Therapists in Adams Point, Oakland, CA

We all want to be understood, accepted and loved; this can only happen through honest communication. Making the decision to seek help for you or your family can be part of that communication. I provide a safe space to explore, discuss and process important issues that affect the lives of you and your family members. I have an eclectic approach to providing psychotherapy. As one size does not fit all, therapy cannot be approached in the same way for everyone. It must be tailored to the specific needs, issues and problems that each person uniquely presents.

Welcome! I am a therapist and actor aiming to help you discover your most authentic self and deepest desires. I specialize in bringing the transformational power of theatre and improvisation into the therapeutic space, allowing you to safely explore deep pain and access profound joy. I aim to uplift and heal by employing joy, warmth, comedy, creative arts therapy, and an eclectic array of therapeutic modalities (CBT, mindfulness, ACT, REBT, psychodrama, psychoanalysis, Motivational Interviewing, etc.). I am incredibly patient, strengths-based, and adapt my modalities to the specific needs of each client's unique experience.

I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.

I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.

My framework as a psychotherapist is inspired by black feminist sci-fi writer, Octavia E. Butler who saw the possibility of many more worlds than just our own. I believe that transformative internal healing is critical to envisioning and building these worlds without the presence of imperialism, white supremacy, capitalism and cishet-patriarchy. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.

With 20 years of experience, I work with individual adults, adolescents and couples from a trauma-informed model that integrates DBT, psychodynamic, family systems and Mindful Self-Compassion perspectives. Through therapy I can help you to achieve your goals, develop an increased understanding of yourself and build new ways of coping with life’s challenges. As a Certified Mediator with a background in divorce mediation I can lend informed support to those struggling with divorce-related challenges. Furthermore as a transracially adoptive mom of two I hold a strong interest in helping others navigate the world of parenting.