Therapists in Marina, San Francisco, CA

As he trekked through the California wilderness, John Muir said, “Going out is really going in.” Psychotherapy is a similar adventure, but one where going in is really going out. The internal journey of self-awareness leads to external change and healing. My hope is that each person experiences the thrill of growth and exploration of their mind. My training in psychodynamic, attachment, and trauma informed techniques has offered me the “gear” required to guide a summit into the psychic mountains, with the pace and route we determine together.

​Trauma does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone no matter their circumstances. Fortunately, there are also treatments that can help. In my 20 years of experience, I have born witness to the incredible resilience of individuals who have experienced trauma and firmly believe that recovery is possible. I have expertise in working with survivors of all forms of trauma including (but not limited to) service members, veterans, journalists (JTSN certificate), childhood abuse, chronic invalidation, developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, immigration-related trauma, race-based trauma, and interpersonal violence.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My guiding principle is that every one of my clients deserves to experience joy, meaning, connection and fulfillment. Depression, anxiety, trauma and challenging interpersonal dynamics can obscure and frustrate this pursuit. As a therapist, I partner with each of my clients to manage these obstacles and help them experience the fulfilling lives that they deserve. I am also a clinical supervisor of new therapists, so I have lots of experience and training to draw on.

* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.

In 40 years of clinical practice I have come to think of what I do as a unique form of education. Psychotherapists "teach" not so much by telling people what to do (although good advice is often useful), but by helping clients to find the strength within themselves, and the needed support from those around them, to address the difficulties in their current lives in new and more effective ways. A therapeutic environment enables clients to develop a new way of understanding their life experiences that promotes higher self-esteem, increased capacity for intimacy, and greater effectiveness in work.

Are you anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, not able to make decisions, engaging in self destructive behaviors or just plain confused about why things (or people) are so difficult? Contact me. If you are struggling with poor relationships at work, with your partner, with your kids; contact me. If you just want a better understanding of how you think, feel and behave; contact me. Together we will uncover your internal healing abilities to achieve freedom and relief.

Are you feeling exhausted, lost, uncertain about who you are, who you want to become, and life's direction? Do you find yourself unsatisfied with your job or relationships, grappling with feelings of inadequacy, abandonment, and rejection? You're not alone. In therapy with me, you'll embark on a transformative journey to become an expert on YOU: your personality, your past, your needs and wants, the places you get stuck, and how to overcome painful feelings. You'll come to understand why you feel isolated and alone and that you're worthy and unique. You'll learn ways to make your relationships with others better and more satisfying.

You're stuck. You know things aren't working out the way you want, but you don't know exactly what's wrong. You keep trying harder using the tools you have, taking advice you get from friends, and inspirational messages from social media, but something isn't quite adding up. It's not your fault. There is nothing wrong with you. But maybe there is a problem with how you are approaching these challenges. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress based issues that have you feeling like you are barely treading water. You want to feel better, function better, and be better. You can, and I can help.

I look forward to witnessing when my clients reach their goals. I have partnered with clients sharing what I've learned for over 17 years. We all have our unique histories and strengths. I am inspired by your journey and your readiness to makes changes. To work with you ethically (Social Work Code of Ethics), I have education, training and supervision (AASECT and EMDRIA) as well as my own personal self-growth practices.

When something terrible has happened and you feel unable to cope, life can become overwhelming. At Haven, we offer compassionate mental health counseling to help you get your life back. With thoughtful attention, we address common symptoms of trauma such as panic attacks, nightmares, substance abuse, co-occurring depression and anxiety, and relationship problems. Our goal is to help alleviate distress so you can start living a life you love.

Do you want to feel comfortable in your skin? Do you need support dealing with overwhelming emotions, a traumatic life event, or a life transition. I offer a grounding space where you can let your guard down and get to the heart of your personal work. With years of experience and training paired with a warm, playful, and pragmatic spirit. I encourage clients to explore their edge and find the connection between mind, body, behavior, and heart. Clients' unique cultural identity is honored throughout this process. I believe you are the expert on You and I help you connect with this innate wisdom to find your balance and potential.

Are you seeking to know yourself better? Do you want to be able to connect more meaningfully with others? Do you feel deceptively fine while feeling lost? Therapy for self understanding is a process that can slowly and surely equip you to overcome your anxieties and other challenging emotional experiences. Exploring what goes on in your feelings begins a process to produce change.

I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. I offer over 15 years’ experience in trauma-based therapy, working with individuals (adolescents & adults) and teams dealing with life challenges. These issues include depression, anxiety, relationship stress/issues, work stress, post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, gender issues, ADHD, grief and many more. I have had the opportunity to work in crisis intervention, intellectual disability services, prison population and active-duty service members.

Seeking therapy takes courage and strength. Whether you are experiencing a crisis or feeling stuck, I am here to provide you with unconditional support to process through life struggles at your pace. Sometimes we may need someone who is there for us and there are no problems in life that are too big or small. You have taken the first step to seek help, so I honor you for your bravery and effort to reach out. You have the inherit strength to bounce back and deep inside you may be wishing for peace and equilibrium. As a therapist, I aim to help you reach those goals together to bring about inner peace, positivity, and self-awareness.

As a Relationship Therapist I help Individuals, and couples, and families overcome tough issues and discover deeper more fulfilling relationships. I specialize in Infidelity Recovery. Discovering that you have been cheated on and lied to is a painful and traumatic experience that can cause many feelings such as despair, anger, sadness, rage, fear and loss. If you were unfaithful, realizing the depth of the pain caused, and the guilt associated with it is often unbearable. However, there is hope; getting over the betrayal, takes a skilled experienced therapist. I respond 12/7 for urgent matters.

If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.