Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. Although I am somewhat new to therapy, I have over 20 years of experience working in various agencies including a domestic violence shelter, at a university as an advocate and various mental health agencies. I collaborate with clients to understand themselves with compassion, explore challenges and strengths and build skills to live with more freedom and peace.
In our first session together, we'll start with introductions. We will then gently identify the specific challenges you're facing and where you are seeking change in your life. We will explore what supports and resources are already in place that we can expand and deepen. This will help us co-create an agreed upon plan for us to focus on in follow-up sessions.
Having worked with a variety of clients in a variety of settings who have been impacted by trauma, my strength is holding hope for all kinds of people with all kinds of experiences. My approach is strengths based and trauma informed meaning I hold deep respect for the people I work with, listen curiously, hear without judgment and seek to understand with the goal of seeing someone become more of who they are.
I am trained in Level 1 and Level 2 EMDR. I utilize EMDR treatment to address impacts of trauma and areas where people feel stuck.
My foundational approach is rooted in strengths- based. I have a fundamental belief that people are capable, worthy and deserving.
My approach acknowledges client's many identities which then impact how they exist in the world. It is important to learn about client's cultural identities as sources of strengths and resiliency.
My practice is anchored in the principles of trauma informed care such as collaboration, safety, empowerment, humility and so on.