LMFT, 7 years of experience
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in Medical Family Therapy, I offer a supportive, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental virtual space for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in Intergenerational Family Systems Theory, exploring how family dynamics and systemic factors shape your well-being and relationships. I also integrate evidence-based models, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to support meaningful and practical change. In our first session, we’ll collaborate to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns—whether you're navigating the challenges of a blended family, coping with trauma or grief, or working through the early years of marriage. With experience across outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential treatment, and community-based settings, I’m committed to trauma-informed care that honors cultural identity, systemic influences, and life transitions. I also warmly welcome military members, veterans, and their families who are seeking psychotherapy support. My goal is to help you identify patterns, build on strengths, and develop tools for healthier relationships and emotional resilience. Please note that clients experiencing active suicidal or homicidal thoughts, self-harm, substance abuse or addiction, domestic violence, eating disorders or disordered eating, or those involved in any legal issues, including custody disputes, will be referred to a higher level of care or in-person therapy for appropriate, specialized support. Together, we’ll work toward your goals in a way that feels collaborative, safe, and attuned to your lived experience.
In the first session, I usually take the time to get to know my clients better and understand their needs and expectations. I may ask questions about their background, personal life, and goals for therapy. It's important for me to establish a good rapport with my clients so they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Together, we will create a treatment plan that outlines the goals and objectives of therapy. I will also discuss the therapeutic approach I plan to use and answer any questions my clients may have. By the end of the first session, clients can expect to have a better understanding of the therapeutic process and what to expect in future sessions.
My greatest strengths lie in creating a safe, culturally responsive space where clients feel seen and heard. I integrate Intergenerational Family Systems Theory with evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to help clients understand patterns, build practical skills, and strengthen their relationships. I’m committed to trauma-informed care that honors each client’s unique cultural identity and life experience. Clients often share that they feel supported without judgment, encouraged to explore difficult topics at their own pace, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting change. My approach is collaborative, structured, and tailored to your goals, ensuring our work together feels both purposeful and deeply human.
Now Accepting New Couples for Therapy My approach is especially suited for couples in the early years of marriage, those navigating the complexities of blended families, and partners facing significant life transitions. Whether you’re adjusting to a chronic medical diagnosis, managing the emotional impact of military deployment, working through trauma, or grieving a profound loss—you’re not alone. With specialized experience in these areas, I provide a supportive, structured space where couples can strengthen their connection, deepen their understanding, and build lasting resilience. Please take a moment to review my profile for a deeper understanding of my clinical background and approach. If you see yourself reflected in these descriptions, I’d be honored to support your journey together.
6 ratings with written reviews
July 28, 2025
I think she is very professional and proficient in what she does.
May 9, 2025
She's really great at knowing how to guide a conversation in a way that helps me develop insight into my emotional responses and thoughts. Viv is also really attuned to my emotional needs in session and noticing patterns that I'm not able to see on my own.
April 25, 2025
Viv is the best therapist I have worked with. She challenges me, empowers me and lifts me up. She is authentic and intelligent in the way that she adapts to my needs. I have gone through several life changes with her: first home, engagement, marriage, pregnancy and she has guided me along the way in ways I could not imagine. She makes connections between individual therapy and the other therapy work I do with my loved ones. There is a real trust in working with her.
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Therapy, which guides us to look beyond immediate symptoms and explore how your family dynamics, history, and intergenerational patterns shape your current challenges. By understanding these systemic influences, we can identify unhelpful cycles and create healthier ways of relating. In practice, I integrate this systemic exploration with evidence-based interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help you challenge unhelpful thoughts. Additionally, I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, and incorporate Trauma-Focused concepts to ensure our work feels safe and validating. This blended approach supports healing by promoting insight, awareness, emotional safety, and stronger, more cohesive relationships.
In family therapy, I use a relational, systemic approach grounded in Bowen Theory, Attachment Theory, Erikson’s psychosocial stages, and Duvall’s Family Development Model. I integrate CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Focused methods to help families improve communication, address conflict, and strengthen trust, connection, and resilience through life’s transitions.