Are you tired of feeling misunderstood and disconnected? Sometimes it feels like the world will only accept you if you fit in a neat little box. I can help you reconnect with the parts of your identity that have been overshadowed by outside expectations. As a biracial tri-cultural woman of color, I am uniquely qualified to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your identity and create the life you want and the relationships you desire. I work with people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and spiritual orientations.

Simply put, my practice centers on helping individuals, couples, and families solve problems. My approach in therapy is to ally with motivations for change. I find that symptoms such as depression, anxiety, conflict in relationships, and other problems often relate to significant life transitions and events. Clients utilize therapy to further self-awarenes and my role is largely to assist in their process. This, at times, involves the acceptance of difficult and painful emotions about past experiences; however, the emphasis of any process is relief and freedom from patterns which have often become more painful than the emotions underlying them.

You are making the choice to embrace a new empowered you! Realizing that there is strength in finding support, this choice can lead you to a positive path of growth and well-being. Applying integrative therapeutic techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life. If you're looking for support and guidance through challenging situations or you're ready to move in another direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. In a creative atmosphere I can help you uncover your true potential and a life worth celebrating!

I believe that people seek meaning in their lives. Internal and external conflicts, difficult experiences, and the trials of life interfere with this human process, resulting in depression, anxiety and panic, personality and relationship difficulties, and gender and sexuality issues. I work collaboratively with patients to help them find better ways to deal with trauma, loss, anger, and self-defeating, repetitious behavior patterns. Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis work to enhance each person’s inner resources to create new coping strategies. The self-discovery that is the process and goal of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis enhances creativity and a life more fully lived.

Stuck in a rut and using unhelpful coping skills to remedy the situation? Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated? Finding the pain of the past clouding the joy of the present? Whether this is impacting how you cope personally or getting in the way of connecting with your loved one; I want to work with you on a journey of restoring connection and building peace through emotional healing. It is my goal that we work together to build a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship from which we can explore places of pain, write new stories of hope, and support growth.

For individuals: Do you often find yourself worried or "in your head"? Do you find yourself being taken advantage of or having difficulty asserting yourself? Do you avoid confrontation or feel uncomfortable in social situations? Perhaps you even have frustrating physical symptoms. If you can relate to any of these inquiries, I can help. Individual work with me is tailored to your specific needs but often focuses on learning how to: manage anxiety, set and maintain boundaries, build comfort with asserting yourself, grow self-confidence, and challenge the doubts and insecurities that keep you from living a happy, full life.

I specialize in working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families on issues such as divorce, Collaborative Divorce, writing Parenting Plans for Pro- Se divorces, Co-parenting issues before and after divorce, Alienation and Reunification therapy, coaching parents going through Alienation issues, parenting issues with adolescents, clients with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or ADHD. In addition I work as a private Guardian Ad Litem, and a Parent Coordinator/Facilitator. I am trained as a Collaborative Mental Health Professional and family mediator. I work with high conflict families on difficult parenting and family cases, and help coach through all stages of divorce.

MARCH 2020 - NOW PROVIDING E-THERAPY! Are you feeling overwhelmed by life? Do you find yourself having more bad days than good days? Do you feel like you're stuck in your head, being pushed around by negative thoughts and emotions, or engaging in the same self-destructive patterns, while life passes you by? I believe that all of us have an inner source of wisdom and strength that we can learn to listen to in order to cultivate a life full of meaning and purpose. I specialize in LGBT issues, mood disorders (such as depression or anger issues), anxiety, and chronic pain management.

My decades of experience in providing high quality mental health care have taught me that the best care involves a combination of compassionate listening along with effective interventions. All of us have had problems with other people, places, and things in our lifetimes. Some of us have problems within our own selves, being unduly self-critical, or lacking in self compassion or confidence. And, yet, every one of us, also, almost inexplicably, has experienced states of being where "Life is good" where flow and adaptation reside and where we learn how to "live Life on Life's terms", freeing ourselves from unrealistic expectations.

