If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is care for the brain and body. Therapy can help people work through all types of issues both big and small. Therapy is something that I believe should be accessible to anyone who wants it. I think that anyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy is a space where you can be heard by a caring professional who is interested in you, and who wants to know your story. It is a safe place to learn about yourself and grow into the person you want to be.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
Yes, I have notice themes and common issues in my work as a couple's therapist. I find that often the biggest challenge the couple is facing is that they do not understand each other's perspective. Recognizing this has helped me help couples move from disconnect to connection more quickly. I believe that since I am outside the marital system I am better able to take in what is being said and hear the meaning rather than react to the tone, volume, and content of what is being said. In contrast a spouse who feels like they are being criticized or called out on something may have difficulty listening to understand instead of respond.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Determination of therapy goals is a collaborative process between the client and myself. I ask them to tell me what brought them in to see me. Then I share with them how I do therapy. Next, I ask what they hope to get out of our time together. Their answer to that question is usually our first goal. When I notice improvement or at least every 8-12 weeks I will check in on how my clients feel about the progress they are making in achieving their goals. If we have accomplished the goal or goals set we discuss other areas they want to work on. If they don't have other concerns to address we begin the termination process, going from weekly to every other week, to monthly, and finally ending therapy with the option for them to return for maintenance as needed.
Specialties
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
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.
Couples
Provides couples therapy/counseling
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.
Sexuality Based Issues
Sexuality refers to habits and preferences in terms of sexual behavior, which people express in many ways. Issues in this area may be related to confusion or distress about sexuality or sexual identity.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Caregiver stress & support
Caring for a friend or family member (paid or unpaid) includes emotional support, housework, help with finances, medication management, and shopping. Can be stressful, making caregivers more vulnerable to things like anxiety, isolation, and fatigue.
Fees
$175
First Session
$225
Family Therapy
$175
Couples Therapy
$100
Group Therapy
$175
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Family Session
Individual Session
Retreats
Group Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Coaching
Marriage and Family Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Training / Certifications
1987 United States Air Force, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas Medical Services Specialist/EMT
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 102490
Education
2020 Doctor of Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Irvine, California Major: Marriage and Family Therapy Dissertation: An Evaluation of RESET: Military Reintegration Training and Support Program
2014 Master of Arts, Hope International University, Fullerton, California Major: Marriage and Family Therapy
2011 Bachelor of Science, University of Phoenix, Arizona Major: Human Development
1997 Associate of Arts, Orange Coast College, California Major: Culinary Arts
Work History
I have a strong desire to help couples, families, and adult individuals find hope and healing as they learn to understand themselves and the world around them. I work with folks who face various physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges that are negatively impacting the way they are experiencing life and relationships. I am a Trauma Informed Attachment Theory Therapist. This means that I believe that people learn how to be in relationship, in their infancy, from their primary caregivers. This is not to say that we are here to blame parents. Most parents did or are doing the best they can with what they have. As an attachment theory therapist, I work with my clients to gain insight into who they are and what they value. We explore their life and relationship experiences to find patterns that give can give us information about the underlining cause or causes of the struggles that brought them in to meet with me. When we discover what is behind the struggle(s) my clients and I collaborate to design a plan that works to help them bring about the changes in their life and relationship that they want to see.
Location
41197 Golden Gate Circle, Suite 207, Murrieta, 92562, CA