Therapists in Chico, CA

It's not always easy to pick up the phone and make the initial call to reach out for help. It seems the last thing we want to do is talk about our problems especially to a total stranger. If you are reading this then you are considering making that call. I offer a safe and nurturing environment for problem solving and healing to take place. I have an eclectic approach to therapy and will employ tools that are based on your individual needs. We will work at your pace and comfort level to effect the changes you wish to make.

Life can be hard-- really hard. Sometimes, we are just trying to survive and we end up in a place we don’t want to be: depression, anger, anxiety, loneliness, hopelessness. Asking for help is an act of strength and courage. I have a passion for helping others find their way toward who they want to be. I can help you become more proactive, not just reacting to the circumstances of life. Understanding the past. Managing the present. Building for the future. It’s never too late for change! Life can be better if you are willing to do the work. Are you ready to begin?

I imagine you're here because you're feeling ready for change. It's reassuring to know it's never too late to ignite curiosity about yourself and learn how to develop secure, healthy connections to others, find relief from anxiety, depression, and stress, and handle emotional challenges more confidently. When you're struggling, it takes courage to let go of what's limiting you to make room for a fulfilling life. I can collaborate with you in the process of identifying, understanding, and reworking ineffective patterns and building new skills and behavior to create the meaningful and satisfying life experiences you desire.

As a warm and engaging therapist filled with wonder and vitality, I help transform struggles into enlightened and empowered change. With over 38 years in: private practice; residential, dual diagnosis, head trauma treatment programs; agencies (WEAVE, Families First, Yolo Community Care Continuum, NeuroCare, UCDMC Psychiatry Department, Asian Pacific Community Counseling); schools (Associate Professor-Professional School of Psychology in Sacramento). I currently serve as Trauma Response/CISM clinician, Corporate Wellness Presenter, Apple Wellness Center, Mental Tuffness Sports, Board Member of CAMFT-Sacramento Valley Chapter.

Let's work together! I can offer education, a sounding board, and opportunities for insight as you reflect and work to improve your life and that of your loved ones. With practical tools and a compassionate heart, your journey can become more effective, more satisfying. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you step into the office, away from the busy pace of life, a place where you step further into yourself. Knowing yourself and having the tools to gain that knowledge can be pivotal to your well-being and that of your family's.

Relationships are a fact of life. We all live in relation to each other as spouses, children, parents & friends. Even in the best of these relationships, inevitably, problems occur. Often, we are able to resolve problems on our own. However, there are times when the help of an expert in relationships, such as a Marriage and Family Therapist, is needed to: *improve communications, *increase understanding in relationships, *resolve conflicts, *improve parenting skills,*relieve stress, depression, anxiety,*strengthen the bonds of relationships & gain a better understanding of one another.

I strive to approach therapy from a comprehensive stance. Each person is unique in regards to what they have been through, how they process information and events, and the perspective from which they look upon events that have happened in their life. For this reason, I like to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside you, to find the most supportive and beneficial approach for you. My hope is to provide a space where you feel comfortable to process and learn new tools that will help you overcome challenges allowing you to lean into a fulfilling life.

Life is in constant flux. Whether you or a loved one are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, life adjustment issues, grief, unhealthy habits, or have a need to explore the deeper parts of yourself, selecting a counselor that fits you best is most important. Reaching out to an unknown professional you do not know can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming, especially when you or someone you love is hurting, but it is helpful to remember that counselors are human beings first just like you. Everyone, regardless of their challenges, can benefit from therapy.

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I specialize in providing therapy to teens, couples and individuals. I am also certified to provide services to veterans and their families. I believe in utilizing a variety of theoretical approaches in therapy to best meet the client's needs. Some of these therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused and EMDR. I work with a wide variety of individuals including those suffering from anxiety, depression, bi-polar, trauma, low self-esteem and more.

My mission is to empower my clients to reclaim their voices. Drawing from my own experiences of feeling unseen and unheard, I recognize the profound pain it can inflict. This personal insight shapes my role as a therapist, where I aim to serve as a facilitator and partner in your journey of transformation.

Life experiences challenging? Anxiety, stress, and trauma can complicate our lives. My goal is to help you identify and heal from issues past and present that prevents you from living your best life (including trauma, addiction, and depression). In addition to CBT, I have specialized training in trauma treatment known as Brainspotting, a powerful, cutting-edge treatment modality, it goes deep and quick. I am a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). I am Certified in Brainspotting. I work with first responders, veterans, and fire survivors. I also provide immigration evaluations..

Life can be very challenging. We all need support from time to time. Whether it is a strain in a marriage, a challenging coworker, difficulties parenting, or the hardship of life stressors, I can provide support and direction. I love my job and I love working with people. I feel honored to walk alongside my clients and help them discern what is happening and what they can do about it. You do not need to face your pain or problems alone; I will be with you as you learn practical skills and tools to find the change you are looking for.

Do you ever feel like simple day to day tasks are more difficult to complete? Maybe you were more social, but now, it feels more comfortable or easier to stay to yourself? Was there a time when you were able to organize your thoughts and feel in control of your emotions, but now you've noticed it's too overwhelming and you feel powerless over your emotions? Have others noticed these changes? These may all be symptoms related to anxiety and depression, but they can also be signs related to trauma. We often think of trauma as single events like an accident or loss of a loved one, or life transitions.

Life can feel overwhelming when you are facing personal struggles or experiencing conflict in important relationships. I can help you identify the patterns in your life that are limiting you and guide you toward developing better coping skills to find healing in the difficult areas of your life. Through my extensive work with both children and families who have survived trauma and experienced chronic mental health challenges, I've learned effective strategies for supporting those who are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, parent-child conflict, relationship issues, and the effects of living with a painful past.

My clients come to me from many walks of life. From teens, relatively new to life, to the venerable, older generation who come with a wealth of experience. Sometimes we all need someone to walk along side of us for a while, to try on new perspectives and receive encouragement to practice new behaviors.

My focus in therapy is to create trust in order to bring about healing. I provide a safe and nurturing space where my client can explore inner resources and strengths. My holistic and empathic modalities provide support and creative energy necessary to face challenges while letting go of negative patterns and self-destructive behavior. No matter what age we are, we all need to feel connected and experience positive regard.

I imagine you're here because you feel like something needs to change. It's reassuring to know it's never too late to ignite curiosity about what's happening, develop closer, healthier family connections, and learn to assert yourself more successfully as a parent. It takes courage to let go of what's limiting you to make room for a happier life. I can support you and your child(ren) through this process by identifying, understanding, and reworking ineffective patterns and building new skills to reduce conflict and create a better life for your family.

I am honored to serve anyone struggling with any type of trauma/PTSD, addiction, depression, or anxiety who wants life to be a little different. Total healing IS possible! I have a passion for non-judgemental connection with people who are nervous about being vulnerable, don’t want therapy, or have had a bad experience in the past. It can be fun and is worth the work! I like to partner with you to discover your strengths and help you reach YOUR goals. My ideal client is someone who has a good sense of humor, a desire for change, an open mind, ok w/an occassional bad word (or two), and MUST love dogs. I do animal assisted therapy.