I’m a human, just like you.
I’ve had many clients tell me they felt like their previous therapist was too old fashioned, they didn’t feel comfortable and ultimately they weren’t honest in therapy. This is the last thing I want my clients to feel with me! When you’re in session with me, you will see my human side and we will build a positive professional therapeutic relationship where you can feel relaxed and open.
If you’re wanting to know my credentials, I am happy to tell you. I have my B.S. from California State University, Fullerton in Psychology, and my M.S. from California State University, Fullerton in Counseling. I have been practicing for 20 years in a variety of settings including non-profit, county, school based and of course, private practice. I am a certified Parent and Child Interaction Therapist as well as Clinical Supervisor through the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
My approach in session is primarily Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Meaning, we will work on being aware of your thoughts, and feelings and find ways to change unhelpful thinking patterns to improve your anxiety. If I see it may help, I will also utilize interventions from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that can help with emotion regulation. If it appears there is a lot of past experiences that are affecting you in the present day, I will at times take a Psychodynamic approach to help you better understand and work through the past to better help you in the present. Most of all, I will work collaboratively with you to create an approach that is best fit for you, at your pace, and at your comfort level. I never push my clients in therapy to talk about things they’re not ready to.
It took me many years to learn that I was an empath. Social gatherings were always too overwhelming—I would over read into everyone’s emotions, body language and interactions. When I read, watched movies, and listened to music, I felt on a much deeper level than others. I was labeled as ‘too sensitive’ many times. However, I’ve learned how to develop these characteristics into useful tools. I’ve learned that sensitivity is a gift. This is likely what lead me to become a therapist, and how I can continue to work with emotions but keep it separate from myself. This is what I am happy to teach you too.