In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
In order to take care of others, we must learn to take care of ourselves.
What does a first session with you look like?
In the first session, I will go over any questions, concerns, and fears about therapy. I open the floor to share an introduction of yourself, I share my background as a therapist, such as education, specialties, experience, and responsibilities as your therapist. We then will go over the answers to the assessments presented in the initial assessment documentation submitted. We will close the session with client commitment until the next session.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
There is different types of therapy; therapy is not a one-size fits all. There is emerging models of therapy that can work for you and not work for others. It is an experience I encourage everyone to do.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Attachment issues
Children that experience parents and/or guardians that are avoidant, ambivalent, or resistant from an early age, may develop attachment issues. This can manifest as difficulty forming or maintaining friendships, romantic relationships and empathetic bonds throughout life, as well as other issues.
Cultural adjustment
Moving to another place or living in a different culture requires a normal adjustment period. This happens at different rates for different people, some adjusting more quickly than others. Can potentially lead to ongoing issues.
Fees
$150
First Session
$130
Couples Therapy
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Strength Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Training / Certifications
EAGALA: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Personal Development
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 114814
Education
Doctor of Social Work, In Process- Estimated Grad Date August 2022- California Baptist University
Master of Science Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, California Baptist University
B.S Human Services- Mental Health and Substance Abuse, California University of Fullerton
Work History
I began my career as an admissions counselor for a drug and substance abuse residential treatment facility, there I assisted families and adolescents begin the road to recovery. Following that, I assisted families by providing therapy in the community or their home, here finding ways to cope with the challenges that surround them day to day. In the current day, I use the techniques of cognitive-behavioral, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing to assist families, couples, adolescents, and adults with their own challenges. If appropriate, and in-person sessions incorporate the use of horses in assisted therapy.
Location
16820 Ponderosa Lane, Riverside, 92504, CA