Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 5 more.
(he/him)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience and an additional background in integrative and functional medicine. I take a holistic mind-body approach to therapy, recognizing the connection between emotional health, physical wellness, stress, lifestyle, and nervous system functioning. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, chronic pain, life transitions, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical tools for lasting healing and personal growth.
During the first session, we will begin by discussing what brings you to therapy and any questions or concerns you may have about the process. I will gather information about your personal history, current challenges, emotional and physical well-being, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Together, we will work toward developing a clear understanding of your needs, identifying meaningful goals, and creating a collaborative treatment approach that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to you. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable discussing during our first meeting. The goal is to begin building a comfortable therapeutic relationship, understand your concerns, and develop a plan that feels right for you.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to integrate evidence-based psychotherapy with a holistic understanding of the mind-body connection. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience, Diplomate status with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and an additional background in integrative and functional medicine, I recognize that emotional well-being, physical health, lifestyle factors, and nervous system functioning are closely interconnected. Anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and chronic pain often affect both mind and body, and lasting healing is frequently achieved by understanding and addressing the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, chronic pain, substance abuse concerns, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, and major life transitions. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, discouraged, or frustrated because they have not found lasting solutions. Together, we work to better understand the factors contributing to these challenges and develop practical strategies that support meaningful and lasting change. My therapeutic approach incorporates EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and supportive psychotherapy. I tailor treatment to the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each client, recognizing that every individual has a different life story and path toward healing. Trauma treatment has been a significant focus throughout my professional career. I was trained in EMDR during its early development and had the opportunity to receive training from EMDR founder Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1992. This experience provided a unique foundation for understanding how traumatic experiences can affect both the brain and body and how effective treatment can promote healing, resilience, and recovery. My background in lifestyle, integrative, and functional medicine has strengthened my appreciation for the complex relationship between emotional health and physical well-being. Stress, trauma, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, chronic illness, and chronic pain can all influence emotional functioning, just as emotional distress can impact physical health. By considering these connections, I help clients develop a more complete understanding of themselves and the factors affecting their overall well-being. Ultimately, my goal is not simply to help clients feel better in the moment, but to help them build insight, resilience, confidence, and practical coping skills that they can continue using long after therapy has ended. I believe successful therapy should empower individuals to become increasingly independent, self-aware, and capable of navigating future challenges with greater confidence and emotional well-being.
I work best with adults who are seeking meaningful change, greater self-awareness, and practical tools to improve their emotional and physical well-being. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or chronic health and pain concerns. I especially enjoy working with individuals who value a holistic, integrative approach that combines evidence-based therapy with mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and functional medicine perspectives to support lasting healing, resilience, and overall wellness.
Other specialties
I identify as
EMDR
I use EMDR as part of an integrative, trauma-informed approach to help clients process distressing experiences, reduce emotional reactivity, and build healthier beliefs and coping patterns. I tailor EMDR to each client’s needs, focusing on safety, nervous system regulation, and long-term healing while integrating mindfulness, attachment, and functional wellness perspectives when appropriate.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors that contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. My approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each client’s goals, integrating mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and healthy lifestyle strategies to support lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based approaches to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and overwhelm by strengthening the connection between mind and body and improving present-moment awareness. I integrate mindfulness practices in a practical, supportive way that is tailored to each client’s comfort level, goals, and daily life.
Trauma Informed Care
I provide trauma-informed care by creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment that recognizes the impact trauma can have on emotional, physical, and relational well-being. My approach emphasizes trust, nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and client empowerment while helping individuals process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and respectful of their unique needs and goals.
Supportive
I provide supportive therapy to help clients navigate life stressors, emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and periods of transition with compassion and understanding. My approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, validated, and supported while developing insight, coping skills, resilience, and confidence in managing daily life and personal growth.