(she/her)
You might be in a very dark sad and lonely place, or you may be feeling intense anxiety and sometimes even panic or perhaps you are dealing with a lot of pain and uncertainty due to illness or disability. Right now, you’re at the point of knowing that something has to change, you’re ready but you just don’t know how to do it on your own. You want to feel better. You just want to be yourself again, maybe a different or better version of yourself. As your therapist I can be a flashlight as you walk through this shadowy path that you find yourself on right now. Whether I use solution focused therapy, DBT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, trauma informed CBT, Emotionally Focused couples therapy or a mix, what matters most is the safe environment we will create so that you can share openly and allow yourself to be vulnerable with someone who will truly listen, support and empower you as you create the best version of yourself possible.
In our first session together we will begin with introductions. We will go through the intake and you will discuss what brings you to therapy. The first session is not a "normal" session as we are both trying to see if this will be a good match. The better the match, the better your therapy experience. My goals are; to make sure you are comfortable and trying to confirm if I am the right therapist for you.
My biggest strengths are my ability to connect, to be empathetic, to be genuine, to have the ability to make others feel heard, validated and empowered so as to bring about change in their lives. I have both professional and personal experience dealing with physical disability, chronic pain, also long-term and chronic illness. Because of those lived experiences I can understand and relate to others going through similar situations. I also really enjoy being of support to "helpers" that need their own support, like caregivers, nurses, “child life specialists”, and other medical and behavioral health providers. Sometimes "compassion fatigue" doesn't even come close to the full impact of a vicarious trauma situation.
Physically disabled persons, persons with chronic illness or chronic pain, depression, anxiety, OR parents of physically disabled, and/or chronically ill kids.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $100 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Eclectic
Frequently I use Mindfulness based Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment based therapy & Solution focused based Though I am Eclectic by nature and really connect with Attachment Based, Humanistic and Experiential based approaches too. I like to be able to use what is helpful to each individual client. Studies suggest one of most important indications for successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. That being the case, the most important tools that I use will be my ability to listen, my ability to empathize, and my ability to truly be in the moment with you, so that you feel heard.
4 ratings with written reviews
May 21, 2026
I've been going through a very tough time the past year within my marriage, and i'm balancing couples counseling with now personal counseling. Speaking with Denise has provided an outlet and support I didn't realize I so badly needed. She's very open minded and empowering! I tend to go on rants, and she just listens very carefully and asks great follow up questions to find a deeper meaning. I've already found more confidence, and for that I'm grateful.
December 30, 2025
First meeting, so far so good
June 20, 2025
I've been working with Denise for almost 2 years and she's the best therapist I've ever had, and I'm a therapist too! She is open and really helps me feel understood and safe to be vulnerable. I'm a groupie!