I am an experienced clinical psychologist, administrator, and parent and I possess the tools and expertise needed to help you handle the challenges life presents. I am also a neurodivergent, first generation college student who defied expectations by earning not only a bachelor’s degree, but also a masters and doctorate in clinical psychology. Learning to navigate the world of academics and then successfully run a three-city university counseling center taught me many life lessons that have I benefited from throughout the years and which I am able to share with my clients.
My Style
I am a humanistic-existential therapist. What this means is that I truly believe we all have it in ourselves to heal ourselves, but that at times we get stuck and need help navigating that stuckness. I use a direct and transparent approach that brings in humor and warmth as we work together to find ways to handle what life has thrown at you. For each person this will be different as we find ways to adapt, to cope, to transition to something new, or to simply sit together and find acceptance in the unacceptable.
My goal is to help you be the best you that you can be, without shame or judgment. I am here to tell you that you are enough and I accept you for who you are, right now, in this moment.
My go-to approach is attachment focused relational therapy. This involves using a combination of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet you where you are and provide you with the support that you need.
My Education & License
- Licensed Psychologist, California (PSY 24992)
- Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Bachelors of Science in Psychology, University of Utah
My Experience
Prior to private practice, I spent the first 15 years of my career working at a university college counseling center where I honed my ability to be flexible and adaptable to whatever area of challenge walks through my door. My primary areas of expertise include Autism, ADHD, queer identity development and associated challenges, personality disorders, high-achieving perfectionism, identity development and imposter syndrome.
At the counseling center, I was able to tap into my passion to support early career therapists as the Training Director of our APA accredited internship program. As the Director of the center, I navigated political landscapes and complex systems with finesse while staying true to my own values, while also helping my team grow, develop, and refine their own areas of passion in the field. I continue to embrace working with early career professionals through teaching graduate level courses in psychology related fields and providing clinical consultation to licensed clinicians.
Furthermore, as a parent, I understand the difficulties that come with raising children. I know firsthand the intense emotions, doubts and fears that can arise as they grow, and I am sensitive to the immense responsibility of worrying about how to parent without “screwing up.”
Lifelong Training
I believe that it is important to always be learning and growing in how to better care for my clients. Although it is impossible to list all of the books, articles, and trainings I have consumed and attended, please know that it is my commitment to you that I will always continue learning. If you are curious about my additional trainings or experience, please reach out; I am happy to share more with you.