Hi! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I’ve worked in an outpatient hospital setting where I provided therapy to clients of all ages, from 13 to 85. I’m now providing clinical services in jail and my experience continues to grow as I work with those who feel they have hit “rock bottom” So whether you feel like you’re at your rock bottom, or just feel like you’ve gotten stuck, I’m here to help you get back up and get unstuck. I’ve addressed issues across the board; from depression and anxiety, to paranoia and psychosis, my goal is to help you come to understand more about yourself and assist you in prioritizing and accomplishing your goals.
I believe humor is an absolutely essential clinical tool! Therapy is hard work, but it can also be enjoyable and fun. I also value honesty and transparency from both my end and my client’s. I believe everyone benefits from having someone in their life who can be both kind and honest. But I also know that we tend to hear any sort of feedback better from someone who we trust and who we know has our best interest in mind. That is why it is so important to me that we are able to establish a strong therapeutic relationship in order to do good, effective work!
A common question I hear is, “What is your therapeutic approach? What theoretical orientation do you use?” I remember when I first started in this field, there were so many terms and clinical lingo that I didn't understand. I remember feeling so intimidated and confused when my therapist told me she used a “person-centered, existential” approach. I didn’t know what that meant, and all I remember thinking was “I don’t care about what approach you use, I just want to know that you can help me.” Here is how I answer the “theoretical approach” question: I don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. While I find that I naturally incorporate CBT (connecting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) and always demonstrate empathy and warmth, I tailor my approach to what best suits you. I may know all the clinical terms and techniques, but you know yourself better than I ever could, so my approach will always be collaborative. As we explore your goals together, I will utilize the approach that will serve you best and make changes along the way, as needed.
I look forward to meeting you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Attachment issues, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 120897