Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I grew up in Denver, CO and I received both my Bachelors and Masters in Social Worker at the University of Oklahoma. I moved to California in 2021 and have enjoyed the sunshine ever since. I have experience working with all types of individuals and across the whole spectrum and mental health struggles and goals for therapy. I like to use a client-led, strength-based approach to my sessions with clients, ultimately working to empower my clients to find solutions and healing.
I love to create a safe and open environment for my clients. I understand how intimidating and anxiety provoking the process of beginning therapy can be, and my goal is to make it as smooth and comfortable for my clients as possible. I prefer for my sessions to be client-led, meaning I don't prefer to have a set schedule or structure for sessions. When my clients come in, we begin with checking in and I allow the client to focus on whatever they choose to for this session. I may bring some activities or helpful resources to focus on at some point during session, but the client has control over the bulk of the session agenda.
As a provider, I pride myself on being open and relatable with my clients, to create an environment in which clients feel heard and understood. I am not here to solve my client's problems, but rather to provide support as client's find and create their own solutions.
I have the most experience working with kids, teens, young adults, and adults who present with trauma, behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, ADHD/impulsivity, and self-harm/suicidal ideation. I also have experience and feel comfortable working with adults experiencing bipolar, symptoms of psychosis, and substance use (or dual diagnosis).
I prefer using a client-centered approach to my sessions, and empowering my clients to make decisions regarding their treatment and their needs. Some of the theories I base my approach on include Erikson's Stages of Development, Psychodynamic theory, and Humanistic theories. I believe all individuals are more than the problems they are facing, we are all the collective sum of our experiences, our beliefs, our environments, our motivations, our relationships, etc. I frequently use a combined treatment method of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapies (including trauma focused), and skill building using dialectical behavioral therapy.