About

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. I am absolutely passionate about teaching people to become their own thought leader, and to become the best version of themselves. I have worked with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and many other struggles, many of which are just a part of being human and living life.

It's amazing how much our experience can improve when we learn to identify unhelpful and damaging patterns of thought, and reframe the way we approach our problems, our relationships, and our lives. My therapeutic guideposts are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, Gottman theory (for couples), Existential (what is the meaning of our life?), and Somatic (body) work.

I operate largely from a holistic perspective, due to my belief that our minds and bodies are not separate, but interconnected, and so I frequently focus on Somatic work (conscious breathing, meditation, physical movement) to help clients discover the mind-body connection and ways to promote awareness and healing. I believe that Mindfulness is a “super-power” and teaches us the ability to respond to life in a way that is more thoughtful and in line with our personal values.

When I work with clients I begin with exploring what their values are, and this becomes the foundation for all of the work we do together, as I believe we are most satisfied with life when we are living true to our values. The skills we build together are based upon the client’s value system.

I look forward to teaching my clients that experiencing difficult and/or uncomfortable emotions is part of the full range of the human experience, and just as we experience joy........sadness, grief, anxiety, and other difficult emotions are "normal" human emotions and part of the full spectrum of what we experience in being fully alive human beings. I also teach that when we can make some space for these difficult emotions, instead of fighting against them, they tend to pass by and/or through us with much more ease.

I practice lots of self-care so that I can hold space for others who are struggling with emotional pain, trauma, or just going through a difficult time or life transition.

I'm a gay affirmative therapist, I create a safe space for and am an ally of the LGBTQIA population, and have personal closeness with this community.

I prefer to work with individuals who are willing to do some work and practice the awareness and skills learned in therapy in their daily lives and in their relationships with self and others, outside of the counseling sessions.

I am excited to walk with you and begin a journey of healing and growth.