Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Perinatal Mental Health, Anxiety, Coping Skills and 7 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Crystal and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe, supported, and accepted exactly as you are. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create an environment where you can show up authentically, explore life's challenges, and build meaningful change at your own pace. As a mom of two, I understand the importance of balance, resilience, and self-care, especially during life's busiest and most demanding seasons. Outside of my work as a therapist, you'll often find me riding my motorcycle, spending time with my backyard chickens, or enjoying a little Disney magic. These experiences help keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of connection, joy, and making space for ourselves. I bring those same values into my work with clients, creating a therapeutic relationship that feels genuine, supportive, and human.
During our first session, the focus is simply on getting to know you and what’s bringing you to therapy. We’ll talk about the reasons you’re seeking support and what you hope to get out of the process, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’ll listen closely to your story, ask gentle questions to better understand your experiences and emotions, and begin identifying the patterns or challenges that may be impacting you. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. This session is about creating space for you to feel heard and understood. We’ll also start to talk about what goals might feel meaningful for you moving forward, and how we can work together to support the kind of change or healing you’re looking for. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling supported, seen, and with a clearer sense of what working together might look like.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to build genuine, meaningful connections with clients. Over the course of my work across a variety of settings and populations, I’ve learned how to meet people where they are and adapt to a wide range of needs, experiences, and communication styles. That flexibility has shaped the way I show up in the room warm, grounded, and attuned to each individual. In sessions, I aim to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and free of judgment. I tend to be steady and present while also bringing in gentle curiosity and reflection. I listen closely, help clients make sense of what they’re experiencing, and support them in noticing patterns that may be impacting their wellbeing. My personal experiences have also shaped how I approach this work. Becoming a first time parent during the pandemic, while also navigating my own mental health, was an isolating and challenging time. It deepened my understanding of how important support and connection are during major life transitions, and it reinforced my commitment to helping clients feel less alone in what they’re experiencing. I bring both lived experience and clinical training into the therapeutic space, with the intention of offering a therapeutic relationship that feels steady, human, and supportive.
I work best with college students, young professionals, adults, older adults and individuals navigating the transitions and challenges that come with different stages of life. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps. They may be balancing academic pressures, career demands, relationship challenges, major life changes, or the responsibilities of parenthood. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals during the perinatal and postpartum period. Whether you're adjusting to pregnancy, navigating the emotional changes of new parenthood, struggling with anxiety or depression, or trying to reconnect with yourself while caring for others, I provide a supportive space to process your experiences and build confidence in your journey. I also enjoy working with individuals impacted by substance use, whether they are exploring their relationship with substances, pursuing recovery, or working to maintain long term wellness. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping clients identify their strengths while creating meaningful and sustainable change.
Other specialties
I identify as
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
My experience with this treatment method has included both group and individual sessions in the past. However, at this time, I only provide this method in individual therapy sessions. In this setting, we focus on building practical DBT skills, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness helps clients stay present and aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Distress tolerance focuses on getting through difficult or overwhelming moments in a safe and effective way. Emotional regulation supports understanding emotions more clearly and learning how to manage their intensity. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, and strengthening relationships. Together, these skills support clients in better understanding their patterns, coping with stress more effectively, and feeling more grounded in daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my work with clients by helping them better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In session, we work together to identify unhelpful or recurring thought patterns and explore how these may be affecting emotions and day-to-day functioning. From there, we focus on developing practical strategies to challenge and reframe those thoughts in a more balanced and helpful way. This can support clients in reducing anxiety, improving mood, and feeling more in control of how they respond to stress.
Eclectic
I use an eclectic approach by drawing from different therapeutic methods based on each client’s individual needs and goals. In session, this may include elements of CBT, DBT skills, and other supportive interventions depending on what feels most helpful in the moment. Together, we focus on understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also building practical coping tools, emotional regulation skills, and strategies to improve relationships. This flexible approach allows therapy to be tailored to each client, supporting them in a way that fits their unique situation and strengths.