Education/My Approach

In 2001, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University, and in 2007, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, CA. At JFKU, I studied in the Holistic Studies department, with a curriculum based in Transpersonal Psychology - which entails treating the whole person - honoring the interconnection between mind, body and spirit (energy or essence of Being). I have worked in several different mental health settings throughout my career: intensive residential treatment centers (with adolescents and adults), an adolescent substance abuse rehabilitation center, outpatient therapy, in-home therapy, elementary - high schools, hospitals, and private practice - all throughout Northern and Southern California. My varying work experience titles entailed: mental health counselor for teens (ages 12-18), Crisis Intervention Specialist (ages 5-18), Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist (ages 4-18), and an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist (before licensure), doing mental health therapy with all ages (individuals, couples, and families). My clientele experience spans all ages (from toddler to elderly), and differs in race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual/gender orientation/identity and religious background. I gained invaluable experience working with the following populations and units of treatment: at-risk children and adolescents (ages 4-18), their parents/grandparents, individual adults (all ages), couples, families, and groups (all ages). In 2010, I interned in the addictions medicine department of Kaiser Permanente in Hollywood, CA, doing individual and group therapy with adolescents and adults in recovery from alcohol/other drugs, and codependency. 

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Given that every person's life experience is unique, each one requires an adaptable and suitable treatment. My approach to therapy depends on the client/s request, chief complaint/s, and current need/s. My primary processes stem from Psychodynamic (talk therapy - linking childhood trauma to present day concerns in order to break maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns), and Systems Theories (seeing the client as part of a larger system within a family, society, environment). I use various tools influenced by multiple theories: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (working through negative thought patterns that lead to unwanted feelings and behaviors); Narrative (separating YOU from the "problem"); Structural (examining and adjusting family structures/roles/boundaries in order to create healthy relationships); Solution Focused (strength/ability based), and more. I'm always learning new techniques. Spiritual (Self/energy) awareness and alignment practices are infused in my treatment as suggestions to help regulate the central nervous system - which may include meditation, presence of mind (here and now), calming breath work, and ultimately, getting in touch with one's higher, most true Self - through authenticity, and vulnerability. I am here as a guide and support to help activate or strengthen your healing journey; you are not alone. The question is: How do YOU want your life to look and feel?