When choosing the right therapist, some feel education, training, and experience are important. If so, please scroll to the bottom of the page. For others, it's more of a vibe and personality fit. To make it easy, I've broken it down so that you can choose the information that is most important to you. And if you feel I'm a good fit, let's book a phone consult.
My Story
Like many, I started college with a particular major but when I began Psych 101, I was hooked. The brain and its impact on our mood and behaviors was fascinating to me.
Leap several years later, while working at a non-profit agency, I had the opportunity to work with survivors of Human Trafficking. I worked first hand with women who were experiencing severe trauma, and for many this was in addition to experiencing trauma in childhood. I knew that talk therapy was not going to be enough.
This led me to EMDR Therapy and was amazed at the transformation of these women. Once I knew there was something out there that could bring true healing from the most devastating experiences, I could not, NOT share it. I continued to train in other modalities that compliment and go even deeper with EMDR Therapy when combined together and heal at both a physiological and psychological.
Why do you do the work you do?
Partly because I've been there too and I get it. I've had the controlling parent, the unhealthy relationship, the nagging critical voice that held me back with freeze and anxiety, the feeling of not enough, or people pleasing. And I also know that it's possible to overcome.
Secondly, once you know there is something out there that is truly effective, you can't help but want to share it with others. I have been practicing EMDR Therapy for 10+ years, and still get amazed by its effectiveness.
I enjoy messages from clients several months or a year after therapy sharing their appreciation and continued positive experiences in their lives due to the work they did in therapy.
How do you describe your energy and vibe in session?
Some people like the direct, blunt therapist. I come more from a soft-spoken, gentle, and nurturing approach. If you listen to one of my meditations here, you will get a sense of my tone. But, I'm also not afraid to challenge you when I feel you're ready and open to it, when you know it's coming from a caring place, and it benefits your growth.
I will give my input and expertise on the process, but teamwork is important throughout our work together. I will consistently check in with you to get your input on your experience and make sure I'm guiding you in the right direction. I also pace the therapy process as you need so you know you're being heard, feel in control, and are safe.
Last but not least, I believe that cussing, laughing, anger or screaming is important medicine too. It's all welcome!
Please see below for the values I bring into my work.
Who do you work best with?
I work best with Adult Men and Women, individually, who feel ready. Those who understand that it may be uncomfortable at times, but it's also the path to healing, peace, and ultimately, comfort. Someone who is open to, or if it's your first time in therapy, open to learning how to, trust the process. Finally, that part of therapy also means applying tools outside of the session room. With this, you will see positive progress sooner, feel more hope and confidence, which leads to even further progress.
Due to my area of focus, I find Individual Therapy is best, and refer to colleagues I trust for Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy.
How do you maintain your own life-work balance?
My motto is to practice what I preach. If you work with me, you will see that practicing and being present is an ongoing part of the therapy process.
In order to do that effectively, I place boundaries with my schedule, time, and a caseload that allows me to be present in the room.
Outside of therapy, it's rest, being involved in my faith community, being in nature, laughing with friends and family, and hobbies I enjoy. I apply the same coping tools I use with clients, and return to my own therapy when necessary.
My Education, Training, and Associations
2014 - Present - Certified EMDR Therapist
2011 - Present - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #50201
2004 - Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of San Diego
1999 - Bachelors of Psychology at California State University, San Marcos
Trainings:
Numerous and ongoing trainings for EMDR which is required of me every two years to maintain my certification as an EMDR Therapist. Other trainings include Somatic Interventions, Parts Work, Dissociative Disorders, Polyvagal Nervous System Regulation, and more.
Associations:
EMDRIA - EMDR International Association
CAMFT - California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
SDNC CAMFT - San Diego North County Chapter
For verification of my license #50201, please go to the Board of Behavioral Science: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/