Therapists in Napa, CA

I believe in the holistic approach to healing and integrate many different modalities, theories and techniques to tailor each session to your individual needs. I have trained in Attachment based EMDR, which I have found to be extremely helpful to shift old Traumas and PTSD symptoms. I offer somatic therapy, helping people connect their bodies to their emotions as well as meditation, mindfulness and lots of humor. I provide a really laid back atmosphere where it feels comfortable to share and be yourself.

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.

In my years of experience treating trauma, substance misuse, codependency, relational issues, & other mental health challenges, I've seen the shame, self-blame, confusion, frustration, loss, & hopelessness that come with difficulty coping. For some people, it can be frightening & difficult knowing how to support loved ones who are having mental health challenges, whether it is a parent, child, spouse, sibling, or friend. I recognize a desire to feel safe, understood, & to develop better coping skills that help with overcoming challenges & restoring self-esteem, confidence, meaningful relationships, well-being, & grace.

I have over 15 years of clinical experience working with children and families. I use a client centered collaborative approach to support healing for individuals to find their own path in the healing process. My experience has been focused on supporting children and individuals who have experienced trauma and are in need to repair attachment and relationships. I have completed the following specialized trainings: Infant Parent Mental Health Post Graduate Napa Fellowships working with children 0 to 5, CA Endorsed Infant Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist 0-5, Completed Dr. Bruce Perry Neurosequential Model of Therapeutic level 1, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor.

I work with bright, thoughtful people with complicated lives. Many are the adult children of difficult parents, people-pleasers, over-thinkers, highly sensitive, or therapists themselves. Their challenges include life transitions, relationship problems, and questions about who they are and what they want. I trust each client's sense of what is most important to discuss, and I use client feedback and responses to learn what specific approach best suits the client's needs. My general way of working is conversational, warm, and collaborative, and I see my clients as the true experts on their experiences.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of community mental health for 20 years. In that time, and through my work with a variety of individuals and families, I have come to believe that therapy is most effective when it is engaging, collaborative and client centered.

My goal as your therapist is to help you create a meaningful and enjoyable life. Whether you come to treatment to manage a pre-existing condition/diagnosis, or are looking to improve the relationships in your life; I am happy to assist you until you get to where you would like to be. In today's society; stress, anxiety, and depression can often take over our health, wellbeing, and relationships leaving one with an unsatisfactory life. In treatment we can explore the obstacles that are causing you pain or are holding you back from your full potential, and work together towards creating happiness and contentment.

I specialize in treating trauma and chronic stress, in particular developmental trauma. I work holistically and incorporate the body-mind perspective in my work. I have completed the three-year (216 hour) training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), which is a short-term naturalistic approach to healing trauma. I have also completed the two-year (144 hour) training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which is a treatment approach that addresses developmental trauma, i.e. childhood trauma. I am currently studying Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalytic Association of California (PINC).

Are you having trouble in your relationship? Are you having trouble with dating and finding the love relationship that you want? Are you a parent who needs help providing structure and healthy boundaries in the lives of your children? Is your family in crisis and you need help setting boundaries and getting back on track? Are you divorcing and do not know what to do? I work with you individually to help with these issues and help you build the skills it takes to find or keep the quality romantic and family relationships you deserve.

If you are suffering, struggling to connect, or to find stability and progress in life, the process of therapy can support your growth and self esteem through these challenges. I work primarily with adults, couples, and teens on specific issues such as anxiety, emotional dis-regulation, relationship stress, trauma or loss, difficult transitions, and family or career development. Engaging in therapy can be the first step toward creating more balance and confidence in what matters most to you.

Welcoming safe, supportive haven for all those living "outside the boxes”. Experience with youth, adults, elders in supporting the unique therapeutic healing journey of LGBTQIA+, artists, performers, empaths, healers, alternative families (donor/adoption/foster/blended culture), and non mainstream relationships. I bring genuine compassion and endurance for your process to find, embrace, and honor all the dimensions of your authentic expression, identity, culture, sexuality, spirituality, and life path.