New to Grow
I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for growth. My path began in the theater and the study of Method Acting. This discipline focuses on how internal experience drives outward behavior. I apply this "inside-out" perspective to help you align your internal reality with your external actions. My way of working has evolved over time. I attended top universities and training programs. I was mentored by experts in the origins of trauma, addictions, and relationship difficulties. This foundation allowed me to build a successful group practice in Orange County. During that time, I taught at UC Irvine, chaired the Professional Practice Committee of the Orange County Psychological Association, and sat on its Board of Directors. In the midst of this success, I experienced a personal crisis and divorce. This led me on my own journey of growth. I began an extensive study of Buddhism and meditation which now guides how I live. I spent seven years living in Asia, where I studied with monks and cared for villagers. What I offer now is an integration of strong academic training and Eastern teachings. My decision to become a psychologist grew from a desire to relieve suffering and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence and social connection. I work to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first meeting is about more than identifying problems. It is an opportunity to assess the "internal climate" of your life. We will explore your current situation as a set of patterns that may no longer be serving you. We will identify where these patterns are preventing you from the things that are important to you. We will also look at where you are currently "hooked" by old narratives or high-pressure reactions. I believe therapy should offer a shift in perspective from the very first hour. You will leave our first session with practical, evidence-based tools. These are designed to help your nervous system transition from a state of defense (high-stress/reactive) to one of flexibility and openness. Whether we use a brief mindfulness exercise to settle the "biological alarm" or a strategy to "defuse" from a stressful thought, my goal is for you to leave regulated. You should feel personally respected and empowered to lead from an awakened heart rather than a place of being overwhelmed, out of control, demoralized, or depleted. By the end of the first session, we will begin the process of clarifying a long-term vision for your life, and starting to clarify not only the changes you would like to make but also will talk generally about how therapy can you to replace the patterns that aren't working with ones that will. You will also leave the session with skills to begin using and things for you to do to help improve your situation. Over the next few meetings we will continue to support you in not only clarifying your own unique success plan which will offer a road map of the work we will do together, but also in each session you will continue to receive practical assistance helping you to improve your ability to make positive changes each step along the way.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
A Life Dedicated to Inner Work My greatest strength is a lifelong commitment to understanding the human interior. This interest dates back to my early days in Method Acting, where I learned to look beneath the surface of behavior to find the truth underneath. My own journey—including years of deep meditation and navigating my own life's turning points—has only deepened this. I don't just ask you to do the work; I am right there in it with you, bringing a perspective that is both seasoned and sincere. Creating a Foundation of Safety I believe that real change is only possible when you feel truly safe. This safety comes from the warm, collaborative relationship we build, but also from the structure of having a clear plan. I help you gain a sense of control over your world and settle that "biological alarm" that keeps you in a state of defense. My goal is to help you increase your capacity to regulate your inner world, moving from the exhaustion of constant "doing" to a grounded, peaceful state of "being." Moving Toward What Truly Matters I am skilled at helping you recognize the patterns that keep you stuck in a cycle of avoidance—those habits we all develop to stay away from pain or fear. I guide you in shifting your focus toward what is actually important to you. We work together to ensure your life is motivated by positive growth and your deepest values, helping you move from a place of "running away" to one of "moving toward." A Strategic, Personal Roadmap I do not believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. My strength lies in strategically blending my academic training with the wisdom I've gained from Eastern teachings and my own life experience. This allows us to create a success plan that is unique to you. I help you see the opportunities within your challenges and build a roadmap that leads to an awakened heart and a deeper connection to your community.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with adults and professionals who feel stuck at a crossroads. You may be navigating a career shift, relationship strain, burnout, or a recurring pattern that you are ready to change. I find that I do well with individuals working to overcome trauma, addictions, or other self-defeating patterns. If you have a true desire to make a change, I am here to provide the structure and support to help you do so. The same is true if you are looking to break unhealthy relationship cycles or learn to better manage your emotions and inner world. My clients tend to appreciate structure, insight, and forward movement. They want more than a place to vent—they want to understand themselves more deeply and take meaningful action. If you are motivated to reflect, grow, and build practical tools for lasting change, we are likely a strong fit. I find that my clients are often people who are fascinated by my time living in Thailand and my study of Eastern traditions. They tend to be curious individuals who are interested in exploring life outside of the usual and conventional. If you are open to stepping beyond standard scripts to find a more authentic way of being, you will find our partnership particularly rewarding.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With CBT I help my clients explore the powerful link between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT helps you identify 'internal scripts' or thought patterns that might be holding you back. By recognizing how your thoughts influence your mood and behavior, we can actively work to shift those patterns, giving you more control over how you respond to life’s daily stressors.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help my clients to use mindfulness and values to build "psychological flexibility". Instead of fighting against difficult thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches you how to accept them as part of the human experience while still moving toward what matters most to you. We focus on clarifying your core values and taking committed action to live a life that feels authentic and purposeful.
Hypnotherapy
I use Clinical Hypnosis to help clients to enter state of focused, quiet attention used to enhance their natural capacity for change. Clinical hypnosis is a specialized tool that helps you bypass the 'mental noise' of daily life to tap into your internal resources. It is a deeply relaxing, collaborative process where we use mental imagery and focused attention to help you shift self-limiting beliefs, reduce anxiety, or manage chronic pain more effectively.
Imago Relationship Theory
Rather than doing "couples therapy", I support my individual therapy clients overcome barriers in their relationships. I utilize Imago Therapy to assist my clients to understanding the "blueprint" for love and connection he or she developed in childhood. I use Imago tools to explore my client's unique 'image' of relationships. By understanding how past experiences influence current expectations and communication style, clients transform their interactions and find more fulfillment in their adult relationships.
Structural Family Therapy
I draw upon Structural Family Therapy with my individual clients to help them to look at the "invisible rules" and hierarchies of the systems they live in. No one lives in a vacuum. I use this approach to help clients to look at the 'structure' of their families and other social groups within they participate. By understanding the roles and boundaries within a social group, clients can learn how to change their own position within that structure, leading to healthier dynamics even if they are the only one in the room making the change.