Teletherapy for 90089

“Stress is not the enemy in our lives. Paradoxically, it is the key to growth”. Stress is inevitable. However, if we can learn how to deal with our feelings and stress, we may convert negative situations into opportunities to become better and stronger. As a therapist, I use EMDR and other therapy modalities (DBT, CBT, solution-focused, etc) to help my clients manage the stress caused by relationship issues, trauma, disordered eating/body image, anxiety, life transitions, behavioral problems, career/school stress, anger, identity, communication, and more.

As non-binary and trans folx we often find ourselves wondering "where do I belong in this world?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we dont feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder when its going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just don't get it. We really want someone who can connect to us &make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.

Many of my clients have led very successful lives, either in school, at work, or at home. They are highly resilient, resourceful, hard working, and strong, which is why they can't explain the anxiety or depression that keeps bubbling up. They are hesitant to seek therapy because they don't want to tinker with what is working, yet they are feeling emotions that sometimes don't make sense or are hard to manage. They feel isolated because they believe they can't share these vulnerabilities with anyone else, either because they are ashamed of feeling them or because they may not be able to trust others with that information.

Women are often told exactly who we are supposed to be, what our bodies should like, how to behave, how to live and think. We are constantly made to feel too much and never enough. We are taught by family, culture, and society where our place is in the world. We stay silent as we are expected to offer ourselves up for exhaustion and extraction. We make sure we are not making anyone uncomfortable, not taking up too much space. We learn to shrink, hide the parts of ourselves that are “unacceptable”, and move through the world wearing a mask. But all these rules, expectations, and beliefs feel shackles. And you're ready to be free.

At the USC Psychology Services Center, we currently offer both in-person and telehealth therapy and assessment supported by science. Our services are provided by doctoral students in the Department of Psychology at USC, and supervised by psychology faculty or community-based licensed psychologists. This allows us to offer you a unique, treatment team based approach. We offer services for individuals and families, across the age range from young children to older adults. We do not offer same-day or emergency/crisis services. Currently, we have immediate openings for adolescents ages 13-17 in need of assessment services.

I work with highly motivated adults utilizing evidenced based therapy with a special attention to mindfulness. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space to provide support to you as we explore better ways of coping, strategies to manage stress, and improve communication. Through reflection we are able to set goals and problem solve together as we increase insight and awareness of your experience. Together we can work to find an improved life balance, satisfaction and greater sense of well-being.

I favor an eclectic, person-centered approach that focuses on each individual's needs. I will help you build a "toolbox" of skills to help you with everyday stressors. Together we will also look at the "bigger picture"—your hopes and dreams—and prepare to write the next chapter of your life. My training includes psychoanalytic Intersubjective Self Psychology, which I am passionate about as a guiding star for my practice. I am a compassionate therapist with many years of experience who will be committed to increasing your capacity for mindfulness, resiliency, improved relationships, and overall happiness and vitality.