What does a first session with you look like?
A first session with me is really focused on getting to know you. You are a unique individual, and I aim to understand you, your story, and what your goals are. I’m curious to know what brings you to therapy and what your goals and expectations are. I address limits of confidentiality, risk and benefits of therapy, and my approach. I would like to help you feel comfortable with moving forward and working with me.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I will admit that taking that first step to looking or asking for help is scary and sometimes intimidating. I’ve been there. I have felt overwhelmed, insecure, and sometimes rejected. I recall going through a list of therapists to have only a few respond back and inform me they had no availability. I felt discouraged. BUT when I didn’t give up and found the right therapist for me. Therapy became my outlet, a safe and open space that I looked forward to going. And so, my hope is that if you would be willing to take the next steps you would be able to find a therapist who you feel comfortable opening up and sharing your life story with, without feeling judged or condemned but that your therapist would come along side you and help navigate whatever it may be you would like to focus on. Therapy is about you working through whatever pains and/or hurts you may have and want to focus on to become a healthier YOU.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
At the age of 10 years old, in 5th grade my family attended family therapy. We also worked with a social worker. Therapy didn’t last long but I remember a seed had been planted and the idea had been born that I would want to work with children and families. I too wanted to help make a difference in someone’s life. Fast forward to my college years. I was uncertain of my major but as soon as I took psychology courses, I knew I had found my path. As life continued, my own personal experiences continued to influence my pathway to my career. My personal hurts and pains led me to this profession. It is through my own healing that my passion and desire to help others has developed.
Specialties
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.
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.
Parenting issues
Parenting issues involve those associated with the child-rearing process. These may include safety, discipline, nutrition, finances, childcare, school, household rules, chores, daily routines, social activities, and relationships with extended family members. Because child-rearing practices vary by culture, cultural norms must be considered.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
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.
Fees
$130
First Session
$175
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Marriage and Family Therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Training / Certifications
Nationally Certified in TF-CBT
Certified Trainer in PCIT
Trained in PC-CARE
Trained in QPR Suicide Prevention
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 110680
Education
MA of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy, Azusa Pacific University
Work History
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I strive to help individuals develop new strategies to handle life’s challenges and stressors while reaching their full potential. I have experience working with individuals who have endured trauma, are adjusting to life stressors such as relational issues, family changes, life transitions, bullying, depression, anxiety, school and work stressors. I have worked with children and families providing Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), with adolescents and young adults have utilized Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to address their hurts and pains they have endured. Lastly, I have worked with college age students providing Christian faith based counseling. I am passionate about helping individuals overcome their challenges and find growth in those experiences. My treatment approach is client-centered and solution focused in which I utilize the resiliency and strengths of my clients to assist them in obtaining their goals.
Location
1679 E. Orangethorpe Ave #24, Placentia, 92811, CA