Clinical issues/specialties
- Anxiety
- Childhood Trauma
- Complex Trauma
- Depression
- Developmental Trauma
- Emotional Abuse
- Grief and Mourning
- Medical Trauma
- Menopause
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Relational Trauma
- Relationship Strain
- Sexual Trauma
- Substance Use/Abuse
Populations served
- Adolescents (13-19)
- Adults (20+)
- Couples
Clinical modalities used with clients
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- CBT
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- DBT
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing
- TF-CBT
Therapy services location
Telehealth only
Clinical Style
Relational, holistically focused, direct, compassionate and interactive.
License
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #85877
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Art History | California State University East Bay | 2002
Masters of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Family and Child Therapy | University of Phoenix | 2011
Advanced Trainings
Ego State Therapy Training, Institute for the Advancement of Human Behavior, 2017
DBT, PESI, 2017
Positive Neuroplasticity Training, Dr. Rick Hanson, 2018
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, PESI with Dr. Steven Hayes, 2019
Cognitive Processing Therapy, Lyra, 2022
Motivational Interviewing, Lyra, 2022
IFS Approach to Building Secure Internal Attachment, Dr Richard Schwartz, 2024
Menopause Society Member 2024
Why I do this work
Losing my mother in my late 20s marked a significant turning point in my life, inspiring me to pursue a career in therapy. My mother was always there for me, attending every school and band function, no matter the time or place. This unwavering support made me realize how fortunate I was, and it fueled my desire to be there for others and help them learn to support themselves.
I've focused on working with clients struggling with substance abuse as well as a history of trauma throughout my career. One client likened our sessions to following a treasure map to happiness, saying that my belief in him encouraged him to believe in himself. This affirmation has been a cornerstone of my therapeutic approach. You'll always have me in your corner, believing in your potential.
My goal in therapy is to help you uncover and address the habits and thought patterns holding you back, allowing us to rewrite your story in alignment with your highest self. There's nothing more rewarding for me than seeing clients return week after week, feeling more confident, insightful, and relieved to be on a path of healing and growth.
The best part of my job
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the trust my clients place in me. I deeply appreciate the courage it takes to step into the therapy room, whether in person or virtually. It's incredibly rewarding to witness my clients recognize their patterns and embrace new skills and perspectives to transform their lives. I find the education that can occur during therapy to be so valuable as well. Experiences like trauma for example often necessitate the development of coping skills that may later prove unhelpful in our later lives. Everything we do is skill based; the question is just if the skill still works for you. The joy of my work even extends beyond our sessions as I see the positive impact radiate into the lives of those around them, spreading light and hope.
How I spend my free time
My husband and I love to spend time traveling to visit family and to explore new places. We're avid bike riders and love taking our dogs on long walks in our neighborhood as well as down near the lake which is close by our home. I also find joy in reading, taking sword fighting lessons, and playing the drum, which adds a unique rhythm to my life.
Favorite quote
“May you know the meaning of the word happiness. May you always lead from the beating in your chest. May you be treated like an esteemed guest. May you get to rest, may you catch your breath. And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows.” Jason Mraz
Top personal growth resources
- The Being Well Podcast with Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson
- Freedom from your Inner Critic by Jay Earley and Bonnie Weiss
- Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
- Burnout by Dr Emily Nagoski and Dr. Amelia Nagoski
- No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz
- The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver