I have over 40 years of experience working in the Holistic Health field, and so I draw from many different modalities where we explore together what is needed for change and growth. I believe that what is true for each person can be found within, so my job is to help you explore and find those answers and insights that lead to growth. I also offer a deeply personal and interactive relationship where I seek to provide the safety for this exploration, as well as the opportunity to have an experience of a relationship that is both corrective and healing. Our work may focus on managing current stressors, but we may also explore more deeply any underlying issues that can be rooted in history. These triggers often arise exactly when we are ready for this exploration, and so together we can do what alone may be too difficult. I also work with dreams as ways of bringing out what is unconscious, allowing your psyche to guide us toward what wants to become conscious. My work involves helping you to have a more honest and compassionate relationship with yourself, so you can be more authentic and intimate with others. [Read More]

“If I could give you any gift, it would be to see yourself through my eyes.” This is a quote I hold near and dear to my heart, as well as one I find myself living and standing by, both in and out of the therapy room. I do my best to shed light on my client’s strengths, so that they can live life as their most authentic selves. I find it easy to empathize with and empower others and apply this in both my personal and professional life. I would describe my approach to therapy as strength-based and collaborative, taking tools from several different models, in order to cater to the person in front of me and meet you where you are. Although I may be considered the expert in the room, you are the expert of your life. Therefore, I will do my best to pick up what you put down and act as a guide to assist you in areas of your life where you’re struggling. I believe success happens within the relationship. Therefore, it is important to create a foundation that caters to you so you can successfully reach your goals, while simultaneously having a safe space to give you a voice and choice. Lastly, I believe having and keeping an open mind, as well as staying curious, are key aspects to thriving and surviving in therapy and in life! If you’d like to connect, just reach out today! [Read More]

My interest in helping people began early in life when I found I had a heightened sensitivity toward the emotional challenges of friends and family. Watching the effects of divorce, substance abuse, and family dysfunction was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I knew I wanted to help undo this damage and prevent others from experiencing it. In college, at UC Irvine, I pursued the social sciences in hopes of helping others. When I was able to work with emotionally disturbed children, I knew I had found my passion. I found it particularly curious how a child’s well-being was so impacted by their parents’ mental health as well as the health of their marriage. It became clear to me that helping children meant helping their parents with their own issues as well. While pursuing my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology I focused on developing my skills with adults and teens. I found that many of the difficulties adults encountered, both individually and with their relationships, were compounded by their own childhoods and the beliefs they still carried. I began to focus on helping them heal old wounds as well as develop new tools to build a better quality of life. A few years later, I decided to challenge my skills by working with terminally and chronically ill children at Children’s Hospital of Orange. Working with children and families facing their mortality focused my attention on the importance of treating the whole individual – emotional, social and spiritual. I realized that an individual’s quality of life is dependant on their ability to manage their internal world, their relationships with their loved ones, and having a spiritual connection. After those particularly challenging years, I opened my private practice and felt is was important to treat adults, couples, teens and children. For over 20 years I have been helping people improve their quality of life. [Read More]

I’ve been working in the mental health field for four years and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in June 2019. I specialize in Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, working on identifying negative thought patterns that impact behavior. Mindfulness comes in the form of learning to be more compassionate, understanding and whole-hearted in the present rather than judgmental, shameful, or critical. Working with me, you will naturally develop an awareness of self through your values, beliefs, feelings, strengths and body. ​ I believe that every client I work with has the innate ability to heal themselves. It is the situations or moments in all our lives that create self-doubt, low self-worth, trauma, anxiety or depression that can derail us from our true path. Therapy is an amazing first step on getting back onto track. ​ I’m strength and positive based therapist as well. I will support you on seeing and valuing the strengths that you already have and learn how to begin utilizing those strengths towards a better self. I want you to feel empowered, listened too and find the connections in your story that led you to the path you are on today. I want to help you flip the negative narrative in your head you’ve been living with for too long and start being happier today! ​ I absolutely love my job and feel grateful every day I get the privilege to be a part of someone’s journey into self-discovery and healing. My other qualifications: Bachelors of Science in Criminology: Forensic Behavioral Science and a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology. My first experience in mental health was through The Effort Sacramento on the Suicide Prevention Hotline for two years. I’m a nerd at heart, loving all things from Star Wars to the latest horror movie. I’m passionate about all things Italian especially the art and language. I’ve been told I’m direct, open and honest. And oh, I’m a husky owner and love to laugh 🙂 You could find me somewhere on the American River Trail on the weekend or lost in a used bookstore. [Read More]