependency/Addictions, and a Masters in Stress Management. She has worked for Practical Recovery/Pyrysys and The Center for Cognitive Therapy since 1996. Dr. Sorensen has also been a Program Manager for the Chemical Dependency Unit of the Palomar/Pomerado Hospital System, worked in alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs for San Diego County, and been a counselor in a variety of clinical and university settings including Sharp Hospital and UCSD.
Dr. Sorensen treats individuals, couples, and families covering various emotional problems, addictions, anxiety disorders, compulsive thoughts and habits, chronic pain, depression, and relationship issues.
The therapeutic approaches Dr. Sorensen uses are individualized and determined by the needs of each person, combining both Eastern and Western psychology. In addition to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Schema Therapy, Dr. Sorensen specializes in mindfulness practices such as Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. She also provides skills training in the areas of communication, assertiveness, anger management, stress reduction and problem solving. PSY23540
Post-Doctoral Marriage and Family Therapist Fellow
Masha Godkin, Psy.D.
Masha Godkin is a post-doctoral fellow in Marriage and Family Therapy, with an emphasis on addictive behavior. Ms. Godkin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Music from UCSD, and her Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in San Diego. Her professional experience includes group, couples and family therapy, and facilitating SMART recovery meetings. Ms. Godkin also has an extensive background in drama and music. She integrates her experience in the liberal arts with her clinical work in addictive behavior and relationships.
Senior Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Abbe Long, MS
Abbe Long earned both her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from San Diego State University. Ms. Long has worked in a variety of settings including a psychiatric hospital on the East Coast and two local hospices, where she provided individual, group and family counseling to adults, children and adolescents. In addition, Ms. Long has served as a clinical and administrative counseling supervisor for a statewide smoking cessation program. She has also received training in crisis intervention, EMDR, Sandplay Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy.
Ms. Long works with our clients utilizing a variety of modalities which allow her to integrate her background in theatre and psychology, including Sandplay Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy. Ms. Long specializes in helping adults, children and families work through trauma, addictions, grief & loss and relationship issues.
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern # 59409.
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Lois Mehnert, MFT Intern
Louis Mehnert earned her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from Arizona State University as well as a Master’s Degree in Maternal and Child Health from San Diego State University. Ms. Mehnert has worked extensively with trauma, intensive care patients and high risk infants. She has been a registered nurse, a health educator, and a women’s retreat leader. Ms. Mehnert obtained her Master’s Degree in Marital Family Therapy from Bethel. She is EMDR trained and working towards her certification in sand-play therapy as well as play therapy.
Ms. Mehnert’s background as a wounded healer has sensitized her to life’s hurts. Her approach is collaborative and strength-based, integrating narrative and experiential elements into the healing process.
Social Worker, Equine and Animal Therapist
Diedre Knowlton, LCSW
Diedre Knowlton earned her masters degree in social work from San Diego State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked as a medical social worker at a psychiatric hospital and a senior health clinic. Her prior careers include teaching special education, and directing a bronze casting facility while working as a sculptor. She has spent her entire life with animals and enjoys introducing horses and dogs into therapeutic sessions.
Counselor
Linda D. Lewis, B.S., CADC, CCP
Ms. Lewis provides Relapse Prevention counseling. She uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients maintain lifestyle balance, and identify high risk situations and alternative methods for coping with them. She also provides life coaching, and is certified as a coach practitioner by the Certified Coaches Federation.
Before entering the counseling profession Linda was a Certified Property Manager and President of a real estate management company. Along the way she also overcame her own addiction problems. In 1997 she changed careers, to help others benefit from the insights gained from her own painful background. In 2000 she also co-founded the Bobby Jo Lewis Foundation, named for her 17 year old sister, who along with their mother was killed in a domestic violence incident. The Foundation helped disadvantaged parents overcome addiction and domestic violence problems. Her workshop, Courage is Contagious, has been presented around the country, and she has been a featured speaker at the Million Mom March in San Diego and Washington, DC.
Hypnotherapist
Reg Pyrke, CHT
Mr. Pyrke, a master hypnotherapist, specializes in helping individuals overcome addictive behaviors. He also has sub-specialties in stress-related problems and pain management. Mr. Pyrke says “hypnosis is a state of focused consciousness. Your hypnotherapist will assist you in learning how to achieve this state by guiding you into it. Once this state has been achieved, you will then receive what are called hypnotic suggestions. These suggestions will enable you to use the power of hypnosis in your life and make the changes you desire.”
