I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has provided psychotherapy, family therapy, and group services in English and Spanish for over nine years. I work with adults and families specializing in mental health and/or co-occurring disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma, and chemical dependency. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and brief ther...
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 extensive experience working with adults experiencing persistent and severe mental health disorders and substance use disorders. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, paranoia, relationship issues, couples issues, communication issues, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), grief and loss, substance use, and personality disorders. I have also helped many clients who have experienced physical, emotional, verbal...
My passion is working with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or substance use disorders. I have an orientation that is holistic, and client centered. My approach is informed by several theoretical frameworks including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma and Substance Abuse. I believe what leads people to seek therapy is the feeling of uncertainty about life choices, the ineffective behavioral and th...
I have special training in brain injuries and accidents/falls as a trauma specialist. Generally, I seek to find ways to increase the mind-body connection in order to help my clients heal their past emotional wounds. I am authentic, transparent, and hold non-judgmental awareness to help my clients establish safety in sessions. Using a strengths-based approach, I empower my clients to make real, lasting changes in order to increase their resilience and hope for their future. While I do not have a ...
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...
Emphasizing uniqueness, I utilize an integrative approach in your treatment through the use of various modalities while applying diverse techniques and interventions. This will help you become more in touch with your whole self and recover from any trauma or adverse life experiences and the psychological distress produced by it. Beginning therapy is like commencing a journey within oneself, and it is essential to find the therapist that is right for you to assist you along the way. You already p...
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with experience counseling individuals, couples, and families. My specialty is treating individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and interpersonal relationship issues due to trauma. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming space as you begin your journey toward healing, hope, and restoration. I endeavor to give a felt sense of safety in our work together. I will empower you to know that you matter; your voice i...
My mission is to help individuals find ways to manage stressors by laying the groundwork for healing and growth. I work from a strengths-based perspective and tailor my approach to individual needs. I am passionate about creating a safe space to help facilitate insight and understanding. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Cl...
Ideally, this process involves the development of insight into how one experiences blocks or challenges in the world outside our selves – in relationships, work, academics, or creative pursuits. In my opinion, any successful therapy relationship must first begin with an atmosphere of safety, trust, and mutual understanding of the challenges that lay ahead. Using this as a starting point, I view therapy as an opportunity for my clients to safely explore the self, which involves taking a closer, m...
My specialty areas include depression, anxiety, child abuse, neglect, trauma, adjustment issues, divorce and separation, stress management, personal growth, and coping skills. I have experience in working in clinics, community-based outpatients, and detention settings. I have a passion for working with young adults in efforts of assisting them in re-writing their stories and utilizing necessary coping skills to manage and evolve during difficult times. I assist my clients in separating themse...
Having a comfortable and relaxed partnership with your therapist is so important when exploring the raw parts of ourselves. We often keep these tender sides hidden and experience shame that we don’t “have it all together.” In order to feel ready to illuminate issues that need attention, we must be able to deeply trust the person doing that work by our side. I’m compassionate, non-judgmental, real and a little messy – like all humans! I’ve been there too! While I’m learning about what makes yo...
I believe that the first step towards change is acceptance; therefore, I strive to create a non-judgmental space, one that views many "symptoms" as coping mechanisms that made sense at some point but have outgrown whatever usefulness they once had. When we can view ourselves with compassion, we can then challenge ourselves to examine thought and behavior patterns that may be keeping us stuck and learn to move beyond them. An important part of this work is getting in touch with our core values an...
I have developed an expertise in several treatment modalities with a concentration on anxiety, relationships/couples, career building, culture-related issues. I embrace an integrative, goal-oriented approach to therapy sessions. I cultivate an experience, meeting my clients where they are at, not subjecting to labels, taking time to understand their culture, experience and ideologies of life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice p...
My style can best be described as insight and action-oriented therapy. I believe that once an individual has an improved understanding of their inner workings (thoughts, emotions, behaviors) and patterns of behavior, then they can begin to adopt more healthy ways of living. In sessions, I offer empathy, acceptance, guidance, and understanding, while encouraging clients to show up authentically so that they can work towards personal growth and positive change. I'm a therapist with Octave an...
I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Therapeutically, I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office. I am extensively trained and mentored in interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Bowen family systems theor...
If a person has grown up without much care or consideration for their uniqueness or has gone through personal trauma and tragedy as an adult, psychotherapy can help. Psychotherapy can be a way to increase our life satisfaction and to regain a sense of aliveness. In a non-judgmental and compassionate space, we can start a conversation about what matters in life. In therapy, we talk about life’s problems with no criticism or blame. Often our conversation helps to release emotions and to reflect...
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...
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...
My focus is to foster healing, spur personal growth, and nurture self-awareness, empowering clients to tap into their innate strengths. With over a decade of clinical experience as a therapist, adjunct professor, and supervisor, I offer a diverse background to my therapy approach. My straightforward yet empathetic and analytical nature allows me to tailor treatment to individuals navigating life's unique challenges. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new stan...