What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
There's still a HUGE stigma surrounding mental health. That negativity has an influence on people deciding on seeking therapeutic services. “Therapy is for crazy people, and I’m not crazy.” But that’s the thing – therapy isn’t for “crazy people.” Society has made going to therapy or a struggle with mental health, into some twisted, scary movie plot. Movies portray psychiatric wards or rehab facilities, as places where patients secretly harm themselves, engage in risky behaviors, end up strapped to their bed or in a padded room. That’s just fiction, entertainment – it’s not reality. Therapy helps people overcome the challenges that prevent them from becoming the person they want to be. Therapy is a team approach. Together we come up with a plan, some goals you would like to accomplish. Maybe you want to feel inspired or improve the quality of your life. People seek therapy for many reasons, most commonly because certain things are hard to face alone. You sought help for a reason. We’re in this together, and I’m confident you can become a better version of yourself. The next step is in your hands!
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
The therapeutic relationship is unique. It’s most likely one of the healthiest relationships you’ve ever had OR will ever have. I encourage you to be open and honest, without the fear of hurting someone’s feelings or being the focus of retaliating remarks. Communication is a great tool, OR your biggest fear and barrier. That’s what we do in session, we communicate, we TALK. Believe it or not, you start to look forward to our conversations. You start to use what you learned in session, in your everyday life. I’ll be your companion in therapy. Therapy with me is like traveling in an unknown country, it can feel overwhelming, exciting, scary, anxiety provoking, but you’re not alone. I’m with you to guide you. You may not have been there before, but I have. I’m going to see you through. I’ll make sure you get to where you’re going. All I ask is you stay with me, learn to trust I know the way. Like most journeys, if you leave the guide, you can get lost. Have you ever been lost? It’s not a good feeling. I’ll give you guidance. You’ll have practice tools as you think about your next step. The answers will start to be clearer, and you’ll know how to weigh the options and see potential outcomes. If you’re willing to put in the work on investing in yourself, I’m also willing to work just as hard with you.
What does a first session with you look like?
Together we work on your identified problems or challenges. I gather all that information during the first scheduled appointment. I develop what is called a “Treatment Plan,” and together we discuss your goals for therapy. What you would like to work on. Together we work toward these goals. The treatment plan goals you make initially aren’t set in stone. Much like you, they’re unique, and can change as you accomplish or change your goals.
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.
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.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
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
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.
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.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
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.
Fees
$180
First Session
$180
Couples Therapy
$180
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Coaching
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
Training / Certifications
EMDR
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 104479
Education
M.A.
Work History
Are you stuck in a vicious cycle of little to no motivation, low self-esteem, and unfulfilled goals? Has that cycle led to increased anxiety and depression? Whether you find yourself at this point due to traumatic childhood experiences or another reason, one thing’s very clear: pushing through doesn’t work anymore. You can’t control your emotions. The crying spells and angry outbursts are affecting your work and personal life. What do you do? You need to get to the cause of the pain and then work through it. There are many ways to overcome your challenges, but therapy is usually the quickest, most effective, and safest way to do it. I use a powerful combination of coping skills, mindfulness, behavior modification and trauma work. Together we identify and release those painful images and emotions that have held you back for far too long. Time can definitely heal, but how much you heal depends on you and your efforts. You’ll be able to use the things you learn in therapy for the rest of your life. Much like working with a personal trainer to get in shape, I help you improve your overall mental fitness. Learn to love and accept yourself. Be a better spouse, partner, or parent. Live a more fulfilled life! And THRIVE instead of just exist. You deserve it! Call me for a free phone consultation, and discover your potential for happiness!
Location
1616 W. Shaw Ave., Fowler, 93711, CA