Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy is a significant step, and it's completely natural to wonder what our initial session will be like. My aim is for you to leave feeling a sense of clarity, hope, and a solid understanding of how we'll work together to achieve your goals. Our first session is primarily about unpacking your story and getting to know each other. We'll explore what has brought you to this moment in your life, touching upon your current challenges, your personal history, and key aspects of your family system. This initial conversation helps me understand the unique landscape of your experiences and how they might be contributing to your present concerns. It's a foundational step in identifying the unconscious patterns and influences that shape your daily life. You'll also get to learn a little about me. It’s important for you to feel comfortable and confident in our therapeutic relationship. I believe in practicing what I preach, so I’ll share that I actively engage in the same deep inner work that I guide my clients through. This isn't just theory for me; it's a living, breathing practice. A crucial part of our initial work will involve introducing you to tools for self-discovery. We'll talk about the Discovery Log, a journaling method I've developed to help you reflect on your experiences between sessions and deepen your insights. We'll begin to lay the groundwork for inner child work, which is a powerful way to connect with and heal earlier parts of yourself that may be carrying old wounds or unmet needs. To support this, I will typically ask you to start gathering pictures from your childhood; these visual anchors can be incredibly helpful as we explore your past. Our environment is key to effective therapy. For this session, and all subsequent ones, please ensure you are in a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted. It's essential that you come to our session without any alcohol or drug impairments, as clarity of mind is vital for engaging in this deep work. This dedicated space and clear mind allow you to fully immerse yourself in the therapeutic process and feel truly safe. To broaden your understanding of psychological dynamics, I'll introduce you to the four archetypes of psychodynamic therapy. This framework can provide a rich lens through which to understand different aspects of your personality and relational patterns. We'll also touch upon the Enneagram, a profound system for understanding personality types, and I'll encourage you t

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What truly sets my therapeutic approach apart is a rare blend of extensive, real-world experience, deep clinical expertise, and a profound commitment to your personal transformation. With nearly three decades as a licensed psychodynamic therapist across four states (California, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming), I've not only witnessed but actively facilitated profound change for countless individuals. This longevity in the field, coupled with my diverse background, provides a foundation of wisdom and insight that few therapists can offer. My unique journey extends beyond the therapy room. Prior to dedicating myself fully to private practice, I spent 30 years as a teacher and counselor, retiring in 2020. This invaluable experience within various systems has given me a comprehensive understanding of human development, educational challenges, and the intricate social dynamics that impact our well-being. Having served in these multifaceted roles, I bring a nuanced perspective to how external pressures and internal landscapes intersect, allowing me to better appreciate the complex lives my clients lead. Reopening my practice during the pandemic underscored my unwavering dedication to providing a vital space for healing amidst unprecedented challenges. The depth of my personal experience also profoundly informs my work. As a mother, grandmother, and family member who has navigated life's complexities-including marriage and divorce, and living in diverse communities across California, I bring a genuine, empathetic understanding to the human condition. I don't just teach the work; I do the work myself. This personal commitment to my own ongoing growth ensures that I meet you with authenticity, recognizing the courage it takes to confront difficult truths. I offer a true place of respite, where you can safely unravel, explore, and heal without judgment. My therapeutic focus goes beyond traditional talk therapy. While my psychodynamic foundation is robust, I fluidly integrate a rich tapestry of methods to meet you where you are. This includes specialized expertise in art therapy, dream work, and shadow work, allowing for creative and non-verbal avenues of expression and insight. My keen understanding of Imago Therapy, though not my primary modality, means I can thoughtfully incorporate its valuable tools for relational understanding when beneficial. Perhaps one of the most exciting and unique aspects of working with me is the integration of cutting-edge resources. I'

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My practice is uniquely suited for individuals ready to embark on a journey of deep self-discovery and lasting change. If you're someone who's tired of surface-level fixes and feels a pull towards understanding the unconscious roots of your struggles, you'll find a supportive and challenging space here. I work best with clients who are inherently curious and open to trying new things. Perhaps you've felt stuck in long-standing patterns, including depression that feels deeply embedded, and suspect there's more to your experience than meets the eye. My clients often come from complex or challenging family systems, recognizing that their past continues to echo in their present relationships and emotional landscape. You might be someone who has "over-functioned" for others, always holding it together, but now yearn for a safe place to unravel and prioritize your own healing. What my clients have in common is a willingness to be truly honest...with themselves and with me. This means being prepared to sit with hard truths and confront discomfort, knowing that genuine growth emerges from these challenging moments. You're likely someone who is intelligent and self-aware, perhaps even a highly analytical person who has tried to "think" their way out of problems, but now senses the need for a deeper, more emotional and intuitive exploration. You'll thrive in my practice if you're drawn to deep inner work. This includes: Inner Child Healing: Ready to connect with and nurture the younger parts of yourself that may be carrying old wounds or unmet needs. Shadow Work: Prepared to explore and integrate the unacknowledged or disowned aspects of your personality, leading to greater wholeness. Dream Work: Open to using your dreams as a rich source of insight into your unconscious mind. Persona and Self-Integration: Interested in understanding the masks we wear in the world and moving towards a more authentic, integrated sense of self. I encourage clients to engage actively in their process, utilizing tools that enhance self-awareness. This might include working with a Discovery Log for structured journaling, using a Feeling Wheel to expand emotional literacy, or incorporating insights from the Enneagram to understand personality patterns and motivations. While my core approach is psychodynamic, I fluidly integrate other modalities, including practical DBT skills for emotional regulation and a humanistic, Person-Centered stance that emphasizes your inherent capacity f