I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 14 years and love what I do. I approach all my clients with empathy and compassion whatever reason they are seeking therapy. I have been trained specifically to work with couples, relationships, and individuals suffering from addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, PTSD, infidelity, and grief. I want my clients to achieve results including greater independence, symptom reduction, and general quality of life. I know that no single approach is right for everyone, so I bring a wide range of approaches and modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral therapy CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy DBT, Solution-focused therapy, Brief therapy, and Motivational interviewing. My educational background includes secondary training in DBT. Master’s from the University of Southern California with a Children’s and Family focus. BA from Cal State Los Angeles. I use many therapeutic approaches, but nonjudgmental and honest supportive communication is my foundation.

EMDR Practice Use

I am an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist. I use these evidence-based approaches to support healing from trauma, anxiety, grief, phobias, relationship struggles, and major life transitions.

I work with adults navigating the impact of trauma, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and relational wounds. Many of my clients describe feeling constantly on edge, emotionally numb, or disconnected from themselves and others. Others struggle with people-pleasing, self-criticism, guilt, or difficulty trusting after painful experiences. These are all natural trauma responses — ways your mind and body learned to keep you safe.

Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other trauma-informed approaches, I help clients understand their survival responses and build new pathways for safety, connection, and resilience. Together, we work to reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm, fatigue, shame, and intrusive memories while strengthening self-compassion and emotional regulation

My approach

My approach to therapy is eclectic, and depending on what your core issues you bring in. I assess what approaches can yield optimal results while maintaining your motivation to grow and change. I start with person-centered and positive psychology, allowing opportunity for processing in a safe, judgment-free space. With my clients, I tend to use CBT, Behavior Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, as well as solution-focused therapy.

My focus

I love to work with individuals balancing and struggling with their anxiety, depression, grief, and PTSD, trying to build a new, better normal. Helping my clients regain control and move away from substance use is a core area of focus, as I have seen the devastation drug use can cause and the power of healing. I also enjoy working with couples and helping them negotiate life events, restart communication, and find commitment again.

My communication style

I approach my clients with unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and non-judgment. I work to create a safe environment for them to feel confident that I can hold their pain and gently ask questions to find out why they are seeking treatment. I know that I’m not here to be your friend but to provide a service and help you learn the right tools to regulate your emotions, describe in words their inner pain, and keep their hope instilled.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was late diagnosed with a moderate learning disability. The help of the school psychologist reset my life’s trajectory. I’ve always wanted to help others, but a gift showed me what thoughtful engagement could do to change one’s life for the better. I feel a strong sense of honor in hearing my clients’ stories and struggles. Though I can’t lighten their burden, I can walk the path with them and be a signpost to better health.

My goals for you

Goals are only possible with trust and rapport with the client. Goals are created through conversations with the client about the issues they want to work on., I help to set up short-term goals while we are building bridges to the long-term goals. I do not define or prescribe your goals and do not want to tell anyone what to do. Together, we carefully come up with reasonable and achievable goals and work as a team on them weekly.

My first session with you

During the first session, I try to find out what brought you to therapy in the first place. I get a brief mental health and medical history, asking questions that are suitable for the session. I always ask the last time you’ve seen a doctor, do a suicidal assessment if necessary, and ask the client what they want to get out of therapy. I propose a short, detailed list of how we can get the ball rolling only after I check to see that the client wants to move forward with me.