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 hope is to help individuals to gain insight and skills in order to overcome challenges and ultimately help them experience lasting positive change and growth. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by...
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a philosophy that guides my work as a clinical therapist. Through compassionate support and evidence-based approaches, I empower individuals to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and step into their fullest potential. Everyone possesses unique strengths, talents, and potential to transform their lives and positively impact their communities. My role is to help clients uncover their inner resilience, gain clarity, and build the confidence to creat...
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 work experience has been mainly with adults who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. I believe that experiencing hardships can be seen as an invitation to learn more about ourselves and evolve in our life journey to reach our highest potential. My philosophy is one of a holistic approach (mind, body, & spirit). With this approach, I focus with patients to explore, as well as educate, on becoming aware of behavioral patterns, thoughts, and somatic responses. My goal is to...
My therapeutic approach is infused with a passion for creating and providing open and interactive dialogue, empowering adults of all ages to meet life’s problems, transitions, and tough decisions with greater confidence and awareness. Utilizing techniques from evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral, short-term problem-solving therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices, I will assist you in identifying challenges and unhelpful patterns, learn new ways of coping, and increase your ...
I offer a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ safe place. I am passionate about supporting clients through life difficulties and transitions. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families in public agencies and community-based settings. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed, systems-based, humanistic perspective: focusing on strengths and self-compassion. My therapy style is collaborative and relational. I aim to help clients live the life they truly envision for themselves, integrating ...
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and diffi...
I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including a Perinatal Mental Health-Certificate. That means I can treat people who are pregnant and experiencing mental health changes as well as those who have anxiety, depression, or bipolar episodes after giving birth. I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. I like to co-create an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Typically, I draw from a variety of approaches, in...
I have a background in crisis counseling in a hospital setting as well as with working professionals in the community for several years, working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use issues, chronic stress/burnout, relationship issues, and trauma. I help clients to learn skills oriented towards reducing the impact and influence their difficult situations are holding over their lives. Do you find yourself uncontrollably spiraling with your thoughts at the most inconv...
My mission is to help you find ways to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression by helping you find the hidden problem that is keeping you from feeling better. I utilize a direct and compassionate style when working with clients. I tailor my approach to therapy based on the unique needs of each person. I focus on addressing how our thoughts can impact our mood (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ways of regulating and tolerating strong emotions (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). With therapy, we...
Whether borderline, narcissistic or simply toxic, wounded and self-centered parents create wounded children. And these children grow up without the basics of warmth and kindness, acceptance and encouragement. In order to survive, we adapt to the needs of our demanding parents. That might mean we learn to parent our parent. Or we develop antennae and quickly respond to their changing moods and needs, simultaneously ignoring our own. We hope if we do and say the right thing long enough, then o...
I practice using a strengths-based approach and work collaboratively with clients. I believe that every individual is the driver of their own journey and has the inherent ability to change and live a healthier life. I invite clients to set their own goals, identify barriers and create a plan for change. I explore underlying beliefs that contribute to the way they see themselves, their relationships with others, and the world in general. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe space so clie...
I tend to work with clients who are exploring Queer/LGBTQ+ identities. I help clients explore sexuality, sex, and identity. This includes healing from histories of oppression and discrimination, work around coming out, and exploring relationships. I also work with clients suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression....
My theoretical orientation can be described as eclectic, using techniques from various models of therapy as deemed appropriate with the current treatment and client. I utilize most from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as I assist clients in exploring and expressing thoughts, feelings/emotions, and behaviors in an attempt to identify maladaptive patterns contributing to distress. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing hi...
As a therapist with chronic pain and chronic illness, I have incorporated my experiences with my clinical training so that I can provide you with tools, resources, and education. My therapeutic approach is interactive. We will work together so that the approaches and methods we explore will match what you are looking for. We will focus on your strengths and your current ways of coping and use that as a foundation to build upon and create an action plan. It is normal to experience those emo...
I believe that each of us are experts in our lives and my goal in therapy is to support people finding meaning and purpose in their lives by providing safe and non-judgement space. One of my favorite quotes in life is “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become” by Carl G. Jung. I like to work collaboratively with my clients by using strengths-based, attachment focus and the client-centered approach to achieve their individual goals in life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Eve...
I help individuals in recognizing patterns they may not be aware of so that they are able to have better insight and control over their emotions and behaviors. I provide a curious and compassionate presence in your journey of self-exploration and self-understanding. I believe each one of us is capable of making changes in our lives to overcome the obstacles and barriers that prevent us from being our most authentic selves. I use a client-centered approach which begins with unconditional posit...
My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques tailored to people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. You can know that for 25 years I've made sure that my clients feel seen, heard, and respected. I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate life's challenges. Know that I'm hanging on every word you say. My many trainings allow me to "pull from my back pocket" strategies to help you get unstuck from patte...
I see therapy as a collaborative process where I bring my training and experience into the therapy room and you bring your life experience in order to work towards making life better. The collaborative process is important in all aspects of the therapy process, creating a safe environment, setting goals, doing the work between sessions, checking on progress, and checking on the overall process. My hope is that we are moving towards creating a rich and meaningful life and we move towards that tog...