What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
In one word: mindfulness. The principle of bringing a curious awareness to the present moment over and over again has proven to be the most transformative skill I’ve ever learned. This concept changes everything. It gets you out of auto-pilot and empowers you to become an active participant in your own life. Whatever your goal, whether it be to experience deeper inner peace, to feel more connected in your relationships, to achieve greater success, to cultivate more robust health or to engage more actively in your community, mindfulness is a universal tool to support your endeavors.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I've always felt that Western psychology explained how the brain worked and how trauma, loss and our early relationships greatly influence our current lives. But it seemed to be missing a few key ingredients for healing – such as connecting to one's spirituality, understanding the impacts of diet and exercise on mental health and attending to the physical experience of the body. That's why it only seemed natural for me to integrate these aspects of total health into my therapy practice. Psychotherapy is an opportunity to explore the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, behaviors and body sensations that influence one another and ultimately determine the outcome of your life and your ability to enjoy it. My approach to therapy blends mindfulness and manifestation — spiritual practices that work together to help you release resistance and accept the present (mindfulness) and envision and create what you desire for your future (manifestation.) Holistic psychotherapy is distinct from traditional psychotherapy in that the field of mental health is built upon a foundation of assessing, diagnosing and treating mental illness, whereas the intent of holistic psychotherapy is to empower individuals to make positive changes to optimize their lives.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I don’t think anyone really pursues a career as a healer, I think it pursues you! When you have a calling to help others, your life reveals this purpose to you and provides you all the experiences you need to develop your skills. I pulled inspiration from a number of places. Teachers were early role models for me, as they were infinitely patient, present and attentive. My own family dynamic was grist for the mill. I took the job as peacemaker early on — a role that when unhealthy can hinder you as a healer, but when harnessed consciously, is an invaluable asset. As early as middle school, I attracted friends who needed lots of emotional support, due to having less-than-optimal family lives. This was my first unofficial training as a therapist — listening, empathizing and providing feedback and encouragement. In high school, my father made a career change to become a therapist, and we would have in-depth conversations about our own family system and how it developed that way. This further fueled my curiosity.
Specialties
Artists' mental health
There’s been a long history of debating the connection between creativity and mental illness. Research shows mixed results but ultimately, anyone can experience mental health issues in relation to professional burnout or work-related stress.
Creative blocks & writer's block
Inability to access inspiration or internal source of creativity. Not a diagnosable condition but connected to mental health disorders like anxiety. Experienced most often by writers, musicians, performers, and other artists.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
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.
Medical professionals' mental health
Many medical professionals have extremely difficult jobs. When the result of one’s work is a matter of life or death, stress is typical. Medical professionals’ mental health is oftentimes impacted by experiencing vicarious trauma, working long hours, feeling underpaid or unappreciated, and believing that the well-being of others is more important than their own. This may lead toward distress, compromised performance, resentment, poor mental and/or physical health, and burnout.
General Expertise
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$180
First Session
$180
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Existential Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Relational Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Transpersonal Therapy
Licensure
CA, LMFT, MFC107413
Education
Master of Arts
Counseling Psychology
Sofia University
Work History
I've worked as a psychotherapist for 9 years in various settings and with diverse populations. I've provided intensive behavioral services for children with autism, inpatient support groups for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and in-home community mental health services for children and families effected by trauma. The past 6 years I've been in private practice, where I've seen children, couples, families and individuals addressing a range of concerns.
Location
556 S Fair Oaks Ave, Ste 101 #369, Pasadena, 91105, CA