Hi there! Thank you for your interest in pursuing therapy with me.

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. I hope that by learning a little about me you can make an informed decision about my fit as your therapist.

 

You deserve to feel heard and understood.

My method is to develop a genuine connection with my patients so they feel validated and appreciated for who they are. That connection is powerful enough to provide a feeling of safety. When someone feels safe and cared for, they are able to explore themselves and their lives in a deep and meaningful way. Our therapeutic relationship builds the foundation for us to pursue your goals, promote healing, and effect worthwhile change.

 

My Therapeutic Approach

As a therapist, I see myself as a guide, a support, a helper. I work collaboratively with you to achieve your therapeutic goals. I offer a different perspective so that we can uncover what needs to be seen, discover untapped potential, or strengthen what has been there all along.

My passion is helping.

I’m in awe of how resilient, courageous, inspiring, and impactful people can be.

I’m humbled to join people on their journey toward growth and discovery.

 
 

Therapy can be intimidating, scary, or even overwhelming at times. It can be difficult and strenuous. I’ve been through therapy myself, I know exactly how it can feel sometimes. We will keep in mind that change is hard and we often need to conquer challenges in order to grow.

I will do everything in my power to ease discomfort and allow for your therapeutic experience to be manageable and useful. I have seen firsthand the life-changing benefits of therapy, and even though it may be challenging to get there, in the end it can be amazingly rewarding and gratifying.

Education

  • American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Southern California - Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

  • Argosy University, San Diego - M.A. in Forensic Psychology

  • University of California, San Diego - B.A. in Psychology and Sociology

Training and Experience

Post-doctoral

  • Psychologist - Santa Barbara Behavioral Health/Lifestance Health

    • Lifestance Health (formerly Santa Barbara Behavioral Health) is a nationwide affiliation of psychiatrists and therapists providing mental health care that is covered by most health insurances, and is a national leader in mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness.

    • As an individual psychotherapist in a group private practice, I treated various mental health concerns and a variety of clients. I specialized in working with college-aged clients, anxiety disorders, relational difficulties, and those who struggled with emotional regulation.

  • Senior Psychologist, Specialist - San Quentin State Prison and California Medical Facility

    • San Quentin and the California Medical Facility are state prisons housing adult males. They house inmates at various levels of security, including reception centers, segregated units, general population, and condemned. These facilities both have large mental health treatment programs. They have inpatient crisis units and outpatient programs.

    • As a Senior Psychologist, Specialist, I coordinated the Suicide Prevention Programs for the institutions.

  • Staff Psychologist - California Medical Facility

    • As a Psychologist, I provided group therapy, individual therapy, and crisis intervention services to the inmate/patients.

  • Clinical/Forensic Psychologist - PsychWest Inc.

    • PsychWest Inc. provides assessments, training, and therapy for defendants found incompetent to proceed in their criminal case due to an inability to understand the court proceedings, fully engage with and assist their attorney due to a mental disability or, as in juvenile cases, the juvenile defendant presents with a developmental immaturity.

    • As a Psychologist, I conducted competency evaluations and provided training recommendations to the court.

Graduate Clinical Training

  • San Quentin State Prison, APA accredited internship

  • Outreach Concern Inc./St. Catherine’s Academy

    • Outreach Concern is a school-based counseling agency that works with students on a confidential, one-on-one basis to help them overcome obstacles that impact classroom performance.

    • St. Catherine’s Academy is a Catholic school with a military tradition for boys in transitional kindergarten - 8th grade, including a day program and boarding school.

  • California Institution for Men

    • CIM is an adult male prison housing inmates of various security levels and housing programs, including reception center, segregation, and general population. They provide a wide range of therapeutic services to the inmate/patients in the mental health program, including inpatient crisis treatment and outpatient therapy.