Licensed to practice in California and accepts 16 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Substance Misuse and 1 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Naragsakak nga makita ka! As a first-generation Filipina American and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I bring both professional expertise and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape each person's story. I believe that meaningful therapy begins with listening. I take the time to understand each client's current concerns while also exploring the experiences and history that have shaped their life. By gaining a deeper understanding of both the present and the past, I can better recognize patterns, strengths, and challenges that influence overall well-being. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they share their experiences at their own pace. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work to understand the whole person, recognizing that each individual's story is unique. Through thoughtful listening and curiosity, I partner with clients to identify meaningful goals, build insight, and develop practical strategies that support lasting growth and positive change. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and equipped to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
During our first session, my primary goal is to get to know you and understand what has brought you to therapy. We'll discuss your current concerns, personal history, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask clarifying questions throughout the conversation to better understand your experiences, perspectives, and the factors that have shaped your current situation. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share what feels important, and begin building a therapeutic relationship. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, with the goal of creating a collaborative and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a space where clients feel comfortable, accepted, and genuinely heard. I strive to bring warmth, compassion, and an approachable presence to each session while meeting clients where they are without judgment. I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and respect. My clinical experience has allowed me to work with individuals, children, and families from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of mental health and behavioral health needs. I began my career in residential treatment, first as a Resident Technician and later as a Case Manager, where I gained valuable experience supporting individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns through individual and group work. During graduate school, I completed my internship on an inpatient psychiatric unit, gaining experience working with individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges. After earning my master's degree, I worked as a therapist in residential treatment, as well as Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) settings. In my current role, I work primarily with children and their families, where I have continued to develop my ability to build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds and tailor my approach to their individual needs. I recognize that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I draw from my clinical experience and a humanistic perspective to meet each client at their own pace and help them identify their strengths, better understand their experiences, develop coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. I believe every person has inherent worth, resilience, and the capacity for growth when provided with empathy, support, and a safe space to be themselves.
My ideal client is someone who is questioning their relationship with alcohol or other substances and is looking for support in understanding whether change may be needed. I also enjoy working with individuals who are committed to maintaining their sobriety, including those transitioning back to everyday life after completing a residential treatment program. Recovery can bring new challenges, and ongoing support can help strengthen coping skills, build confidence, and maintain long-term wellness. I am also comfortable working with individuals experiencing anxiety who are seeking a better understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical strategies to manage daily stressors. No matter where you are in your journey, I strive to provide a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we can work toward meaningful goals that align with your values and help you build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing into my practice to better understand where you are in the process of change and to help explore your readiness for growth. Rather than telling you what to do, this approach allows us to have open, collaborative conversations about your goals, values, and any ambivalence you may have about making changes. Together, we will identify practical strategies that align with your needs and assess how willing and prepared you feel to implement them. I believe lasting change happens when it is self-directed and meaningful to you, and I will support you at a pace that feels realistic while encouraging progress toward your goals.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these patterns may impact their overall well-being. When working with anxiety, we explore the thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to worry, stress, or feeling overwhelmed, while developing practical coping strategies to create a greater sense of balance and control. My goal is to help clients gain insight into their experiences, strengthen coping skills, and make meaningful changes that align with their values and personal goals.
I incorporate a psychodynamic perspective to help explore how past experiences, relationships, and significant life events may influence current thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns. In working with substance use and anxiety, we may explore underlying factors that have shaped how you cope, relate to others, and navigate challenges. Together, we can examine how early experiences, family dynamics, cultural expectations, and past relationships may contribute to current struggles or patterns that no longer feel helpful. Developing a deeper understanding of these connections can create greater self-awareness, compassion, and insight into your experiences. By exploring both your past and present, we can work toward understanding the root of challenges while identifying healthier ways to cope, build resilience, and create meaningful change that aligns with your values and goals.