About
Client/Therapist relationship
When we begin our therapy sessions, we also begin to establish our therapeutic relationship.
As with any good relationship, it’s important to feel like we’re a good match.
I place great value on the quality of our connection/rapport and will make it a priority to create a place where you feel seen, safe, and have your needs taken seriously.
Dynamic process of therapy
Our experience together will be dynamic. In our sessions, we will use a multi-faceted approach that incorporates insight and understanding of your past, mindfulness, body awareness, and cognitive re-training.
We will use the current and well-supported research of attachment, vulnerability, mood regulation, and cognitive therapy to ensure that you are receiving a dynamic and integrated treatment.
As we move through this journey together, there will likely be some laughter and some tears. I will be with you in the victories and the challenges.
Becoming a therapist – my personal journey
I became a therapist because of the personal transformation that I experienced on my own therapeutic journey as a teen and young adult.
Believe me, I’ve been in the other seat and know firsthand the courage it takes to say, “I need help. Things aren’t working anymore.”
It was critical to me to have a therapist who didn’t judge me, really tried to see me, and supported me.
I want to be that for you. My therapeutic journey gave me hope, joy, and clarity for my life. Now, it is my mission to help others find that same vision and vitality for which they are looking to receive.
About Me
My love for people, the mind, and psychology started young.
I knew at 17 that I wanted to be a therapist one day. Therefore, after high school, I pursued my Bachelors of Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University.
During my senior year in college, I started leading small groups for freshmen who were transitioning through the hardships and adjustments of college. This gave me a taste of group therapy.
After graduating, I went to Fuller Theological Seminary and received my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.
During my days as an intern, I worked in Los Angeles with high risk/low income children and adolescents as a school-based therapist. I treated kids dealing with depression, anxiety, family issues, and early childhood trauma. This provided extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
In 2012, I transitioned to private practice and began working with young adults dealing with a variety of mental health issues, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, codependency, parenting issues, marital issues, and gender and sexuality issues.
My approach in private practice has been largely psychodynamic and attachment-based. Being more passionate about young adults, teens, and postpartum moms, I shifted my practice to serving those specific groups.
Other training
In addition to my training and interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based therapy, I also received my externship training in Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, which has given me a lens for understanding how to help serve individuals struggling in their personal relationships.
I also have training in module 1 of Organic Intelligence. This is a Somatic Therapy that helps individuals regulate their nervous systems. My passion for Somatic Therapy is expanding, and this upcoming year I will be pursuing my training in Neuro Affective Relational Therapy. This is a body-based therapy that helps people heal from childhood/developmental trauma.
Fun while not at work
During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and daughter, who is two-and-a-half.
We enjoy exploring the city, finding new fun spots/breweries, taking evening walks, and engaging in the occasional kitchen dance party.