Teletherapy for Danville, CA

My approach to therapy integrates evidence-based practices grounded in the psychological literature. I have experience working with adolescents and adults to reduce or eliminate: anxiety, stress, and anger issues; depressive and bipolar mood symptom management; relationship, work, and school issues; problems with rumination and repetitive behaviors, and substance use problems. The structure of sessions varies based on a client's needs and can focus on: processing life events, understanding past and current issues, moving through difficult emotions, or learning skills for sustained behavior change and improved emotional processing.

I work with a wide range of clients, each facing their own set of challenges. Whether it's dealing with issues related to eating or embracing neurodiversity like autism and ADHD, I strive to create a warm and inviting environment for self-discovery. I have a wealth of experience working with kids, teens, and the LGBTQ+ community. As someone who identifies as queer, my goal is to create a supportive and empowering space for fellow LGBTQ+ individuals.

My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care

I appreciate helping individuals and couples that just want to live better lives, have deeper relationships, and find more joy in day to day living. Life can be tough. Good therapy offers support, a place to be heard, guidance, and sometimes a place to hear truths that you may not want to hear, but need to hear. I offer a supportive and direct approach to those needing help with sex and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, and addictions. I also have a special spot in my heart to support those who have dealt with loss, whether recently or many years ago. Therapy is a space to adapt, stretch, and grow.

You may think that big things have to change in your life in order for you to feel better and experience improvement. But I've come to believe that a key, gentle shift in perspective can bring about more positive change than many realize. That is a shift from taking a critical approach with yourself to taking a Kinder Approach. With this shift in how you approach yourself and your experiences comes greater self-awareness and feelings of confidence, hopefulness, empowerment and knowing your value. You can begin to see and feel new possibilities and choices for your life.

Welcome to my practice. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in Danville, CA. with over 28 years experience in offering mind-body-spirit psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups; and, a Level II trained EMDR practitioner. I have led groups for teens, men and sexual offenders and worked for Contra Costa County's Children's Protective Services for several years. In addition, I have taught developmental psychology and neuropsychology for the past 18 years at Diablo Valley College and John F. Kennedy University, and am an experienced workshop leader, coach and speaker.

With over 21 years of experience with crisis intervention, interpersonal violence, trauma, grief, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through work as a Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Counselor, Crime Victim’s Advocate within the criminal court system, a Director of a sexual assault and violence prevention program on a college campus, and primary therapist at an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, I am skilled at creating a safe space for clients. I see clients who need support in various stages of life, who are experiencing difficult situations and transitions.

My expertise lies in Executive Coaching, Human Performance Improvement, and Addiction Treatment with diversified experience that includes recent positions as a Counselor for Addiction Recovery and former role as an Advisor to high-net-worth clients. I have focused on leveraging combined background to provide advisement to executives and other professionals struggling with addiction. I am currently completing a Ph.D. degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and previously earned a Master’s degree in Addiction Studies. Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC).

My approach blends the healing properties of an affirming therapeutic relationship with the use of practical skills to empower clients to manage life's challenges. I focus on building upon clients' inherent strengths while aligning with their goals and values. The therapy model I use involves a combination of creative and play-based interventions for children and collaborative conversations with caregivers to support growth and progress. I hope to be a part of your family's path to wellness.

At Blackhawk Family Development Center we strive to provide treatment that goes beyond symptom relief. Fundamentally, we believe that each person can achieve happiness and that happiness can be cultivated through internal resiliency. All of our services are steeped in a strength based approach. Whether we are working with a child, adolescent or adult our therapy and assessment services offer the opportunity to develop the positive self concept that promotes interactions fueled through resilience, innovation and positive intention.

As my client, I believe that you have an innate potential for growth and transformation. When at an impasse, new perspectives and resources are needed to restore balance within oneself and in relation to others. As a warm, interactive psychotherapist, I provide the experience, guidance, and skill that foster insight, transformation and growth. You will be provided a safe place where you will be supported to find and use your strengths. Together, we will develop tools to work through obstacles. It's time to get unstuck and to live in the moment, where you can accomplish your goals and be your true self.

Accepting new patients! Just living in today’s world can be difficult and exhausting. Many of us feel as if we are just “getting by.” We all struggle with our mental health, from daily conflict with others, feeling frustrated or irritable, painful past experiences(trauma), struggles with work and family, and anxious thoughts. These issues can hinder our ability to heal and grow. We can all use help at times, even if we don’t know how to ask for it. I provide comprehensive support and direct feedback to help guide you through this difficult journey, to reach a path that leads to healing, understanding, acceptance, and resolution.

Many times the reaction I get when people find out what I do is "Isn't that depressing?" Actually, it's the opposite: challenging, yet inspiring and very fulfilling. I love helping people move from pain and frustration to hope and new ways of living that work better. I work alongside you, to help you find your solutions, your strength, to make positive change happen in your life.

When we feel stuck in our situation, it can create feelings of hopelessness. In addition to the many problems that complicate our daily lives such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, patients come to me with complex relationship issues including marital distress, divorce recovery, verbal & emotional abuse, loss of child, parent, or spouse. I approach therapy from a holistic perspective, to address the root problem, not just the symptoms. Like physical therapy, the goal is to get well and end treatment. I offer perspective on your experience, and provide clear, concise directions on meeting your treatment goals.

Are you overwhelmed by negative thoughts, or feeling depressed or anxious? No matter how hard you try, your life is a struggle. Even on a good day, when everything is going well, you still have those feelings: not understanding why you keep doing the things that you do, not recognizing the person you have become. On the outside you seem like you have your life put together, but on the inside, you are overwhelmed or unhappy. You're tired of feeling "stuck" in your life – whether it’s wanting better connections with loved ones, to better yourself, or to heal from the pain of your past.