Mr. Pyrke’s college degree is in psychology. He counseled others while obtaining that degree from McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. His career path led him to operating several businesses. One business designed commercial furniture, and another created and serviced computer networks for medium sized businesses. After retiring from these ventures Mr. Pyrke launched his career in hypnotherapy. Mr. Pyrke has a broad background in hypnotherapy, including being a Certified Hypnotherapist, a Master Hypnotist, a Certified 5 Path Hypnotherapist, and a Certified 7 Path Hypnosis Instructor. He is also Pain Management Certified and a Member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. For many individuals struggling with addiction, stress or pain, hypnosis offers a new opportunity to feel better and move forward in life.
Counselor, Meditation, Eastern Practices Instructor
Rachel Gobar, B.A.
Rachel Gobar is well grounded in several Meditation Methods or Mind Training Services as she prefers to call it. She has experience in both Business and Personal Training while working nationally and internationally. In sessions, Rachel uses your belief system to address issues and meet your individual needs. She designs a specific individual-based program for you or your company. Rachel’s Mind Training programs are useful for the novice and for the advanced. Clients will notice results within one to three sessions.
Ms. Gobar believes there is no one way to approach a problem. Instead, she uses the organization or the person’s belief system and culture to help incorporate a lasting solution. She is a firm believer in practicing what she teaches.
Counselor
Galen Cooper Ph.D.
Dr. Galen Morgan Cooper is a specialist in addiction psychology. Dr. Cooper conducted Addiction Medicine Consults on the medical, surgical and psychiatric units of an acute care teaching hospital in Manhattan and served as Director of Training in the Substance Abuse Division of a social service agency also in Manhattan. Currently, Dr. Cooper is an Addiction Coach, helping families navigate their lives when addiction strikes as well as working with those with addictive behaviors. She speaks at professional meetings and to school, parent, and community groups on understanding substance abuse and dependence and the relationship of addiction and psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Cooper has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Alliant International University and a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Her passion for raising awareness concerning addictive behaviors motivated her to write a memoir, A Turmoil Called Home. In addition, Dr. Cooper is the writer/ performer of a one woman show, Motherhood and Apple Pie, which highlights the devastating effects of addiction on our families.
Psychiatrist
Charles Moreau, M.D.
Charles Moreau, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist. He received a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with honors. He returned to his childhood home in Louisiana to earn his medical degree from Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Dr. Moreau then completed his psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Diego. During his final year of residency, he served as chief resident.
Dr. Moreau has published in the area of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and mood disorders and has conducted research in the area of bereavement. He has given lectures on addictions, bereavement, depression, and coping with the holidays in both community and university settings. He is a volunteer clinical faculty member of the University of California, San Diego and serves as a consultant to the Survivors of Violent Loss Program of San Diego, CA. Dr. Moreau is an analytic candidate at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
In addition to his practice in La Jolla, he is a staff psychiatrist at Scripps Mercy Hospital. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the San Diego Psychiatric Association, and the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Dr. Moreau has a special interest in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for the treatment of substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Body Worker
Solluna Moyoah, HHP
Solluna is a Master Professional Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP), and Herbalist and Counselor, providing therapeutic/healing massage. She specializes in the diminishment and elimination of both mental and physical pain. Her education and experience, in the US and abroad, focused on gaining greater knowledge of the benefits of massage while also enhancing her technical knowledge. She has a BA in Biology (USD) and a Medical Massage Certification. She is a professional member of AMTA, on the National Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and an Ordained Minister. She continues to develop and refine her abilities and self. Currently she is conducting research about fatigue and posture.
Energy Healer, Yoga Instructor
Nirvair Singh Khalsa, B.S.
A student of Master Yogi Bhajan, Nirvair has been trained in the Healing Arts, Yogic and Tantric traditions since 1977. He does intuitive energetic healing, and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. These techniques are used to identify and release limiting patterns, beliefs, and emotional blocks to create more freedom, understanding and choice.
Energy Healer
Nancy Princetta, B.S.
