New to Grow
I work with individuals seeking meaningful change, greater clarity, and a stronger sense of self. My approach is grounded in warmth, empathy, and the ability to meet clients where they are—supporting them in feeling seen, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges. My work is informed by more than 60 years of life experience, both professional and personal, which brings depth, perspective, and authenticity to the therapeutic process. After several careers and at age 50—supported by ten years of sobriety—I felt called to create a more fulfilling and intentional life. Through my own work in therapy and career counseling, I chose to return to school and build the life and practice I have today. This journey continues to shape my compassion, insight, and respect for the courage it takes to pursue growth and healing. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Santa Clara University in California. In alignment with California requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I completed 3,000 supervised clinical internship hours at Almaden Valley Counseling Agency in San Jose, where I worked with individuals, couples, families, and children. This experience strengthened my ability to work across the lifespan and address a wide range of personal, relational, and emotional concerns.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
From our first conversation, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore what matters most to you. I tailor therapy to each individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. With warmth, compassion, honesty, and appropriate humor, we work together to identify patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that may be limiting your growth. At the same time, we build on your inherent strengths, resilience, and life experience. My role is not to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as you gain insight, develop new perspectives, and make changes that align with your values. Whether you are seeking healing, clarity, or forward momentum, therapy becomes a collaborative process—one that supports you in creating a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and authentic.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe the most effective support often comes from a place of deep, personal understanding. My greatest strength as a therapist is that I’ve walked the path of trauma healing and major life transitions myself. For a long time, I felt like I was living by someone else's script—trying to fit into a life that simply wasn't 'me.' I know how exhausting that disconnect can be, and I am passionate about helping you rewrite your own story to find a fit that feels authentic and true.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The goals of therapy belong to the person seeking change. Together, we work toward something different from what you are experiencing now—whether that means gaining new perspective, developing a stronger sense of self, healing old wounds, or adopting healthier attitudes and behaviors. Therapy is not simply about fixing what feels wrong, but about creating a life that feels right for you. I provide counseling for individuals facing a range of concerns, including life transitions, depression and anxiety, alcohol and substance use issues, grief and loss, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each client’s needs. With warmth, compassion, honesty, and appropriate humor, we build on your inherent strengths while exploring patterns of thought, feeling, and motivation. Through this process, you may gain insight, make meaningful changes, and find the freedom to move forward with what matters most to you.
Integrative
As an integrative therapist, I move beyond "one-size-fits-all" counseling by blending the structured tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the deep insight of psychodynamic theory, and the heart-centered focus of humanistic approaches. This holistic philosophy allows me to treat you as a whole person—honoring the complex interplay between your mind, body, and emotions rather than just addressing a set of symptoms. By drawing from a diverse "toolbox" of evidence-based techniques, we will collaboratively craft a treatment plan that respects your unique personality, history, and goals. Whether we are unearthing the influence of past relationships or building practical strategies for modern stress, our work is a dynamic partnership designed to ensure that therapy always fits your life, not the other way around.
Psychodynamic
Using a psychodynamic approach, I get a sense of my client's past and present life as seen through their eye. We explore the known and undiscovered truths of their world that may be beneath issues that have brought them to seek therapy. I believe my work with clients is not just about what is wrong with life but also about helping them create a life that is right for them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is an evidence based and powerful direct intervention for people who are ready for change. If you are feeling stuck in your thoughts, struggling with behaviors or habits that do not serve you well, this type of therapy can produce changes quickly.
Humanistic
I see you not as a set of symptoms to be managed, but as an individual with an innate capacity for growth. My role is to provide a space of unconditional positive regard and empathy, where we can collaboratively foster the self-awareness and personal responsibility needed for true healing. Together, we will address the interplay of your mind, body, and emotions to help you put down the old script and finally step into a life that fits who you truly are.