Services
- Individual
About My Clients
Have you experienced a traumatic or painful life event that you cannot seem to get out of your mind? Do you find that anxiety, worry, or guilt get in the way of you living your best life? Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you struggling to make a change in your behavior or reduce your substance use? Has it been a while since you felt joy and contentment? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I may be the right therapist for you.
My Background and Approach
My therapy style is warm, collaborative, transparent, and always focused on meeting my client’s specific treatment goals. I am passionate about helping my clients to not just “get by,” but instead to thrive and live rich, meaningful lives. My approach to therapy is rooted in evidence-based practice, meaning that I start with treatments that have been scientifically-proven and then tailor them for my clients’ needs. I most commonly use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT teaches an individual to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and that are keeping them stuck. ACT helps us to accept what is out of our control and live rewarding lives even amongst terribly difficult circumstances. I worked previously as an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCSD and as a VA psychologist. I have abundant experience treating and training others to effectively treat trauma, anxiety, addictions, and related conditions.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
Throughout my career I have worked to educate myself on how various diversity factors influence mental health and treatment processes. These factors may include race/ethnicity, age, gender, LGBTQ+ status, disability, veteran status, religion, and socioeconomic status. I know that one’s cultural identity has a profound impact on how they experience the world. I am fortunate to have worked with an extremely diverse population, with clients from all walks of life. I strive to create a welcoming space where individuals from backgrounds and perspectives different from my own feel comfortable and seen. I am deeply committed to serving individuals from historically marginalized communities. On a personal note, I enjoy hiking, long walks with friends, cooking, reading, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with my family and 15 year old rescue dog, Penelope.