LMFT, 22 years of experience
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an integrative approach to my work. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral therapy, anxiety, grief, art therapy, stress management, mindfulness and guided imagery. I have a collaborative client-centered approach, which is warm, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental. I help you discover your own insight, cultivate strengths and find meaning and purpose for a more balanced life.
Our first session intake gives me the basic framework of what brought you to therapy and how I may be of service to you. I will need some history to get a better understanding of your health and wellbeing. Finally, we will collaborate to set up a treatment plan which includes goals and expectations of what you would like to get out of therapy.
Having worked as a bereavement therapist in hospice, I understand grief and working with families. I have also worked for a functional restoration program focused on helping clients adjust to chronic pain. Throughout my life, I have had to reinvent myself and rediscover my strengths. Once studying graphic design, I had to pivot to a new career in art therapy. I have a passion to help clients going through a life transition, including midlife and career changes.
I often work with individuals who are coping with anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss and life transitions. Furthermore, I am also quite experienced in working with chronic pain, dementia, Parkinson's and cancer, whether it's midlife changes, grief and the stressors of aging parents. I have also helped clients who struggle with codependent and narcissistic relationship patterns learn to set boundaries and effectively communicate in a way that empowers them.
I have been using CBT throughout my practice and found much success in helping clients reduce their anxious and depressed moods. You will identify limiting beliefs and cognitive distortions and begin to reframe your thinking and behaviors. I also help you identify your core beliefs and limitations related to your thinking and empower you to think in new ways.
My approach is integrative in that I combine techniques and theories from various therapeutic schools. It is based on the client's unique goals, needs and style. I consider the whole person using an evidence based approach including CBT, mindfulness, art therapy, guided imagery and grief support.