Narrative Therapists in Napa County, CA

I genuinely believe in the ability to change, heal and grow through challenging times. Whether you’re a child, adolescent, adult or family, you deserve to move through life with harmony within yourself and in your relationships. My hope is to help you/your child to navigate life’s challenges and wonders through better understanding emotional regulation, supporting connections, and building skills that can support you/your child throughout a lifetime. My ultimate goal is to provide every client the space to find more self-acceptance and inner peace with the hopes of achieving a solid grounding in one's authentic self.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 27 years of experience in the field of mental health. Even though I have covered a vast area in this field, from social work to clinical care, my most rewarding area of expertise is psychotherapy. I am also a Certified Trauma Professional, which has provided me with the tools to share with my clients to work through their most challenging distressing memories. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as my two primary modalities, in my approach to trauma-healing.

Allowing yourself to experience self-compassion in all aspects of life can be profoundly important and not something that is usually taught in our society. I believe in teaching self compassion and self-love at a young age in order to have a more positive self-image and allowing more self-confidence to take place. I am passionate about empowering individuals and their families to find their voices in order to make the changes they want to make. Bringing compassion, empathy, and a multi-modality therapeutic approach allows for all of my clients and their families to feel empowered to make significant positive changes in their lives.

Finding the right counselor is like dating--you have to have chemistry, and someone you just "click" with. Building a solid, trusting, professional relationship is key, and I take great pleasure and pride in forming these connections with my clients. Whether you are dealing with a major traumatic event, or just need extra support, we can figure it out together. I like to say, "I will help give you the map, but I won't drive the car". I love empowering clients to make their own change; there is no better feeling on either side.

I collaborate with clients to support management and reduction of anxiety, depression, trauma and other symptoms. I help people find their identity, what it means to them, and how to mute the constant noise that interferes with self-realization and actualization. If open, I incorporate art therapy, as it is the bridge to talk therapy that allows in depth processing of unconscious and subconscious thoughts and emotions. I work with all ages; young children, adolescents, transitional ages (18-21) young adults, adults, elders, families and couples.

Are you struggling with life transitions, health concerns, loss, or aging? Are you not sure how to navigate the world in your changing body? In addition to talk therapy, we can work at your own pace where we’ll use techniques such as movement, mindfulness, journaling, body-scans, and breath-work, as well as narrative therapy that may incorporate music, song-writing, art, movement or other creative expression! In my counseling with you,  I’ll exercise presence, and acceptance. These aspects of my style are what I hope will bring you and I in-tune with one another and eventually, you will carry this out into your own life!

"May your choices reflect your HOPES, not your fears." - Nelson Mandela - Life can be stressful and overwhelming sometimes, causing us to lose track of long-term goals and everyday pleasures. Everyday stress stemming from family/relationship conflict, parenting issues, career choices and life transitions can build up and feel impossible to escape from. Therapy can be a useful guide to help get back on track and focus on what truly makes you happy.

I have 25+ years of experience working with children & their families. Much of my experience is working with children in foster care, with families formed through adoption, with individuals who have histories of trauma( exposure to domestic violence, abuse or neglect) & with children who have attachment challenges. I have experience in working with children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder who are experiencing anxiety or other mental health symptoms. I have worked for many years with children and families going through separation and divorce. I use current developmental, relational and trauma informed models and frameworks in guiding my therapeutic assessments and interventions.

Life is a wild journey. There is so much to navigate through, and many of us do not have a road map. With no directions to guide us, we often get stuck circulating around the same issues. We repeat patterns of thoughts, behaviors, actions. We overanalyze. We shame ourselves. Anything can trigger these cycles: trauma, drama, emotions, a sense of grandiosity…

You feel like you’re being swept up and away by life like a leaf in the wind, or like life is simply happening to you. You're overwhelmed by family or work challenges and like you have no control over the direction of your life. Or, you keep finding yourself in the same type of relationships and life circumstances over and over again and aren’t sure how to put an end to these painful patterns. I am a holistic, body oriented therapist and I specialize in helping people tap into their own agency, resilience, and strength to feel empowered in their lives.

