Therapists in Walnut Creek, CA

Welcome! I provide culturally affirming and trauma-informed Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, an experiential approach that can effectively and gently support a wide range of therapeutic needs. This includes struggles with life changes and transitions, emotional distress such as anxiety and depression, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. It is possible to heal from these emotional injuries, release burdens and beliefs about yourself that you carry as a result of painful experiences, and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. How might these parts of you show up?

Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.

I trust your intuition. You may have landed here because you're feeling something difficult, or not quite sure how you feel. I work relationally to help you connect more to yourself and to integrate all parts of your experience, safely. I find a depth-oriented approach effective with utilizing EMDR, Attachment, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, & Psychodynamic lenses. I do not view symptoms as a pathology, but information about our needs, our inner world, and our life's meaning. I am in it with you.

Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.

Are you feeling stuck, lost, frustrated or helpless? Did no amount of affirmations or self-talk change the mind? We can't access our full Self from just cognitive. The body reflects the mind & stores trauma unconsciously which disrupts the nervous system & natural ability to regulate, causing symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms can seem like “traits" when they aren’t contextualized in survival defenses, ancestral, interpersonal & social layers. So we will co-create a nourishing space to hear somatic stories, identify triggers, patterns & skills to realign with innate wisdom so you can move helplessness to empowerment.

Let's face it. Life is a juggling act between home, work, school, friends and family. Our bodies are bioenergetic systems geared for balance. When things go well, our energy flows and we feel good. When life happens and stress occurs, we can feel anxiety, depression and physical pain. We reach outside ourselves for relief when going inside is the answer. If you are ready for change and are committed to making that happen, please make an appointment today. My approach is wholistic and I use Energy Psychology (Tapping), Zen Buddhism and Mindfulness to achieve a client's goals.

There are so many different reasons to seek therapy and it is my job to get you to where you want to get, as quickly as possible. I am a down to earth, experienced therapist. I use scientifically proven approaches, based on the needs and preferences of my patients. I focus on building strong relationships and providing a space where we can develop and implement a plan to make meaningful change happen. I have over 15 years of experience working in this field and feel very passionate about this work.

For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.

Relationships are hard! It seems impossible to find a strong connection with someone. And then when you do, your anxiety, insecurity, and unhelpful coping skills get in the way of maintaining and deepening that connection. I can help. I am an empathic and compassionate - yet directive - psychotherapist/coach who loves helping people do the courageous work necessary to develop and maintain meaningful relationships.

I work with individuals, adolescents and youth seeking client centered services who are invested in meaningful change, inquiry, and growth. I offer compassionate and informed guidance to navigate life transitions, anxiety, relational challenges, depression, and general stress and burnout. I draw on my decades of experience in behavioral health to provide thoughtful and effective psychotherapeutic treatment and consultation.