Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and have been practicing for over 10 years. I work with adolescents and adults who are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and relationship issues, supporting them as they heal, gain insight, and create a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
In our initial session, we will begin by establishing a foundation for our work together before discussing the specific challenges you are facing. Together, we will develop a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and needs, ensuring our work is focused, collaborative, and supportive as we move forward in future sessions.
With over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults, I help people get to the root of their challenges and create a personalized plan for meaningful progress. I’m empathetic, a great listener, and create a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. As a trusted confidant, I also challenge clients in a positive way to encourage growth and help them move toward their goals.
I am passionate about working with adolescents and adults who seek to gain a deeper understanding of their mental health and develop the self-awareness necessary for meaningful change. My clients are motivated to improve, yet often feel uncertain or lack the tools to navigate the challenges they face.
I have extensively integrated psychodynamic therapy into my practice to help clients gain deeper self-awareness and insight into how their past experiences shape their present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through the process of uncovering underlying emotions and identifying recurring relational patterns, clients gain insight and develop a greater understanding of their inner worlds. They also build self-compassion and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
In my practice, I use CBT to help clients develop practical coping strategies and gain greater control over their emotional responses. I work collaboratively with clients to identify automatic negative thoughts, challenge cognitive distortions, and replace them with more balanced and constructive perspectives. Through this process, clients can develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors that promote emotional well-being. My goal is to empower clients with tools they can use in their daily lives, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change.
I approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens by recognizing the effects of past trauma on present emotions, behaviors, and relationships. I emphasize safety, collaboration, and choice, ensuring that clients feel in control of their healing process. My approach is non-pathologizing—I focus on helping clients understand their responses to trauma as adaptive survival mechanisms rather than signs of dysfunction. I may incorporate grounding techniques, mindfulness strategies, and somatic awareness to help regulate distressing emotions and build resilience. By fostering self-compassion, restoring a sense of agency, and building coping skills, I help clients not only process their trauma but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and hope for the future.