(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello! I’m excited to be a part of the team at Grow Therapy. I’m a licensed clinical psychologist and I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University in 2016. My background includes working in college/university psychological service centers, an outpatient psychiatric center, and an outpatient treatment program specializing in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). More recently, I’ve completed EMDRIA approved EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) training. Prior to my doctoral training at Cal Lu, I worked at a non-profit community counseling center in Santa Barbara, CA. The way your course of therapy unfolds will depend on a number of things, including your goals for therapy, your strengths, and your history. In our sessions, I will be focusing on understanding your needs and goals, and getting to know you as a whole person. By exploring your current life and personal history, we develop an understanding of why you think, feel and behave as you do. Therapy is a place to focus on yourself, which is a rare opportunity in our extraordinarily busy lives. Therapy can help you solve a specific problem, provide symptom relief, gain more general self-acceptance, as well as create personal change. I work collaboratively with individuals struggling with issues including: Anxiety and Panic, Depression, Emotion Dysregulation, Trauma, Insecurity and Fearfulness, Problems with Alcohol and Drug-Use, Grief and Loss, Self-Acceptance, Stress, Sexuality, Relationship Difficulties, and Peak Performance. I utilize evidence-based techniques including CBT and DBT, and have found through experience that these methods combine well with psychodynamic/insight oriented therapies. My knowledge, experience, and care are dedicated to helping clients meet their goals and live a more fulfilled life.
In your first session, you will experience a rare, dedicated space focused entirely on you and your well-being. We will work collaboratively to build a comfortable, reciprocal relationship where you can share your history, current challenges, and personal strengths. Together, we will begin exploring your unique needs to clarify your therapeutic goals and outline a personalized path forward. This initial conversation is a supportive, collaborative step designed to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered from the very start.
I feel that I am a unique and effective therapist because of my doctoral-level clinical expertise and a deeply personalized, empathetic approach that views every client as a whole person. My specialized training in EMDR—which can promote deep emotional healing and foster resilience—combined with my ability to blend evidence-based techniques like CBT and DBT with insight-oriented psychodynamic therapies, allows me to tailor treatment for complex conditions that may not respond to a single modality alone. By creating a supportive, reciprocal relationship built on authentic connection and genuine concern, I like to empower clients to process difficult emotions such as shame or grief, helping clients reclaim their strength and move toward a more fulfilled life.
I enjoy working with clients who are in transitions in life, such as: divorce, moving, changing jobs and schools, newly sober, etc. I enjoy using CBT to challenge negative thoughts and help clients identify their core beliefs. I also enjoy working with clients who developed attachment styles that they are unaware of. I like to help clients learn to identify their patterns and triggers and work together with them to work on change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I was trained in CBT/DBT and use this to challenge negative thoughts and identify cognitive distortions.
Attachment-based
I use attachment-based interventions to help client with relationship conflicts and misunderstandings.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use a lot of DBT skills to help clients with coping skills and changing behaviors.
Trauma Informed Care
I am trained and certified in EMDR - I use resourcing as a way to instill attachment figures.