LCSW, 5 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome feelings of anxiety and depression through understanding the root of these emotions and working through their trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.
During a first session with me, there are no expectations for how much or how little you’re comfortable sharing. You’ll be in a safe and supportive place to ask questions and get to know me as I will get to know you. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy in general and at this specific time in your life, and we'll begin to discuss your goals and aspirations you hope to accomplish in and outside of therapy.
My greatest strength as a therapist comes from the breadth of my experience working across diverse settings and populations. As a social worker, I’ve served as a case manager alongside public defenders to support people experiencing homelessness, worked as the sole school counselor for three elementary schools, provided outpatient therapy for children and teens, and spent the bulk of my career in correctional mental health at the Orange County Jail. There, I worked with female inmates, sex offenders, LGBTQ clients, and veterans, which required adaptability, strong boundaries, and a deep sense of compassion. What makes me unique is the way I combine this real-world experience with my therapeutic training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and mindfulness. I not only help clients process and heal from trauma, but I also empower them with practical coping tools and encourage them to build a stronger mind–body connection, drawing from my background as a certified personal trainer. Clients often share that they feel both supported and challenged in our work together, which helps them create meaningful and lasting change.
My approach is client-centered and integrative, meaning I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies and techniques to customize my treatment to each unique person. Some of the therapeutic approaches I draw from include Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, as well as mindfulness-based approaches. I am also a fully trained Safety and Attachment-Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR therapist. I am confident in my abilities to help you navigate and heal from any past trauma or distressing experiences.
My introduction to EMDR came as a client while working at the county jail, when I sought support to process triggering experiences. The work was life-changing, and it inspired me to complete extensive EMDR training. Today, EMDR remains my primary and most effective therapeutic approach, and I am passionate about helping clients experience the same transformative results.
In my practice, I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients identify, understand, and heal the different parts of themselves with compassion and curiosity.
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in building practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier relationships.
I integrate mind- body practices to help clients, particularly those navigating health concerns and eating disorders, develop greater awareness of their bodies, emotions, and behaviors while fostering a more compassionate relationship with themselves