If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
So many of us live with significant emotional discomfort and operate as though there will never be relief - that it is a state of being that we must adjust to. In many circumstances we address our physical pain issues by going to our healthcare providers, but place little attention on the need to maintain our emotional health. Talking with someone has incredible immediate and long term benefits to bring ease, clarity and direction to what can feel like an unsolvable situation. What we know for sure is that life will bring us challenges, so why face those alone when you can have the support you need to move though it?
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
One of the most important parts of counseling is being able to feel a connection with your therapist. I create a safe space for you to share, while also infusing education, support and of course humor into our sessions. My goal is that our time together serves as a therapeutic retreat from the whirl of commitments that surround everyday life.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I provide a gentle yet nurturing, non-judgemental style in my counseling approach. I want to meet you where you are at, emotionally, and help you meet your therapeutic goals using interventions that are best suited to your interests and personal situation.
Specialties
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
Infidelity
Issues related to infidelity, typically within a relationship. Can include infidelity by the person seeking therapy or a partner. Can include discussion of issues related to trust, communication, and questions related to why it occurred/is occurring and processing the events.
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.
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.
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.
Dependence issues
Relying on others to an unhealthy degree. May manifest as submissiveness, clinginess, or fear of being alone. Generally stems from a lack of self-efficacy, making people feel unable to make simple decisions or express disagreement.
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Couples Therapy
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Associate Clinical Social Work Supervisor/Instructor
Co-Author, Adaption to Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survival: The Perspective of Elderly Asian/Pacific Islander Wives, Journal of Health and Social Work, May 2005 Volume 30 Number 2
Licensure
CA, LCSW, 26922
Education
Masters Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Emphasis – University of Hawaii at Manoa June 2002
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology with Distinction – University of Hawaii at Manoa June 2000
Work History
My work history has largely been rooted in helping clients in the healthcare setting who are adjusting to both acute and chronic challenges in their lives. I have worked for almost 20 years in the healthcare environment providing psychotherapy to patients and their families as they navigate difficult decisions and evaluate personal change to promote longterm wellness. In this setting, I provide counseling and client-centered support for individuals involved directly or indirectly with crisis, depression, anxiety, communication issues, relationship issues and infidelity.
Location
El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 92008, CA