New to Grow
I have over 15 years experience providing clinical and case management services to populations including, but not limited to: Medical and chronic pain issues; anxiety; sex and relationship struggles; couples issues; substance use and eating disorders. I am distinguished by my training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Emotional Freedom "Tapping" technique, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Contemplative Care. I am licensed in CA, ID, VA, FL, TX, NJ, and WA. There is a way out. Those who come to see me are often at a crossroads, frustrated at how they are trying to deal with problems and seeking workable strategies and solutions to cope. Therapy is meant to be a space to feel welcome to talk about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are problematic. Understanding unhealthy behaviors, frustrations with life, and/or unsuccessful efforts to cope can help reveal the obstacles that may block your path to growth and desired outcomes. Why do we explore? So you can live a life YOU want to live!
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is all about creating a comfortable space where you feel seen, heard, and respected. Think of it as a "get-to-know-you" conversation rather than an intense interview. We’ll start by briefly touching on the necessary "housekeeping" tasks like privacy and scheduling, but the heart of our time will be spent exploring what brought you here today. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or to tell your whole life story in one go; you are welcome to share as much or as little as feels right to you. My goal is to listen to your experiences and get a sense of your unique rhythm so we can begin building a foundation of trust. Beyond the "what" of your current challenges, we’ll also talk about the "where"—as in, where you would like to go. We will discuss your hopes for therapy and what a meaningful life looks like to you, ensuring that our work together feels relevant and supportive of your personal goals. By the end of the hour, you’ll have a better feel for my style and how I work, and we can decide together on a plan that feels manageable and empowering for you. You don’t need to prepare anything or "be" anyone other than who you are; just bring yourself, and we’ll take it one step at a time.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength lies in the depth and diversity of my clinical lens, informed by over 15 years of experience navigating high-stakes environments—from providing clinical care, care coordination in healthcare (Including medical specialty) settings, criminal restorative justice settings, to supporting those with complex medical conditions and chronic pain. What stands out about my approach is the integration of structure and empathy. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, I utilize an evidence-based, collaborative framework tailored to the specific intersection of a client’s identity, health, and history. My methods focus on the "whole person," addressing the delicate nuances of life struggles with a warmth that dismantles shame. The result of this work is more than just symptom relief; it is a transformative shift in relationship with yourself. My clients don't just learn to manage their transitions or pain—they cultivate a radical self-awareness and a fortified sense of agency that allows them the option to lead more authentic, connected lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals who often feel a disconnect between their outward success and their inner peace. My approach resonates most with clients who bring a mindset of curiosity and a genuine readiness for self-exploration. You aren't just looking for someone to agree with you; you want a collaborative partner who will gently challenge your perspectives and help you build a more authentic relationship with yourself. You might feel like you’re constantly performing or "holding it all together"--yet underneath, you struggle with a persistent sense of not being enough or a fear that slowing down will mean falling apart. We are a great fit if you are ready to move beyond just managing symptoms and want to understand the underlying patterns that keep you stuck in cycles of overthinking or self-criticism. Whether your goals involve healing past relational trauma, setting firmer boundaries, or reclaiming a sense of agency in your life, our work will focus on creating lasting internal shifts. If you value a therapeutic space that balances deep emotional processing with practical insights, and you are committed to the process of becoming more fully yourself, we will work exceptionally well together.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on psychological flexibility. Why do we care about this? Instead of trying to eliminate or exterminate “bad" thoughts/beliefs, I help clients change their relationship to them. ACT stops the 'mental tug-of-war' with difficult thoughts, shifting your energy away from the frustration of trying to control your negativity and instead toward taking concrete actions that align with your vision and goals for your life!
Attachment-based
This approach helps individuals understand how early relationships might shape their “working model" with their current relationships and how they behave in them. How you use it: I use this approach with a variety of stressors, including relationship issues, eating disorders/body dysmorphia, substance use and recovery, transitions of life, chronic pain and health issues, and anxiety challenges to identify how this might cause barrier(s) with social connections, communication, and intimacy. Why do we look at attachment? You gain insight to understand why you might feel unsafe or overwhelmed in partnerships and with others—intimate or platonic. Uncovering root factors helps treat the source and not the symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Imagine stepping into a virtual session not just to "vent," but to gain a toolkit for your mind? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the ultimate bridge between clinical insight and daily action, turning your smartphone or laptop into a command center for mental clarity. Instead of navigating vague theories, you’ll dive into "thought catching"—spotting those sneaky unhelpful thoughts your brain tells you—and replacing them with accurate truths. It’s about taking the outdated beliefs or “operating systems” and metaphorically updating the “software of your brain”. Why is this modality important? The beauty of virtual CBT lies in its "real-world" application, practicing exactly where your life happens. You are welcomed to share feelings in an authentic way. What makes this lead to change is that in naming the feelings and emotions this gives space for change in perspective and action.
Couples Counseling
Virtual couples counseling brings the opportunity for breakthrough directly to your "home base”. It transforms your shared space from a place of tension into a laboratory for connection and communication. By logging in together from the comfort of your own sofa, kitchen, or personal space, you’re not just talking about your relationship—you’re actively redesigning it in the environment where it lives and breathes. It’s a chance to strip away the "he-said, she-said-they said" loop and replace it with high-impact strategies, like active listening drills and de-escalation tactics. The true magic of the digital format is how it bridges the gap between a therapy session and real-world results. Instead of waiting a week to apply what you've learned, you can practice "micro-repairs" in real-time, right after the screen goes dark. Whether you’re learning to navigate the "mental load" of household chores or mastering the art of a healthy argument, virtual counseling provides the tactical blueprints you need to thrive. It’s about more than just surviving the rough patches; it’s about upgrading your partnership with practical, actionable tools that make your bond feel less like a project and more like a powerhouse team.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In a world of endless notifications and "open tabs" in your mind, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) acts as a powerful system reboot for your nervous system. Virtual therapy allows you to practice mindfulness grounding techniques exactly where you need them most—right in the center of your daily chaos. Why Mindfulness? Instead of just talking about stress, you’ll learn to drop an anchor in the present moment, using your immediate surroundings to shift from "autopilot" to intentional awareness. It’s about turning your workspace or bedroom into a training ground for calm, where you learn to observe your thoughts like passing clouds rather than getting swept away by the storm. You aren't just meditating in a vacuum; you’re learning to integrate mindfulness into your day-to-day life, from childcare and parenting, working, attending school, navigating relationships, going to the grocery stores, etc. By the time you click "Leave Meeting," you’ve gained more than just a sense of relaxation—With each session, you are learning and builting a portable toolkit of mental resilience. This approach proves that you don't need a mountain retreat to find clarity; you just need the right tools to find the "quiet" in the middle of the noise.