As a therapist, I am down-to-earth, compassionate, and understanding. My passion and mission is to help people improve the quality of their lives and build healthy relationships that last. I truly believe that psychotherapy can help individuals, couples, and families build a strong foundation for all kinds of relationships.

I place great value on providing you and your loved ones with a comfortable and open environment to share your story. My therapy sessions are relaxed, collaborative, and empathetic. I use a variety of practical and expressive methods to assist you while focusing on key issues such as communication, conflict resolution, personal growth, self-care, and coping with stressors or life challenges.

I use a variety to theoretical orientations, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multigenerational Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I also incorporate mindfulness techniques, because I believe these skills can help you troubleshoot future problems and continue on your journey to greater well-being. Because I have training in a variety of theories approaches, I pick and choose which theoretical orientation will best fit the needs of each individual client, couple, or family. However, because I also value a collaborative approach to therapy, I will always share this orientation with you and seek your input on how we can create the best possible fit for you.

My Journey
I became interested in therapy as an undergraduate student at the University of Laverne, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I was also a member of the Honors Program and had a part-time job. With so many responsibilities, my stressors began to mount and became overwhelming, so I sought out the counseling center on campus. With their help, I developed new skills in stress management and I took my first steps toward taking control of my personal well-being. I also discovered a deep appreciation for the process therapy, and found that I wanted to provide for others in the same way. My career as a therapist began on the other side of the couch, and I can empathize with how much courage it takes to meet with your therapist for the first time and how uncomfortable and challenging it can feel.

After I received my undergraduate degree, I attended the University of San Diego and enrolled in the Marital and Family Therapy Program. This program focuses on the ecology of human relationships, meaning how we, as individuals, interact with the various systems in our lives, from family and friends to our community and society. As a second-year student, I was accepted into a practicum placement with the UCSD Department of Family & Preventive Medicine Collaborative Care Program, where I completed over 1,000 hours of the total 3,000 hours required for clinical licensure and where I attended weekly supervision trainings. Over 600 of these hours were gained in direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families in inpatient and outpatient settings. After I completed my graduate degree, I stayed on to continue my work with UCSD part-time as a Clinical Social Worker. To date, I have over 1,500 hours of clinical experience, and I have developed interests in areas including the treatment of women's issues, anxiety and depression, trauma and survivor healing, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, LGBT affirmative therapy, couples and sex therapy, and helping military families cope with deployment, relocation, and reunification.

I have always dreamed of working in a private practice setting, and this dream has finally been realized. I now work part-time in a private practice setting centrally located in the heart of Mission Valley in San Diego. I truly love my work, and I would love to share my passion for therapy, personal growth, and well-being with you and your loved ones.

I am a Marital and Family Therapy Registered Intern (IMF #67592) working toward state licensure.

Additional Training
I have received additional training in the screening and treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. 

California Emergency Management Agency (CALEMA) Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor and Advocate. This 60-hour training course focuses on prevention and intervention in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Professional Activities and Memberships
Annual Stand Down
Center for Community Solutions SART Volunteer
Postpartum Health Alliance Warmline Support and Outreach & Education Volunteer
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
California Association of Marital and Family Therapists