What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Trust. It's hard to be vulnerable and open up to someone. It's essential to have a good relationship with your therapist so you can explore your thoughts and figure out what you really want and/or the root cause that is causing you distress.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
My undergraduate degree was in French and I had no idea how to translate that into a job. I ended up joining the Peace Corps and following that, moved to Japan and taught English. I had no idea what I wanted nor how to figure it out. As a result, I have a lot of empathy for my clients who are going through a similar experience. I help them by asking relevant questions, offering career assessments, noticing and pointing out patterns, assigning relevant homework, acting as a sounding board and as a partner in the process.
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
One of the many reasons I love my work is because I never know what to expect. Each client is unique and comes with different perspectives on the world. I love asking questions and I wait with curiosity to see how my client responds. I see my questions as keys that unlock doors my clients didn't even know were there. Finding these doors, i.e., discovering these hidden aspects and leaving with insight into who they are and what they want is life changing. I love being part of the process and the journey with my clients.
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.
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.
General Expertise
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.
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.
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.
Life coaching
Process designed to equip people with tools, motivation, and inspiration necessary to make positive change and maximize personal and professional potential. Life coaches are generally helpful during life transitions or for goal setting and completion.
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.
Fees
$165
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Coaching
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
National Board Certified Counselor
National Board Certified Coach
Beck Institute: CBT Essentials; CBT for Anxiety; CBT for Depression
Licensure
TX, LPC, 67778
Education
Master of Arts, Counseling, University of San Diego
Work History
Career counselor since 2000. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas since 2014.
Location
Virtual Appointment Only via phone or video, Houston, 77005, TX