ABOUT
I have broad experience in the mental health field and have worked with people from a multitude of differing backgrounds, struggling with a variety of challenges. I’m guided by my view that people have inherent strengths and resilience.
Prior to starting my private practice, I worked with teens while interning at a public school, and spent three years working at a community mental health agency. Since becoming licensed, I’ve primarily worked with professionals in various stages of their careers, as well as teens and their families. I have a depth of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and am passionate about providing inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming care.
The clients I work with seek out therapy for numerous reasons. Many are going through life transitions or changes that mark the start of something new. Others know they want their life to look different but are unsure of what steps to take to move forward.
I often work with individuals who have a history of trauma, especially from childhood. As a result of these early experiences, they may struggle with low self-esteem and self-worth. Some have difficulty trusting others and people-pleasing tendencies. Whether it’s due to past trauma or other reasons, many of the people I see have a harsh inner critic that tells them they are unworthy, undeserving, and never good enough. They may also be carrying around feelings of guilt and shame they want to work through.
I also see many high achievers in my practice, who may be dealing with burnout, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of failure. They’re often perfectionists, holding themselves to unattainable standards. They can get caught up in a cycle of chasing success in which they only feel validated and good about themselves when they have accomplished something or checked off another box. This tends to result in a paradigm in which no amount of success is enough.
Other people come to therapy to focus on improving relationships with others — which may include exploring how to get their needs met in healthy ways, setting boundaries, and communicating more effectively.
I often work with clients who want to get to know themselves better, discover what they value, and figure out what adds meaning to their lives. They may also be exploring aspects of their identity, including gender and sexuality. I have extensive experience working with men who have been affected by cultural messages about masculinity, as well as people of all gender identities who want to break away from traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
I also commonly work with individuals who have a history of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, who are on the bipolar spectrum, or going through a stressful life transition.
Our phone consult will provide us with the opportunity to discuss what it is you’re experiencing, and whether I’m the therapist to support you.
Education:
Bachelor’s in Political Science: University of California, Los Angeles
Master’s in Clinical Psychology: Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Training:
I've pursued training in a variety of different modalities, including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, as well as incorporate other approaches into my work.
I’ve completed the following:
Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma—Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Parts I & II— EMDR Consulting (an EMDRIA approved training)
Somatic Experiencing Beginning I & 2—Somatic Experiencing (SE™) International
Licenses:
California: LMFT #122549
New Mexico: LMFT #CTB-2023-0488