In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I bring levity and a light heart to the table. At the same time, I maintain an understanding of where you're at in life and what you need in order to overcome your hurdles and achieve your goals. I meet you where you're at.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
Unfortunately, stigma - not just for severe mental illness, but also for common symptoms - is a very real thing. In our society and cultural climate, philosophies of competition, isolation, performance, and compartmentalization have directly contributed to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even mortality. Moreover, people are led to believe that the need to process and resolve these issues is seen at best as unimportant, and at worst as a weakness. The antidote, then, is a small dose of bravery. I believe that's what inside you. Even the fact that you're considering therapy is brave and courageous, and whether or not you choose me to walk with you on your journey or go with another therapist, my hope for you is that you find what you're looking for and that you take to heart the truth that this - what you're about to embark upon - might be the best thing you'll ever do for yourself.
What does a first session with you look like?
In a nutshell, we 'll go over your reasons for seeking therapy, what you hope to obtain during our sessions together, and establish some mutually-agreed upon goals. Stepping into the world of therapy can be intimidating, so I want that first session to be comfortable for you. That's why we won't talk too in depth too soon, that will come later on.
Specialties
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.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
Spirituality & religion based issues
Spirituality and religion, to a great extent, shape our moral principles, beliefs, and values. They have a role in shaping our behavior and in our relationships. Issues may include questioning one’s faith, loss of faith, struggling to find meaning, and living a life incongruent with one’s belief.
General Expertise
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Family Therapy
$120
Couples Therapy
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Training / Certifications
Certified for the Provision of Couples and Family Counseling in CA
Licensure
CA, LPCC, 3808
OK, LPC, 4882
Education
Master of Arts, Counseling, Colorado Christian University
Work History
As I started my journey as a clinician over ten years ago, I worked as a case manager at a community mental heath clinic. I served a wide range of clients, including those that suffered with chronic and persistent mental illnesses, addiction, chronic indigence, psychiatric medication management, and other problems. I transitioned into working with teenagers and adolescents at Residential Treatment centers, dealing with Oppositional Defiant behaviors, Conduct Disorder, Trauma, and family and systems issues. I had the privilege to work intently with families to "reverse-engineer" systematic problems that were directly contributing to and manifesting in the child placed in treatment. Continuing in residential settings, I worked with a group applying behavioral modification through more structured analytic approaches. Around this time, I began my own private practice and took on a wide range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and older adults dealing with various life-stage or symptomatically-specific issues: anger problems, impulse control, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, phase of life issues, and many others. The unifying thread in these experiences is that I have learned to value each client individually and as a parts of their larger system. None of us operate independently from others. Each client I have worked with has had inherent value and worth, and my desire is to continue to walk with people during an apportioned season of their larger journey of life to work through difficulties, struggles, and hardships for their eventual benefit.
Location
705 Cajon St., Redlands, 92373, CA