I know first hand that healing from trauma and "the dark nights of the soul" are not only possible, but hold within them a gateway to more love and joy. No one goes through life without pain. Yet how we address our pain will make all the difference in how deeply we suffer, how resilient we are and how much we grow from these experiences. I will infuse our collaboration with compassion, acceptance, curiosity, and humor--focusing on your strengths.

Hi, I'm here to help. I am here for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, school problems, and relationship problems. If your child or teen seems depressed, unfocused, angry, isolative or is struggling in school or friendships I would like to help. If you are searching for tools to navigate problems at work, relationships, or thoughts that won't get out of your head, I am here. If you're in the LGBTQIA+ community and need an affirming therapist, I am one.

We are complex; we get to go through iterations of ourselves. It's a healthy part of being human. My job is not to judge you but to make space for your next iteration. In our lifetimes we get to be messy and beautiful; kind and mean; complicated and simple. We get to change. That doesn't mean it's easy. I'm a straight shooter who will tell it like I see it and challenge you compassionately when necessary. You're not "too much" for me. I see your challenges as coping skills that are no longer working rather than deficiencies. I'm client focused and I allow you to set the pace, flow, and tone. I meet you where you are.

I believe we all possess innate strengths and have the potential to thrive and live meaningful lives; however, sometimes we get stuck. Major changes, life stage transitions, and stressors can become overwhelming, exceed the ability to cope, and prompt individuals, couples, and families to seek outside support. These times also hold potential for healing and growth. I use a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, attachment, and systems lens to view and explore issues impacting the person, couple, and family; and collaborate to explore possible solutions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages and in all life stages.

Reaching out for support for yourself, your child/adolescent or your family is the first step towards feeling more grounded, empowered and happy in this world we live in. I am here to help you and your family find balance in your life, even through the chaos that we all can find around us at times. I am here to actively listen, support, collaborate, and help you and your loved ones discover the strengths you hold from within. I am ready to sit with you, your child/teen and your family to hold space for whatever feelings come up and help you find the answers that I know are already within you.

Mindful of the stigma that exists, I highly value the vulnerability and courage of those in search of discovering the best version of themselves. My unique ability to listen with compassion and empathy fosters a therapeutic relationship in a safe and caring environment. Despite adversity, everyone has the capacity to develop the skills needed to maximize their full potential and thrive. Consciente del estigma que existe, valoro mucho la vulnerabilidad y la valentía de quienes buscan descubrir la mejor versión de sí mismos. Mi habilidad única de escuchar con compasión y empatía fomenta una relación terapéutica en un entorno seguro.

Are you or your child struggling after a traumatic experience? Does your child or your teenager or child need help and support with bullying, friendships, school, or gender identity? Often, feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, loneliness, or relationship difficulties are powered by past trauma or gender dysphoria. Difficult experiences in your past or mental health struggles in the present don't have to dictate your child's future. In our Parents of Trans Support Group, you can get practical help to understand your kid and open up communication. Children and teens can get the help that they need, esp gender-affirming care!

My clients come from all walks of life, and from a variety of backgrounds. My clients are struggling with issues that come with relationships, self-doubt, and the demands of work and school. My client’s goals are self-love and acceptance, they envision an abundant future for themselves where they are thriving, healthy, and free. My clients want peace, and love, satisfying relationships and recognition from others. I want to be a part of your journey, and help you get everything you desire.

Making the choice to come to therapy is not an easy one. Therapy can be difficult and intimidating but ultimately has the potential to help you create positive and lasting change. I commonly work with clients who struggle with negative thoughts, depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, self-harm, low self-esteem, identity, life transitions, difficult past/present life experiences, relationships, family conflict, and loss. My focus is on supporting you while we explore your situation, finding what tools work best and support your needs most, and using those tools to gently challenge and push past the barriers that currently exist.