We all have the capacity to manage life, however sometimes we may feel like we're going through the motions or struggling to just get by. We may feel conflicted or overwhelmed with feelings of depression, anger, or anxiety. Or we may be having difficulty coping with relationship pressures, life transitions, or a painful loss. I view these moments of conflict as opportunities for change and growth, and therapy as an avenue to increase insight, resolve painful feelings, and learn to change ineffective patterns.

Practical, heart-centered therapy to help individuals and couples find their way from loneliness, loss, and transition to meaning, connection and love. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, chronic health concerns, isolation, grief, or the continuing effects of past trauma?  Do you or your partner frequently feel misunderstood or alone in your relationship and need help with issues such as lack of intimacy, strained communication, or infidelity?  If you are seeking deeper meaning in life, needing support through life transitions, or seeking greater connection in your relationship, you’ve come to the right place!

Many of us wish to feel more connected - to others, to life, and/or to ourselves. If you are seeking more genuine relationships with people, and a freer, more deeply satisfying life, therapy can be helpful. My office is a space of profound non-judgment, where you can be, and develop, your real self. It is also a place of kindness and humor, even playfulness at times. I am able to challenge you in a way that is gentle and warm, but active. Through this process, vital energy is freed up - to work, play, relate, create, explore, live, and love.

My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where clients can articulate their inner experience through both words and symbols. Deeper and clearer understanding unfolds as we engage in the therapeutic process with both a playful curiosity and a nonjudgmental attitude. I listen deeply and empathize with clients, while simultaneously encouraging them to confront the unhealthy roles, ineffective patterns and behaviors, and difficult emotions that are keeping them stuck in their lives. I believe that psychotherapeutic work profoundly transforms our inner worlds. It is truly a gift to be witness, partner, and guide on this journey.

Are you feeling dysphoric? Disconnected? Alone? My counseling style is focused on providing a warm, queer-informed, and collaborative environment where my clients and I work together to generate change and healing. I operate from a strengths-based systemic perspective meaning I believe you are the expert in your own life and seek to support you in achieving your interpersonal goals. I am passionate about empowering my clients in navigating the complex systems they feel enmeshed in. I specialize in working with gender diverse, intersex, queer and LGB families, family groups, couples and folks of all ages and intersections.

<MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL> Current and past circumstances can leave even the strongest person feeling stressed and saddened. Clients seek my help with self esteem, anxiety, depression, student, professional and relationship issues . Much of my work involves mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR. I'm a good match for clients looking for a warm, active therapist. I have a special interest and many years experience in working with college and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of private practice experience providing services for children and families with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. I offer a family systems approach tailored to each family's needs in a comfortable and supportive enviornment.

You may be interested in counseling because of some specific issue or it could be a vague sense that something in your life is off. We often try to avoid painful or uncomfortable emotions, such as sadness, anger, resentment or grief. But doing so renders them difficult to work through. I can help you develop the tools to enhance your relationships with self and other, undo unhelpful patterns, and improve your overall quality of life.

*Now Accepting New Clients.* Life does not discriminate -- it presents all of us with challenges, adversities, and opportunities. Sometimes going through difficult experiences allows us to emerge with a renewed sense of self and a fresh recognition of our inner strengths. But this kind of transformation isn't a given. Sometimes pain is unrelenting and pushes us to find new ways to cope and new avenues for understanding. Seeking help shows your courage and your motivation to find your way...

Although everyone who begins therapy hopes for a more satisfying life, people bring a variety of concerns to their first sessions. In your sessions with me, the emphasis will be on you. You'll find a comfortable place to explore your concerns and dreams and determine how to improve your experiences and relationships. I'll honor who you are--your cultural background, life choices, sexual orientation, and age. I'll offer support and feedback as you work through current and past issues and rediscover strengths that will help you move forward in a positive direction.

Adapting to unfamiliar or challenging circumstances can be confusing and overwhelming. I work collaboratively, respecting your perspective and efforts to resolve the obstacles that may be inhibiting your growth and sense of well-being. If you are seeking a non-judgmental opportunity to explore your concerns and appreciate a facilitated process that is compassionate, individualized and goal-directed, I invite you to contact me to determine if we might be a good fit.