(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments. My clinical focus includes psycho-oncology, working closely with individuals and families affected by cancer, as well as those navigating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. I bring a compassionate, strengths-based approach that honors each person’s unique story, resilience, and needs. In our work together, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your thoughts and emotions, gain insight, and build meaningful coping strategies. Whether you're facing a new diagnosis, managing ongoing mental health concerns, or seeking healing from disordered eating, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, clinical expertise, and unwavering support. My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered — I believe that healing happens through connection, understanding, and a shared commitment to your growth and well-being.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other in a safe, supportive environment. I’ll ask questions to better understand your background, current concerns, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll also explore your goals, what you hope to gain from our work together, and any questions you may have about the process. This session is not about pressure or problem-solving right away — it’s about building trust, helping you feel heard, and beginning to create a space where you can be your authentic self. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. If you're feeling anxious or unsure, that’s completely normal — I’ll walk you through everything at a pace that feels right for you. By the end of our time together, we’ll have a clearer sense of how we can move forward and what ongoing support might look like for you.
My greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported. I bring a calm, grounded presence to the therapeutic relationship, helping individuals feel safe enough to explore even the most difficult emotions or experiences. With a strong background in psycho-oncology, I understand the unique emotional needs of those facing serious illness, and I’m skilled at supporting clients and caregivers through grief, adjustment, and uncertainty. I also have extensive experience helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and eating disorders — using a blend of evidence-based approaches and deep empathy to foster lasting change. Clients often share that they feel truly heard in our work together. I meet each person where they are, offering patience, perspective, and partnership in their healing journey.
I am best positioned to support clients navigating psycho-oncology concerns, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. Many come in feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected, especially when facing changes in identity, health, or relationships. They are often looking for both a place to process their experiences and tools to move forward with greater clarity. My style balances warmth with thoughtful, practical guidance. I aim to create a space that feels supportive and collaborative, while also helping clients build skills to manage emotions, cope with stress, and navigate challenges more effectively. I also work with individuals experiencing relationship difficulties, focusing on communication, boundaries, and deeper connection. I tend to work best with clients who are curious about themselves and open to growth, even if they feel hesitant or stuck. Therapy becomes a place to build insight, strengthen resilience, and develop patterns that feel more aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling over time.
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Eating Disorders
Couples Counseling
Depression
Family Therapy
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
California
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have extensive experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with both adolescents and adults who struggle with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and disordered eating. I have utilized DBT in both individual and group settings, supporting clients in building the four core skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. My DBT-informed approach integrates these skills into sessions in a practical and supportive way, helping clients better understand their emotional responses and build healthier coping strategies. I also emphasize applying DBT tools between sessions, encouraging real-world practice and ongoing reflection. Clients often find DBT empowering because it provides concrete, effective tools to navigate intense emotions, improve relationships, and regain a sense of control in their lives.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my work with clients who are managing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and life transitions. ACT focuses on helping individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding them, while committing to actions that align with their values and long-term goals. Through ACT, I support clients in identifying what truly matters to them and learning how to navigate emotional discomfort with greater flexibility and self-compassion. This approach can be especially powerful for individuals facing health-related uncertainty, identity shifts, or inner criticism. By integrating mindfulness, values clarification, and cognitive defusion techniques, I help clients build resilience, increase psychological flexibility, and live with more purpose — even in the face of emotional pain or uncertainty.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on developing skills to challenge negative beliefs and build healthier coping strategies. In my practice, I guide clients through the process of recognizing automatic thoughts, understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and implementing actionable changes that improve their daily functioning and overall well-being. CBT is especially effective for clients seeking concrete tools to manage symptoms, gain clarity, and develop long-lasting mental health improvements.
1 rating with written reviews
October 6, 2025
I really appreciate Austin's calm, grounded demeanor. She creates a relaxed environment during our sessions and is easy to share a thoughtful and authentic dialogue with.