Multicultural Therapists in Lakeshore, San Francisco, CA

As a bicultural & multilingual licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California & Ohio, I provide individual (celebrity & adult), children, & couples therapy in private practice & in outpatient settings. I received my Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University. I have completed an APA-accredited doctoral internship at UCSF, Child & Adolescent Services Multicultural Training Program at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in marriage & family therapy from USF.

When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.

Are you experiencing challenges in dealing with anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences? Do you struggle with effective communication and setting boundaries in your relationships with others? Life often presents obstacles and difficulties that might lead to these difficulties without proper tools, resources, and guidance. I utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and Trauma-informed care to help you manage symptoms and promote healing and growth. With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each client and their lived experiences, I foster a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment.

Practicing from a feminist, multicultural perspective, I bring my own experience as a Chicana lesbian to my work. My career has been dedicated to working in under-served communities, including communities of color and in LGBT communities in the Bay Area in public mental health settings. Psychotherapy is a service to and the healing of the human spirit or soul. How that is accomplished is by careful consideration of each individual's story and relationship to one's inner life, to others, and to the world around.

If you are searching for deeper meaning and looking to achieve a life of fulfillment and joy, I can help! I assist individuals from all walks of life change old painful patterns of thinking and being to achieve wellness and health (in mind, body, and spirit) and successfully resolve/manage chronic health conditions so that they can thrive and live their best life possible.

Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.

My focus is to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family issues. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced, we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. I aim to establish include compassion, good communication and trust. In our relationship then I will work alongside you to develop your own coping tools. My approach is a person-centered (positive type) direction to further your strengths and resilience which is tailored towards your specific goals and needs.

Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.

Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.

California License PSY 19522 & Hawaii License PSY 866 ALOHA, I am a former headquarters Chief Psychologist for the State of California (DSH: Department of State Hospitals Forensics a California Health & Human Services Agency) – formerly known as the Dept of Mental Health (DMH). DSH is the nation’s largest inpatient mental health hospital system. I have also been engaged in nearly 30 years in private practice since the early 1990’s providing counseling-therapy, VA C&P Disability Exams, & 2nd opinion psych exams for adults & children in: the San Francisco Bay Area, El Dorado Hills, & Hawaii by appointment only.

Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.

Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.

Hello, and welcome to a clear path to healing. It is my pleasure to encourage the following positive coping skills: physical activity, good sleep habits, avoidance of alcohol and recreational drugs, healthy eating habits, time out from the identified stressor(s), laughter, positive thinking, positive self-talk, good social skills, stress management and relaxation techniques, artistic expression, self-compassion, listening or playing music, reframing, and mindful/wise behavior. Primarily I assist my patients in developing a sense of wellness in the here and now. In my care, you will be able to bounce back from any hardship in life.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.

Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.

Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.

What would you do if you were given the chance to live life to the fullest? How would your days be different if you were not overwhelmed by stress and worry? Do you wonder if your relationships should somehow feel better? If you are frustrated with the way things are and you're looking for a change you are taking the right steps. You know that life could be better. You long to see your dreams realized. Relationships mended. Your goals achieved. You want to find more meaning in your life. Have deeper connections. And live according to what you know to be valuable and true.

Sometimes life’s events can be overwhelming, making everyday activities and incidents even more difficult to handle. These experiences can lead to sadness, anxiety, insecurity, feelings of isolation, and even an immense feeling of loss or being lost. It is in these moments that having a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk to someone can be the most helpful. As a therapist, I provide a space where we can work collaboratively to reflect and gain insight on these cycles, where they come from and how they impact our choices and behaviors to make healthy and sustainable changes in our lives.

Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.