Counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families.
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
-Carl Jung
I am a trauma-trained therapist with a passion for healing. I believe that everything we want is achieved through a healthy and strong connection with the self, which happens when we integrate and embrace the experiences of the body, soul, spirit, and mind (wholeness). My goal as a therapist is to support you through the work of moving to the other side of trauma, and becoming whole so that you may live confidently and intentionally today.
I work primarily with adults, and I specialize in childhood trauma, sexual related issues, sexual trauma, recovery from narcissistic abuse, anxiety, navigating young adult transitions, couples, and dating. I approach this work with humility and curiosity because although I bring my expertise and training, I believe that what you need can be found within you.
Therapy is not easy, and yet it is rewarding; in it we confront pain, overcome challenges, refine our perception of the self and others, and become conscious of the influences that drive us. If you are willing to do the work, I look forward to joining you on the journey of discovering and embracing your authentic self.
Professional Development
Academic training
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy, 2024
- Pepperdine University, MA Clinical Psychology, 2023
- Compassionate Inquiry, 2023
- University of California, Los Angeles, MA Education, 2005
- University of California, Berkeley, BA African-American Studies, 2003
License Type
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #143151
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #15245
- Supervised by Matthew Shima, LMFT #113018
Memberships / Affiliations
- Member, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists 2023
- Member, California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists 2022
My Therapeutic Viewpoint
Safety
When we face trauma as children, we adapt (change ourselves) to fit our circumstances and environments to help ensure our safety and survival. This is instinctual and happens because we do not possess the tools to accurately make sense of our experiences and the agency to address them meaningfully. The process can continue into adulthood, and we can change so much that we are left disconnected from our authentic selves. Safety in therapy is important because it creates an environment for the real you to emerge; to confront and explore the painful and frightening experiences that were locked away with the various parts of yourself. My goal is help facilitate your safe connection with yourself so you may establish safer connection with others.
Mutuality
Therapy is a shared space between the two of us where you are in the driver’s seat and you determine which direction we will head in. You are the expert of your life, the answers you seek lie within you; it is my job to work with you to find them by reflecting the experiences you share with me, and by communicating the path we’ll take to reach your desired destination. As we work together, I reserve the right to inquire, suggest, challenge, and occasionally interrupt you in an effort to help you get to where you want to be. Through our mutual participation, we ensure you succeed in achieving your therapeutic goals.
Authenticity
I approach therapy as I approach everything, authentically. This means, you’re getting the real me. Likewise, I invite you to be the real you to ensure you are getting the most out of our time together. There is no judgement in our shared space. Bring your grief, sadness, guilt, and shame; I will hold it. Additionally, I invite you to honor yourself through self-expression; I want to know the plans that you may have for each session, and I want to hear about any areas where you find discontentment with the therapeutic process. As you grow comfortable with the unexpressed parts yourself in the therapeutic space, you can grow comfortable with them in your everyday world.
Let's Talk
The first step in getting to the other side is making a connection. Let's find a time to discuss where you desire to be.
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#143151)
- Associate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (#15245)
- Supervised by Matthew Shima, LMFT (#113018)
