I am an experienced clinical psychologist, administrator, and parent who possesses the tools and expertise needed to help you handle the challenges life presents. I am also a neurodivergent, pansexual, first generation college student who defied expectations simply by going to college and then by earning not only a bachelor’s degree, but also my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology. The skills that I developed and life lessons I have experienced while learning to navigate the world of academics and then successfully run a three-city university counseling center (while also being a parent) are skills that I happily pass on and share with clients and other professionals as I truly believe that we all grow by helping each other and passing on experiences for the greater good of all.
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. What this looks like in action is a tailored approach that is uniquely adapted for each person who walks through the door. It may be that we work together on coping skills, explore your history along side your hopes for the future, or we simply sit together and find acceptance in the unacceptable. My primary goal is to help you be the best you that you can be, without shame or judgment. I accept you for who you are, right now, in this moment, and for who you want to be in the future.
My go-to approach is attachment focused relational therapy. This involves using a combination of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory, 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
Before I was in private practice full time, I worked my way up at a university counseling center from intern through director. During this time I honed my ability to be flexible and adaptable to whatever area of challenge or concern walks through my door, and to provide referrals to other professionals when needed. As a result, I have extensive experience working with anxiety, neurodivergence (including ADHD/Autism/AuDHD), relationships, queer identity concerns, grief and loss, and working in high stress jobs (e.g., health care, technology, and C-suite professionals)
At the counseling center, I learned to tap into my passion to support early career therapists in my role as the Training Director of our APA accredited internship program. As the Director of the center, I learned to navigate political landscapes and complex systems with finesse while staying true to my own values, and while balancing the need to help my team grow, develop, and refine their own areas of passion in the field. At this point in time, 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.” I continue to learn and grow in my relationship with my (now adult) child, and I use these insights in helping other parents navigate their own experience with their children.
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. At the time of this update (April 2025) I’m currently reading (or rereading) Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson, Attachment in Psychotherapy by David Wallin, and Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine.