I have grown through what I go through, and as your therapist, I have my own ups and downs, personal struggles in relationships, dysfunctional family members, and my addiction journey and recovery story. I have learned the hard way that I can’t change anyone but myself. My life’s work has been learning to be honest with myself, and I am passionate about helping my clients walk this same path.

I reveal this to you because we all have journeys that either take us closer to, or further from, ourselves. In conjunction with my years of schooling, I learned to walk with fear, maintain sobriety, and navigate relationships that vastly affected me. I experienced going from potential to actualization – many times over. I’ve had a lot of help and practice at learning to maintain the most important relationship I’ll ever have: the one with myself.

Rarely, if ever, does healing come from “outside” of us. I integrate multiple therapeutic approaches to create a treatment tailored to your needs. Your treatment is as unique and nuanced as you are. My main focus is to help, not “fix”, you. I support anyone who makes the rebellious decision to initiate change through healing. My greatest passion is empowering you to heal yourself. Together, we will cultivate ways to foster your personal growth, gain insight, and find the courage to help yourself.

During your free initial consultation we will discuss your needs and what you’re looking for in a therapist. We will also discuss insurance, cost, and scheduling, and then it’s up to you to decide if you wish to work together. My feelings won’t be hurt if we’re not a fit, that’s a normal part of this process. If you wish to move forward together, I will send intake paperwork via the Therapy Notes portal.

Our first in-person, or Telehealth, session (via Zoom) will in part be about intake documents, informed consent, fees, and lots of other ethical and legal information. I love this part of our first meeting because I get the opportunity to learn about your strengths, how you manage challenges, what your current coping styles are, and what you have learned no longer helps you. I find intake sessions to be hopeful and encouraging. This first session helps us both understand where you want to begin, how I can best serve you, and what your goals are so that we can form the best treatment plan together, to help you nurture your most important relationship – the one you have with yourself.

I am proud to say I am the first in my family to go to college. My journey started at Santa Monica College, where I took every history class available before graduating with honors. I continued with another degree at UC Santa Cruz, followed by graduate school at San Francisco State University, where I earned my Masters in US History. After a small break I discovered my true purpose is helping those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, which prompted me to enroll in an Alcohol and Drug program and pursue another Masters degree from JFK University. It has been an incredible journey, one I encourage for anyone, and it wouldn’t have been possible if not for the number one change in my life — getting and staying sober. I also recognize my accomplishment as an opportunity to be a role model for my family and friends.

• Santa Monica College- Liberal Arts w/ Honor 2002
• UC Santa Cruz- Bachelors in U.S. History 2004
• San Francisco State University-Master’s In History 2007
• UC Berkeley Extension- Alcohol and Drug Studies Programs, 2010
• John F. Kennedy- Counseling Psychology with MFT, 2011

Professional Affiliations

• California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals