My Approach
Whether you are 13, 30 or 85 being able to be a small part of your journey is such an honor! I work collaboratively with you to help you reach whatever goals it is that you set. I use a variety of techniques all starting with TEAM CBT to help you reach those goals and I work hard to make therapy a positive experience for you. Life can be tough. I want to be a safe space for you to be honest, open and willing to heal. I strongly believe in the connection in the mind, body and soul. My goal is to work with you to alleviate whatever you have impeding a smooth and happy existence for you.
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I believe that we all need support. Sometimes we can get that support from our friends and family. Sometimes we need professional support to help guide us and teach us what we need to make our lives better. I feel that as a professional sessions don't always need to be stuffy. I believe humor is a huge part of healing. I also believe that you have tools that you have used that have made you successful. I want to build upon those and give you more tools that will be lasting and unique to what YOU need.
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Together I believe that that can happen!
SPECIALITIES:
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Overachievement burnout (resulting in stress, anxiety and depression)
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LGBTQ+ issues and concerns (including transgender care, coming out and navigating coming out late in life)
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Life transitions (both positive and negative)
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Christian Counseling
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Issues I support:​
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Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, verbal)
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Anxiety, Phobias and Stress Management
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Body Image Issues
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Christian Counseling
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High School/College Issues in high pressure environments like the Silicon Valley
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Communication and connection with others
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Depression
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Difficulties with Self-Esteem
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Eating Issues/Negative relationship with food
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Family Conflict inside and outside the home
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Gender/Sexuality struggles (transitioning, coming out, acceptance of self and from others, issues/challenges within polyamorous relationships)
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Grief/Loss (death, divorce, loss of job, loss of a pet, loss of friendships)
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Life Transitions (positive and negative)
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LGBTQ+ issues/concerns (coming out, transitioning, stress/anxiety, depression, interpersonal connection)
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Mindfulness/Meditation
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Non-traditional relationships and sexuality (non-monogamy, polyamory, kink)
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Peer issues/conflicts
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Perfectionism
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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Professional/Career Issues
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Relationship Issues (dating post COVID, pre-marital counseling, marriage, divorce, breaking up/ending relationships)
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Sexual Trauma
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Social Struggles (building/maintaining friendships)
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Spirituality
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Suicidal ideation
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Trauma
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Women's Issues
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Other Issues
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​QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
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TEAM CBT certified Level 2
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #82585
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Master of Arts in Psychology, Chapman University
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology emphasis in children, youth and families, California State University at San Marcos
EXPERIENCE:
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Working in the private practice setting helping individuals, youth and their families work through a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions and LGBTQ+ issues. (2014 - present)
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Clinical Director and Marriage and Family Therapist - Teen Therapy Center of Silicon Valley & Family Therapy Center of Silicon Valley (2019 - 2022)
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Clinical Program Manager for Unity Care Group - Supervisor supporting therapists working with foster care youth in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. (2018)
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Mental Health Therapist for Miri Center - school based mental health through Individual Education Plans, helping youth access their education by decreasing mental health struggles. (2016 & 2018)
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Wellness Counselor and Clinical Supervisor for San Mateo Union High School District. Individual and group therapy, crisis management, parent/staff/school wide education around common mental health issues. (2016 - 2018)
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Mental Health Specialist, Care Coordinator and Facilitator for Starlight Community Services focused on probation and at-risk youth. Collaborated with a variety of agencies to help support youth and their families to increase the overall well being and mental heath of youth. (2012-2014)
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Marriage & Family Trainee for Monterey County Children's Behavioral HealthWorked within a collaborative at Silver Star Resource Center for youths between the ages of 6-21 who are experiencing difficulties in the areas of gang involvement, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, truancy, employment, mental health and/or family conflict. (2010 - 2012)
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Suicide & Crisis Hotline Volunteer /Outreach Coordinator for Santa Cruz County Prevention Line (2008-2010).