In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
I believe life is about what we make of it. We will face challenges, successes, hardships, and stagnation. It is not these events, but how we interpret and interact with these moments that determine our next steps. My treatment philosophy holds this to be true. In working together, we will explore how the challenges and hardships have influenced the way you view your life and relationships. We will also celebrate your successes and identify what worked for you in these moments. In stagnation, we will explore ways to light your fire to help you create the life you desire.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
For those who are uncertain, or hesitant, to try therapy, the first thing I want you to know is that there are no expectations for you to come as anything but who you are. We will begin from where you feel most comfortable and it is my responsibility to help you find a starting place when you aren’t sure where to begin. There are also no judgments about who you are or what you have experienced in life. All of us experience difficulties and challenges, and we do the best we can with what we know, at that time. Finally, I want you to know that everything you chose to share with me is kept confidential. It is my job to create a safe space where you feel free to be yourself, allow vulnerability, feel encouraged, and heal, mind and spirit.
What does a first session with you look like?
When we first meet, I like to get to know who you are and how I can support you in improving your life. We will talk not only about the problems and symptoms that are impacting your life, but also about what brings you joy, what your interests are, and what dreams you have. Additionally, we will talk about the change you want to see and how we can reach your goals together. I am open to your questions and invite feedback about what works or does not work for you in our sessions.
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.
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.
General Expertise
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.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent instability in relationships, extreme emotional reactions, and chronic fear of abandonment. People with this may also tend to be moody, experiencing a lot of high highs and low lows.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Body image issues
Due to continued exposure to images of “normal” or “desired” body types, people can develop a range of positive or negative emotions about their appearance causing anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
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
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
EMDR trained
Licensure
CA, LMFT, 123930
Education
M.A., Couple and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
B.A., Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
Work History
I have worked with people from all walks of life, and what I have learned in that every person has a story that involves traumatic chapters. Trauma is individual to the person who experienced it. I began my therapeutic journey 3 years ago after deciding to make a career change out of apartment management. I began volunteering for a nonprofit agency, providing therapy to women, men, and children who experienced domestic violence and relationship abuse. This experience drove me to work in community mental health, somewhere I believed I could help young people change the trajectory of their lives. I provided therapeutic support to 16 - 25 yo, helping these individuals navigate their entry into adulthood, heal from complex childhood trauma, sexual assaults, and significant accidents. I worked with LGBTQ+ folx and helped individuals reduce high suicidal behaviors, dissociation, and relational conflicts. Most recently, I have been the first point of contact for adolescents, adults, and families in identifying how therapy can support their goals, provided consultation to primary care teams in how to best support persons with mental health difficulties, and training about complex trauma and dissociation to peers and colleagues. I am eager to move my current and evolving knowledge into private practice, where I can focus my attention on treating complex trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociation, life stress, and relationship issues.
Location
PO Box 6734, Folsom, 95763, CA