What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
Moving from Tanzania, I grew up in a community where those who were fortunate supported those who were less fortunate. Every Sunday my parents would make food and take my brother and I to distribute it to the homeless community. I remember laughing with the homeless community as they would tell us jokes and express gratitude. Moving to the U.S. at the young age of 10, I was overwhelmed by the homeless population and how the lower income communities were treated. I couldn't figure what made the cultures here so divided - I was confused, angry, and sad. My experience birthed the commitment to rebuild hope, lift voices that are silenced, and acknowledge the resilience that has been stunted in so many people. The passion to build hope and touch as many lives as possible extends beyond the homeless community; it's for everyone: people of color who face the challenges of cultural duality, women who are learning to use their voice with power and grace, men who want to normalize expressing all their emotions. Each of us has an internal battle we are facing, and I hope to be part of the strength and resilience that you build to get through those battles you are facing. It takes a team to build a thriving and fulfilling life - and I am on YOUR team.
If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
I personally have grown to deeply appreciate Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. Although this book is about authentically connecting with other people, it more deeply explores the attachment styles that impact all relationships, including the relationship we have with ourselves. It gives you a deeper understanding of how your attachment style affects your day-to-day decisions, triggers, choices, and thinking. This is my personal go-to if you are experiencing anxiety. Normalizing your attachment style and learning tools to manage it helps bring out your most authentic self to the world. A recent book I have also found myself enjoying is The Queen's Code by Allison Armstrong. It's an interesting take on feminine and masculine energies that each and every one of us embodies. For many years we've grown up learning men are from Mars and women are from Venus. What exactly does that mean? The Queen's Code clearly outlines how the different structures of our brain affect the way we communicate and think. It provides insight on how we can better understand the differences between men and women, and more importantly, embrace and value them.
Specialties
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
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.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
Fees
$250
First Session
$250
Individual Therapy
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Coaching
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Jungian Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Multicultural Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology
Training / Certifications
Certified Advanced Crystal Healer
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Certificate - IPI
Licensure
CA, LCSW, 71098
CA, LCSW, 71098
Education
Master's in Social Work
Bachelors in Social Psychology
Bachelors in Criminology, Law, and Society
Location
12304 Santa Monica Blvd, , Los Angeles, 90025, CA