What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
The pandemic has resolved one of the greatest barriers to mental health services as clients can now access services from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the world for that matter, eliminationg the loss of travel time and loss of time from work. However, the barriers of social/cultural stigmas still remain. There are significant dissiparites in access to mental health services for different racial groups. Some people are still afraid that they will be treated differently in the work place, and by friends or relatives should it be known they have a mental health issue. As such people do not always seek services when necessary. The other barrier is that we still do not have enough licensed mental health workers and clients sometimes have to wait for a while before they can get an appoinmtent with a provider. There is not enought education or awareness regarding mental health challenges. Sometimes a client will struggle for a long time, at times even seeking services with their primary care provider because they are not aware what they suffer from is a mental health issue. You have probably overcome one or more of these barriers to get here, and for that I applaud you, welcome to this safe healing place of unconditional regard that I hold for you.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
When we talk about therapy goals, I think of a collaborative process guided by the client's presenting problem, and anchored in the work we do in the assessment process, understanding that assessment is an ongoing process. We attempt to arrive at goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time oriented. My goal is to help each client achieve inner happiness, improve communication, build self reliance and self confidence as they get a better understanding of their inner workings. We both work to help the client build a tool kit of skills from which they can draw at any given time.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is a safe space, a place of compassion and free from any judgement. It is a place of empathy, support and acceptance, irrespective of who you are , what your thoughts are and what you may have done in the past. Indeed a safe place where you will be received and accepted as you are. Therefore, bring your authentic self, let us connect and let the hard work begin.
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.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
Panic attacks & panic disorder
Panic attacks are acute conditions in which one experiences an intense bout of anxiety out of seemingly nowhere. This oftentimes stems from a perceived rather than actual threat. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. Panic disorder involves regular frequency of panic attacks (two or more) with a fear of experiencing more in the future.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Systems Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Diplomate, Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Licensure
CA, LCSW, 24696
Education
MSW,
Work History
My carreer in mental health started 19 years ago. I have acquired a broad and diverse experience in the field having started my early work in a community mental health setting. Shorttly thereafter I moved to an inpatient setting. My nexr assignment took me to a crisis center for a large HMO as well as a private practice. My work is important to me and I am highly dedicated to my cients with a passion for caring. I believe every contact counts and therefore even in that first assessment contact my clients can expect something therapeutic.
Location
Remote Therapy, remote work, 00000, CA