I was born and raised in the sun-drenched city of Phoenix, Arizona. I relocated to California in 2016 after most of my extended family moved to Sonoma County. It is important for me to remain close to family, so the decision to make California my home was a natural one for me. I have been a licensed mental health professional for over 10 years, working as a therapist providing services firmly rooted in evidenced-based practices.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked in adolescent and teen residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and now full-time in private practice. I am being trained in court-involved therapy, which includes adolescent and teen therapy, co-parenting therapy, and reunification therapy. I currently see clients in my office located in Santa Rosa, following CDC guidelines for safety. I also provide an outdoor option meeting with clients at parks, for hikes, or walks. I remain flexible and sensitive to the specific needs of individual clients as the challenging dynamics of the pandemic evolve. When possible, I meet in person with clients, as face-to-face contact is a meaningful part of the therapeutic relationship, helping to build trust and rapport. I am fully vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines for all in-person therapy sessions. I currently see clients in Sonoma County, Marin County and Napa County. For clients who cannot, or are uncomfortable meeting in person, I am also available by Zoom.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked in adolescent and teen residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and now full-time in private practice. I am being trained in court-involved therapy, which includes adolescent and teen therapy, co-parenting therapy, and reunification therapy. I currently see clients in my office located in Santa Rosa, following CDC guidelines for safety. I also provide an outdoor option meeting with clients at parks, for hikes, or walks. I remain flexible and sensitive to the specific needs of individual clients as the challenging dynamics of the pandemic evolve. When possible, I meet in person with clients, as face-to-face contact is a meaningful part of the therapeutic relationship, helping to build trust and rapport. I am fully vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines for all in-person therapy sessions. I currently see clients in Sonoma County, Marin County and Napa County. For clients who cannot, or are uncomfortable meeting in person, I am also available by Zoom.
My approach to treatment
I believe effective therapy starts with a safe and empathic connection between client and therapist. Whether you are considering therapy for the first time to address an issue or problem, or resuming therapy after a break, my job is to make this process meaningful, helpful, and educational from the very first session. Even if the thought of therapy seems intimidating at first, I believe you will quickly find that the process can in fact be a source of strength, comfort, camaraderie and maybe even fun! Together, we will explore the here and now of what is troubling you. You will learn about the different treatment modalities available to you, and we will develop a plan that makes the most out of your therapeutic experience. Psychotherapy involves an investment of self, time, and money. I consider it crucial that my clients understand the process and what is involved. I will address any questions you have so you can begin your therapy informed and empowered to start making lasting change from the very first session.
I approach therapy from a place of non-judgment and unconditional positive regard. My goal is to help you find your own solutions to your problems, with me serving as guide along the way. I work in a direct, results-oriented way and find that many clients are ready to graduate from therapy within a three to six month period. We will review your goals and progress regularly to ensure you are getting what you need from the experience. Clients wishing to extend their therapy to address additional concerns may do so, and we will develop a secondary treatment plan accordingly. The priority from day one is that therapy serves and benefits you, the client.
I utilize various treatment options, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I incorporate art therapy techniques and play therapy techniques when working with adolescents.
I treat most mental health diagnosis or problems as well as dual diagnosis and substance abuse.
For best outcomes, I work holistically and collaboratively with other professionals involved with a client's care: school counselors, psychiatrists, medical doctors. Coordination with other service providers, is indicated for providing best treatment outcomes that create positive and lasting change.