New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a strong foundation in both community development and clinical practice, allowing me to bring a comprehensive, systems-informed perspective to my work with individuals and professionals. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis in 2007, where I developed a deep understanding of how environments, systems, and relationships shape overall well-being. I went on to complete my Master’s in Social Work at Sacramento State University in 2010. My career in social work has provided me with diverse and extensive experience, including supporting individuals through acute psychiatric and medical hospitalizations, working with trauma, navigating complex systems, and serving youth and families involved in foster care. I began my clinical practice in 2019, where I transitioned into providing direct therapy and further developing my therapeutic approach. Over time, I have expanded my role to include clinical supervision, mentoring and supporting associate clinicians as they grow their skills and professional identity. In my work with clients, I take a practical, collaborative approach, helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress, life transitions, and executive functioning challenges. I am committed to creating a supportive and empowering space where meaningful, sustainable growth can occur, while also contributing to the development of thoughtful, ethical clinicians in the field.
In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, relaxed space where we begin getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what’s been going on in your life, and what you’re hoping to gain from the process. I may ask questions about your background, current challenges, and any relevant history to better understand your needs, but you are always free to share at your own pace. We’ll also begin identifying initial goals and discussing how we might work together to support meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and practical, so you can expect a balance of listening, gentle guidance, and the introduction of tools or strategies when appropriate. Most importantly, this first session is about building comfort and trust, so you can feel confident moving forward.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my focus on helping clients identify and strengthen what is already working in their lives. I believe that each person comes in with existing strengths, resilience, and untapped resources, and together we build on those to address current challenges and create meaningful change. Rather than focusing solely on problems, I work collaboratively with clients to highlight their capabilities and use them as a foundation for growth. I often incorporate Narrative Therapy, helping clients reframe their stories, separate themselves from problems, and develop more empowering perspectives. At the same time, I take a flexible and creative approach to treatment, drawing from a variety of evidence-based modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. This allows therapy to feel personalized, practical, and adaptable, while still grounded in strategies that support lasting results.
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are motivated for growth and open to developing practical skills to improve their daily functioning and overall well-being. I work well with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, and life transitions, as well as those seeking to strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and decision-making. My approach is especially effective for clients who value structure, collaboration, and actionable strategies, and who are interested in building insight while actively working toward meaningful, sustainable change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my practice by helping clients identify and examine the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I guide clients in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and work collaboratively with them to challenge and reframe these thoughts into more balanced, realistic perspectives. Through structured, goal-oriented interventions, I incorporate skill-building techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving to support meaningful change. I also emphasize practical application by encouraging clients to practice these skills outside of sessions, fostering increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and long-term resilience.