I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2002. A few years later I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and become a therapist. I earned my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. I have always had a passion for helping people and feel fortunate to do it for a living. I believe in the quality of my work as passionately as I believe in the potential for my clients to live joyful and fulfilling lives.    

• The Non-Profit sector, where I provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy to all members of the community, regardless of what they could afford.  
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities providing individual, family, and group counseling for addiction as well as to clients mandated to participate in drug and alcohol related parole and probation programs.
• Behavioral Therapy Outpatient Programs for kids, ages 6-14.
• Private Practice working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. 

Philosophy

I view Therapy as a very human process, as well as a very sacred one. While I am theoretically grounded in narrative and postmodern practices, I believe in using an integrated approach including solution focused therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, existential-humanistic therapy, family systems, client centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe that positive outcomes stem from working collaboratively with clients to build trusting relationships while attending to every person’s unique needs. When we open up to another person we make ourselves vulnerable, this is where true growth begins. I believe in individualized care that looks at each client’s unique story. I believe each client is unique and deserves my respect, as well as my compassion. I treat each client not as a combination of symptoms, but as a human being. 

Professional Organizations

CAMFT - California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
Psi Chi - National Honor Society in Psychology