My life philosophy is simple. I approach life with dedication, integrity and a sense of humor. The latter always comes in handy. While a native Californian, I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in three different countries and have learned that no matter the land or language, people crave love and union. People are waiting to tell their story, be heard and accepted.

I believe that people experience healing in and through relationships. Brené Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship”. Therapy can be a safe place where healing connections can be established and can be used to help individuals and couples learn to be who they were meant to be. I am especially passionate about working with perinatal mental health issues, helping clients navigate the grief and trauma that often comes with experiences such as infertility, miscarriage or unexpected birth outcomes.

Do you have that feeling like, this is not how I want things to be? Well, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Maybe your feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out everything and turning to anger when it gets difficult? People may say they laugh, and smile in my office because they feel HEARD and Validated with me as his or her therapist. I offer the ability to EXPRESS YOURSELF in many ways, which youth and adults say helps them open-up without the awkward eye contact. That’s right I have the sand, markers, swords, toys etc. my clients show excitement to engage in therapy without just lying on a couch.

Cross-cultural counseling and research is my life's work. As a family-therapist/educator in the field of multicultural counseling I have the ability to see each client's cultural-context in various stages of life-cycle. My research on cross-cultural couple's adjustment and acculturation has been published in professional psychology journals and presented at international conferences. My approach is strength-based and collaborative, utilizing evidence-based practice and research. Aside from my private practice I serve as a cross-cultural consultant for medical professionals and agencies. I have been teaching and presenting on cross-cultural issues in the last 15 years.

As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I find it useful to combine your goals for change as well as the aim to get to know yourself better as the foundation for therapy. My training in trauma and LGBTQ+ informed care is foundational to my work with you. I have training and experience working with many different presenting issues and identities, as well as clients' support systems (partners, parents, families, children.) I work relationally with individuals, families, and couples.

Do you want to cultivate the ability to experience life with less burdensome patterns getting in the way, meet challenges with less fear and anxiety, and heal from limiting self-criticism and shame? I help you meet all of the parts of yourself with compassion and reverence, while harnessing your own innate drive towards transformation. Whether seeking help with relationships, depression, anxiety, grief, or life adjustments, we'll work collaboratively to support you at your own pace, and to do so with gentleness, dignity, and respect.

COVID-19 and quarantine has changed the world, the way we navigate challenges and brought forth our need for connection.I am passionate about helping clients learn new skills to deal with the changes that come in life and rediscover their ability to create solutions to fit their world. I enjoy collaborating with clients to foster self awareness and empower them in their journey. I assist clients in reevaluating and refocusing to be more present. I work with clients to identify triggers as well as establish healthy habits to take care of themselves and their families.

Therapy is a collaborative process that can help you live a full and authentic life. While some people think of treatment as a way to address acute and uncomfortable symptoms, it can also be a tool for personal development. Most humans engage in repetitive and self-defeating behaviors that interfere with emotional freedom and growth. My goal as your collaborator and guide is to help you identify those cycles and explore new ways of being in the world to achieve a joyful and fulfilling life.

I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years. I meet you where you are, attending to the particular needs and goals you bring, helping you discover more meaning, wholeness, and pleasure in your life. The daily choices we make are often informed by our early life experiences. Despite our best efforts to change, we often find ourselves repeating unwanted patterns over and over. As we sit together, exploring your feelings, your stories, and listening to your dreams and longings, we will find ways you can open yourself up to the possibility of change, finding new energy and meaning.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am then I can change." - Dr. Carl Rogers. As a Rogerian counselor, I emphasize to every person who comes through my door that they are the experts in their care. I provide the space and proper conditions to help this person live their life to their fullest potential.

I believe that we all have the ability to grow and change and sometimes we need help in order to do so. The therapeutic relationship can be a place for connection, healing, insight and acceptance.

In this hour you are wanting to feel more joy, perhaps feeling alone or overwhelmed by your needs and the needs of your family and friends. You question how to find feelings of self love, while everything is changing and feelings of intense grief wash over you. You feel ready to confront past hurts. People in your life have required care-taking and could not be there for you, or maybe your thoughts and feelings have been shamed and you have a hard time trusting yourself. You're shy and timid when it comes to opening up. You know that you are ready to learn how to be vulnerable around others, learning how to set boundaries.

These are unprecedented times and we are facing a global trauma. You may be feeling grief, loss, depression, anxiety, or you may have no clue what it is you're feeling. I am here to hold space for you as we make our way through this existential crisis.

As a therapist with a warm, relational style and a commitment to compassionate evidence-based interventions, my goal is to help you discover your true potential. By applying mindfulness and insight-based therapies, we can develop understanding into unworkable behavior patterns and unhelpful thoughts that may be holding you back from experiencing a meaningful and fulfilling life. Together, we will help you to create a life that is in alignment with what's most important to you.

I believe strongly in meeting clients where they are at and taking a collaborative approach to meeting the treatment goals of therapy. I know for some, it can be anxiety provoking to seek therapy, and I strive to create an environment that is warm and focused on the issues that matter to the client.

As a therapist, the connection between my client and me is central to the process. By fostering a safe and deep relationship, we can explore both immediate and historical issues that are causing suffering and pain. We will use a combination of mind, body and emotional understanding to explore the layers of the self. With increased insight and awareness, you will feel a greater sense of well being and satisfaction in all areas of your life.

THANK YOU for taking time to read about my work. My clients are remarkable and courageous. They may not always feel powerful or worthy, but they have been willing to go beyond what is comfortable for them to reach out for change. We all walk through seasons... sometimes with purpose and peace and other times misunderstood, directionless or exhausted. When a difficult season endures and we feel stuck, therapy is a tool that has the potential to change everything. Just a speck of willingness can motivate the baby steps needed to restore hope, healing and joy.