LMFT, 15 years of experience
I grew up in a small town in Hawaii, then came to Southern California and began studying psychology in 2001. I completed my master’s degree at Fuller School of Psychology in 2010 and served children and families at a community mental health agency for 10 years, also starting a private practice 8 years ago. While I loved island life, I’ve put down roots here through friendships, involvement in my community, and my love of LA’s cultural diversity.
During our first session, we will take some time getting to know one another. I will answer any questions you may have about the therapy process, gather information about your history and discuss what brings you to therapy. We will also talk about changes you hope to make during our time together, clarifying your goals and expectations for treatment.
Having provided field-based mental health services in the past, I developed a holistic and flexible approach. I value the input of my clients and strive to attune well, communicate empathy, and understand your individual needs and experiences. It’s important that we create a space where you can build insight as you evaluate your relationships. It’s my goal to support people in valuing themselves as they work towards change and build skills for more effective functioning.
Whether you are seeking to heal from traumatic experiences, gain insight and shift patterns of relating to others, or develop a greater connection to personal resources and problem-solving, my hope is that your experience of therapy not only alleviates distress but also facilitates a deeper sense of meaningful connection to self, others, and purpose in the world. My experience includes supporting people with depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulty regulating emotions, and parenting issues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a helpful toolset for shifting patterns of behavior and painful emotions.