About Me
I love stories, in all of their forms.
Stories have immense power to influence the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes the stories we learned in our families, the media, culture, and society are uplifting and hopeful. However, far too often the stories we hear relay a message that there is something wrong with us, that we don’t fit in, that we are broken, flawed, or unworthy.
I can assure you, you are worthy.
You are worthy of care, empathy, understanding, and respect. You matter, your story matters, what has happened in your life, what is happening in your life – matters. Sharing your story with someone who is non-judgmental and empathetic can, in itself, be incredibly healing.
I would love to hear your story, when you are ready.
Why do I say, “when you are ready”? As an integrative narrative therapist, I don’t expect to know more about you than you know about yourself. I’m not going to immediately start making assumptions and interpretations in the first session.
You are the expert in your own life, and you will know when you are ready to share your story. Perhaps your story will trickle into our conversations slowly, or maybe you just need to get it all out at once because you have been holding onto the pain for far too long. However you want to approach your journey in therapy, I will be there, alongside you, working collaboratively with you to help you discover the meaning behind your experiences. You and I will find ways to let go of long-held beliefs that have held you back from discovering your authentic self and establishing ownership of your life.
My therapeutic approach.
If you have always felt judged, unworthy, or not good enough, the therapeutic relationship that we develop will feel very different. I approach every client with non-judgment and compassion. I want to know you – the real you, the messy, imperfect, wonderful, full-of-potential, you. At the same time, I will honor your process, knowing that we all have different levels of comfort around sharing information and emotions. Through exploring your stories, you and I will uncover information and emotions that can help you recognize your strengths as well as opportunities for growth.
In addition to using Narrative Therapy techniques and storytelling, I lean heavily on attachment theory and Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) as a frame of reference when conceptualizing how your early life may affect your development, relationships, and self-concept. Working from an attachment and IFS frame is also an important part of my work with individuals who have experienced trauma. It goes without saying that trauma, whether experienced in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or all of the above can have a tremendous impact on your mental, spiritual, and physical health. Fortunately, the effects of, and treatments for trauma have been a subject of study in the mental health field for decades and we have many tools to help you process and emerge from your traumatic experiences.
In addition to working with all types of trauma, I specialize in working with folx who are struggling with spiritual or religious trauma, religious transitions, and/or religious questioning.
True healing does happen.
Although it may feel overwhelming, even hopeless at times, there are many ways we can work together to help you transcend your experiences and come out the other side stronger, healthier, and more empowered than you thought possible. Implementing various strategies including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), inner child work, and narrative therapy can help you understand and integrate your traumatic experiences.
In addition, working creatively is an important part of who I am and how I work. Every situation and every client is different and I love collaborating with my clients in creative ways to help us to more deeply and meaningfully explore your story. Integrating art, writing, music, poetry, body work, mindfulness practices, or anything else that may spark something in you can be a very rewarding and meaningful way to work together.
I see you.
Finally, I want to express how important it is for me, that you feel seen and respected. I have experience working with a diverse group of individuals from so many backgrounds and stories that there are really too many to list. I want to emphasize how much I respect and advocate with and for LGBTQIA++ individuals, people of color, and others from stigmatized and marginalized communities. My overarching way-of-being is centered on acceptance, love, and compassion. With me, you are worthy, period – not “in spite of” or “anyway” – you are simply, worthy and valuable, that’s it. You matter.
I recognize my privilege as a white, cisgender, middle class woman, and I am happy and willing to discuss our cultures and identities, and how they may be affecting our relationship and work together. I am a lifelong learner and I feel it is my duty as a mental health professional to advocate with and for those who experience oppression and rejection in our society and the world.
Therapy works.
I have seen therapy change my own life and the lives of so many others. I am passionate about what I do and I always feel so honored and humbled to work alongside my clients who are so willing to share themselves with me and work hard toward their growth and healing. I believe every person has a desire to grow and improve their lives, and I know that deep down, you have everything you need within you to heal and thrive. I see therapy as my calling in life, and I can’t wait to start our work together.
My background & other random facts.
I first became interested in psychology when I was in high school. As a teenager, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and regular panic attacks. My experience from adolescence forward is what initially sparked my interest in mental health. I have since learned skills to manage my anxiety through inner child work, yoga, meditation, storytelling, and creativity. My other major interest is art. I attended art school and continue to benefit from the therapeutic effects of expressing myself creatively.
I attended California State University Fullerton where I earned a bachelor’s of science in human services and a master’s of science in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. I am passionate about art, creativity, yoga, family, connection, social justice, learning, and my work as a therapist.
Other random facts: I am a mother and grandmother, I love board games, dungeons & dragons, reading, creating, writing, connecting with others, attending yoga events, and living in Southern California. I am an introvert and an empath which means that I cherish moments of solitude and I also love to connect with others on a deep level. My favorite books are fantasy, biography, yogic philosophy, and psychology.