I went to Hope International University in Orange, Ca., and earned a Master's of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. That taught me family systems theory and family therapy approaches.
During my early years as an intern, I trained at the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and also studied attachment science.
I then started using EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy with individuals and couples, combined with the psychodynamic approach. Soon after that, I studied mindfulness and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
As a therapist for individuals, couples, families and groups, I am a comforting person who not only listens, but also provides mirroring, validation and a holding environment for one's feelings and pain.
I support clients through affirming and celebrating who they are while also guiding them, with empathy and care, to look at aspects of themselves that may contribute to pain or challenges. This approach enables clients to acknowledge and process grief and suppressed emotions that frequently stem from specific types of trauma.
Therapy can bring up difficult emotions as you shift out of ways of being that you've been familiar with for a long time into healthier ways that are in line with your true self.
I am a compassionate companion with deep empathy for fellow travelers on this journey of ever-increasing growth and healing.
I love how the therapeutic relatiohship fosters the formation of a new, 'good enough' attachment that fosters attachment security in a unique way giving individuals and couples a secure base with me as they work toward becoming their true selves and therefore living in adaptive ways and less maladaptive ways.