I have been working with people that are negotiating changes in their lives for over 30 years. I believe that when people are at a crossroads in life, or suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, or a loss, it can feel very overwhelming. I believe it takes courage to reach out and seek support, and my goal is to create a safe space to help people open up and find ways to approach issues that are causing distress. My therapy approach is warm, interactive, and engaged. I utilize many differen...
We live our adult lives with a belief it's not okay to feel certain feelings. This obviously doesn't work. My experience has been that most of us do not learn about emotion when we are young and in fact, likely get punished for displaying emotion. I believe this could put our emotional states "in the closet" so to speak. I like to help my clients learn about intense emotions coming in waves like on an ocean and how to notice body sensations which then escalate into undesired behaviors. Wit...
I am especially interested in assisting clients through major life transitions: adolescent to adult, individual to family, parent to empty nest. I create a treatment plan specific to each client’s unique life situation and personal goals, and I believe in meeting my clients where they are in life in order to address the issues most critical to them. My approach is goal-oriented and solution-focused, and I believe that a collaborative approach works best for those seeking guidance for a better...
I have served clients in both private and community mental health settings to address barriers created by anxiety, trauma, and unexpected life transitions. My therapeutic approach is inspired by a relational psychodynamic perspective that offers and encourages space to explore how past experiences shape present patterns of relating to others and the self. The purpose of which is to create new sustainable ways of interacting in the present to improve emotional and psychological wellbeing. I have ...
Some of the areas I have provided treatment for include substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and adjustment disorders due to life transitions. For nearly 20 years, I have worked with adults, families, and couples both individually and in group settings. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and obtained a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) in 2005. I relocated to the Bay Area in 2020 from Los Angeles. I have worked in num...
My deep belief, rooted in both my practice as a therapist and in my experience healing my own trauma, is that our brains and bodies have the innate ability to heal from trauma when provided with a safe enough space to connect to and experience our internal world. As human beings, we are neurobiologically wired to be in relationships with others. For that reason, I have also learned that a key aspect of trauma recovery involves being in the presence of someone who can create safety and hold space...
I come from a trauma-informed theoretical orientation. I believe that attachment is often the root of many challenges. I work from a cognitive-behavioral lens with a narrative approach. I am informed by psychodynamic and social-emotional developmental models (Piaget, Erickson, Freud, Maslow). I also use techniques and interventions integrating art, worksheets, media, and psychoeducational books or articles. I have training in motivational interviewing, adoption competency certification, ASIST su...
I have worked with individuals struggling with substance abuse, victims of domestic violence, veterans, teens, adults, couples, and families. I believe in providing my clients with a safe and nurturing environment, in a space where being your authentic self can be a guide towards healing and personal growth. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds. The therapeutic alliance is the pillar of the therapeutic process and growth. Having worked in this field for al...
Therapy isn’t always easy, which is why feeling comfortable and safe with your therapist is most important to your success. I take a collaborative approach in therapy, starting where you are and working together to make positive changes. You are in the driver's seat and help to establish meaningful goals for your treatment. As a trauma-informed therapist, I also consider the biological perspective of mental health and the important role of our mind-body connection. This means developing adapt...
By gently challenging you to question and shift your mental framework, I want to help you make decisions and take actions that are consistent with your values. I have a compassionate, science-based, and direct approach toward helping people find psychological relief. I am passionate about helping people achieve the most authentic version of themselves. The journey towards change must start with compassion. Only when we feel seen and heard, can we begin the process of transformation. I am a th...
I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Thera...
I begin treatment with a client-centered approach by actively listening, demonstrating positive unconditional regard, and maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. I believe building trust, promoting a safe space where my client’s values and experiences are respected, and demonstrating my advocacy for their efforts is fundamental for engagement in treatment. Gathering information about my client’s background, engaging in ongoing assessment of their motivation and perceptions toward treatment, and i...
My practice specializes in helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, grief & loss, and other life stressors. Even the strongest people need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has hurdles to overcome, and I would love to help you along the way. I realize that no two people are the same, and I tailor your therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual. I love helping people understand t...
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Before I became a psychotherapist I was a neuroscientist with the focus on neuropsychology. My approach in therapy is informed by my understanding of the brain/mind/body interplay. I practice solution-oriented evidence-based approaches, and enjoy working with high-functioning clients who want to boost their resilience and emotional intelligence....
I specialize in men's mental health, trauma, moral injury, helping people live a life in accordance with their values, and individuals practicing consensual non-monogamy. The 7+ years I spent working in community mental health has allowed me to gain significant experience working with individuals from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. I am fully trained in EMDR and have received advanced training in Narrative Therapy from the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. I am non-binary (they/th...
Therapy is truly an odd place. It is a social, emotional, and mental experience unlike any other. You are plucked from your life and placed in a room or screen where the process and conversations revolve around you and your life. This can be daunting and debilitating, but also transformative, fascinating, and full of wonder and opportunity. Sometimes our lives ask that we be machines like everyone else, regurgitating what everyone else is doing. We are conditioned to disconnect from ourselve...
As a therapist, I consider my role to be a guide and witness to facilitate the development of your true self and your inner resources. I create a genuine and respectful space that allows us to explore where you're at, your goals, and your challenges. I love using expressive arts therapy and seeing people blossom when they experience the nourishment, wisdom, power, and insight of their creativity. I also use mindfulness, somatic awareness, and Jungian psychology. My focus is on working with anxie...
Hi! Welcome to my practice. I understand that seeking mental health support can be overwhelming so congrats on taking the first step to be here! I work with women who sometimes feel lots of anxiety when it comes to their relationships and connections with others. I am deeply curious about how our toxic patterns form. My goal is to support you to have a better understanding of that as well so that you may lead a happier, more fulfilling life....
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.