Nancy’s artistic awareness was nurtured and heightened from an early age by the dynamic cultural influences of growing up in New York City. While attending the CUNY Baccalaureate Program in New York City she discovered her interest in health and nutrition. She then left to attend Georgia State University as an art major and pursued the early years of her training in both the healing and visual arts, ultimately graduating from Hunter College with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a minor in art. Nancy has explored art therapy, studied crystal and harmonic healing techniques and continues to expand her skills by attending numerous courses and lectures throughout the United States and Europe. Her desire to help others, together with her gifts of healing and creativity have given rise to an extraordinary experience for both the artist and her clients, many of whom include her pieces in their spiritual practices. “Creating Soul Symbols has given me the opportunity to experience art in a unique way. As a visionary artist and healer, I have the divine opportunity to combine my life as an artist with my journey as a healer. Each Soul Symbol creates a personal connection that is a part of the great gifts in my life.” Her Soul Symbols are in private collections, healing centers, and business offices throughout the United States.
Nutrition Consultant
Debbie Simon, R.D.
Debbie Simon is a Registered Dietitian and an active member of the American Dietetic Association. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1988 with a B.S. in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics. Her 20 year career in nutrition and dietetics has included work in hospitals and outpatient clinics, and with individuals with eating disorders and psychiatric disorders. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and was the dietitian at the Scripps’ Dean Ornish Reversing Heart Disease Program. She also focuses on non-dieting approaches to weight loss, wellness promotion and the nutritional needs of athletes.
Herbal and Nutritional Pharmacist
James Mattioda, Ph.D.
Dr. James Mattioda is a licensed, registered pharmacist with more than 15 years of experience in clinical herbalism. He consults clients on the nutritional approaches to healing and teaches homeopathy, herbalism and nutritional pharmacology to both the public and professional communities. Dr. Mattioda earned his Doctoral Degree in Integral Health from the California Institute of Human Science and his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Science at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Dr. Mattioda received his Diploma of Homeopathic Medicine from Hahnemann College of Homeopathy and has pursued advanced studies in clinical herbalism and human subtle energy research. Dr. Mattioda has also been involved in a number of professional memberships & affiliations including: The Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists, American Herbal Pharmacoepia Review Committee, Faculty advisor to the British Institute of Homeopathy, Consultant to Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a faculty member at the California Institute for Human Science and the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Dr. Mattioda provides patients with expertise in both conventional clinical pharmacy and complementary therapies.
Clinical Coordinator
Erin Williams, LMFT
Erin Williams earned both her Masters Degree in Counseling and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University. Ms. Williams’ has worked in diverse settings such as residential treatment, jail and hospitals serving clients with both mental health and recovery issues. Ms. Williams’ also has a background in individual, group and family counseling, with an emphasis on trauma.
Intake Coordinator
Sandra Jacobs, MFT
Sandra Jacobs brings to the position of Intake Coordinator a background in business administration and psychotherapy. After her years of managing a psychotherapy practice, she graduated with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and pursued her clinical interests by becoming a California Marriage and Family Therapist in 1993. Her formative training included being an aftercare counselor at a hospital and a senior mental health clinician in an outpatient setting in which she conducted intakes and provided psychotherapy. Now she enjoys being at Practical Recovery since she can use her knowledge of the many issues people face in selecting a recovery setting and provide those seeking assistance with the highest quality of treatment options.
Executive Assistant to Dr. Horvath
Shana Shaterian
Ms. Shaterian recently graduated from San Diego State University with her Masters’ degree in Accounting. She has several years of customer service and account management experience. Her interpersonal communication and organizational skills are an invaluable asset in helping move the company forward.
Office Manager
Ana Ferraro
Ms. Ferraro has many years of billing management experience and has operated as an accounts receivable manager, human resource coordinator, and billing manager. She earned her billing certificate at Comprehensive Training Systems in 1994. In addition to Ms. Ferraro’s many contributions to Practical Recovery, she offers thorough attention to detail and strong customer service skills.
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant
Alba Inzunza
Ms. Inzunza is a licensed real estate agent who has many years of customer service experience. Her previous employments include credit & collection agent, employment case manager and child care eligibility specialist. She likes to greet our clients with a smile!
