I believe in the client as the expert on their life, and our relationship as collaborative and egalitarian. My treatment approaches entail a plethora of modalities, including CBT, ACT, person-centered, EFT, and transtheoretical. I am most interested in how I can support your therapeutic goals and I adopt my treatment approach that best meets your counseling needs.

If a person suffers from pervasive depression or anxiety, it is often rooted from unresolved Type II trauma and/or epigenetic factors. Therefore, my initial approach with clients with a long history of depression or anxiety begins with understanding the “unique you” that is compiled from generational influences (genetic and cultural), life experiences, and your value system. I often incorporate genogram work, epigenetic exploration, and psychoeducation regarding how reactivity and impaired functioning occurs from unresolved trauma. Most importantly, I help clients seize that knowledge to navigate their journey moving forward, using their strengths and talents, to achieve healing, acceptance (resolve), and growth from suffering.

Your life, your narrative of your life, and your desire for purpose and growth matter. My role is to listen and understand your life lens, and to provide active, genuine congruence in your venture towards healing and wellness.

I am a huge proponent of incorporating nature immersion into a wellness plan. Studies indicate that exposure to nature significantly decreases depressive and anxious symptoms, and improves cognition and stress management skills. We can foster softer perspectives about our stressors, relationships, and existential crises when we spend more time in forests, parks, beaches and natural habitats. Part of my theoretical orientation in all treatment modalities includes some inclusion of nature and prioritizing regular respites from First World distractions.

As a California mental health practitioner, the importance of addressing ecosystemic trauma cannot be understated. Environmental stress includes (but is not limited to) living in drought, wildfires, flooding, excessive snowfall, and heatwaves. Adversity to natural settings in areas with repeated ecosystemic trauma is an understandable stress response. The unique and increasing weather events of the Pacific Coast states undeniably add to mental health struggles. I am passionate about developing a healing relationship with nature and championing pain to purpose through environmental appreciation, exposure, and conservation.

Indulge in a few moments with your eyes closed and freeing your mind from your daily distractions. Just a few minutes of this practice each day helps to calm negative thoughts and restore better cognitive functioning.