About

From a very young age, I was sensitive to others’ pain and wanted to help people. I’ve always had a gift for relating to others and being able to be fully present. I knew early on that I would be a therapist.

As I got older and my psychological interests became more defined, I approached my schooling and first jobs in the field as if it were my personal mission to save the world. It took awhile to realize that was impossible! Upon that realization, I refocused my energies into helping people one-on-one. Supporting people during their difficult moments and struggles is where my true talent lies.

Spirituality has always been very important to me, and I started an independent spiritual quest at age 17. Since then, my spiritual purpose and calling has guided every life decision I make. When people don’t have a direction or a purpose in life, it can often lead to hopelessness, despair, confusion and pain. But when you know what your purpose is, when you are tapped in to your higher power (whatever that is for you), you always have a reason for being. No matter what the event or situation, life is purposeful.

Being a child of divorce and navigating family relationships has helped me relate to my clients’ pain, as has my spiritual connection. When you know the reason for your being, it is easier to overcome depression, relationship issues and/or anxiety because you are more motivated to live your life in positive ways.

During my 25+ years in the social service field, I’ve worked with a wide variety of patients. My career path has led me everywhere from a drug treatment center (where I worked as a recreational therapist while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UCLA) to a placement facility where I worked as a counselor for teenage girls to Child Protective Services to the California prison system. I started my private practice in 2012, and it has been the most rewarding part of my career so far. I was often discouraged from discussing things like spirituality and life paths with my community clients, which was a shame because I believe in these powerful tools for transformation and growth.

I specialize in working with mood disorders and people who are survivors of sexual abuse, trauma or abuse in their childhoods. Many of my patients feel as if they are going through an existential crisis and wish to shift their thinking and perceptions through self-awareness.

My style of therapy may be a little different than what you are used to because I don’t rely 100 percent on theories to guide my practice. Intuition and evaluation of your unique situation always come first, and these principles guide everything I do and say during your treatment. I function in the moment and engage with the energy my patient presents to me during his or her session. I strive to fully comprehend your issues before I prescribe a treatment regimen. Some therapists have more of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and that’s not how I work.

My career brings me a lot of stimulation and joy, but when it’s time to relax and have fun, I pride myself on being able to take off the work hat and go all in! I love spending time with friends and am blessed to have a close network of loved ones who always support and look out for each other.

My friends would tell you that I am focused, ambitious and goal-oriented. Outside of work, I love pursuing creative outlets, such as singing and writing songs, playing the violin, designing jewelry and fusing glass. I wrote poetry as a young child, and looking back on it, those were my first songwriting forays. I see opportunities for creativity everywhere. Being in a profession that relies so much on verbal communication, it’s refreshing to express myself in nonverbal ways and allow myself to be engulfed in and completely transported through a creative process.

I am all about change and growth. It doesn’t have to take forever or even years to shift and grow, however, you must be willing and motivated if you want to make great strides. If you are willing and motivated, I can help you.

Questions about me or how I work? Don’t hesitate to ask. I offer a free consult to determine if our therapeutic relationship would be a good fit. I look forward to speaking with you to overcome whatever obstacles you may be facing.