New to Grow
I believe that even in the midst of a crisis, there is a strategic opportunity for growth. My path to becoming a Psychologist began in an unconventional place: the theater. As an actor and director, I spent years studying the intricacies of human motivation and the hidden 'scripts' we all follow. Today, I use that unique lens to help you understand your own inner motivations and rewrite the narratives that are no longer serving you. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, managing a career crisis, or seeking to master complex personal relationships, I don't just act as a listener—I act as your strategic partner. My goal is to turn overwhelming challenges into a clear, actionable 'success plan.' My work is grounded in a commitment to service, ensuring you feel empowered, respected, and equipped with the tools needed for long-term mastery. I don’t believe in 'cookie-cutter' therapy. Instead, I utilize a multi-disciplinary toolkit tailored to your specific barriers. My background as a Child Custody Evaluator, combined with advanced training in Clinical Hypnosis, CBT, and Imago Relationship Therapy, allows me to help you navigate and transform your role within complex family and social systems. Together, we will bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is a dedicated 60-minute 'deep dive' designed to move you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling organized. I believe your time is valuable, so I come to our first meeting prepared, having already reviewed your intake information so we can spend our time focusing on your future. Here is exactly how we will spend our first hour: Mapping Your Landscape: We will explore your current situation, not just through the lens of your challenges, but by identifying the inherent strengths and successes you already possess. Identifying the Barriers: We will clarify the specific obstacles—whether they are internal thought patterns or external circumstances—that have prevented you from making the changes you desire. The 4–6 Session Roadmap: By the end of our first session, we won't just 'hope' for progress. We will establish your long-term goals and agree on a concrete, strategic course of action for our first 4–6 meetings. Immediate Tools: I believe therapy should provide relief from day one. You will walk away from our first session with tangible resources—such as a specific communication skill, a mindfulness exercise, or an audio self-help tool—to begin gaining mastery over your challenges before our next appointment. My goal is for you to leave this session feeling respected, heard, and—most importantly—empowered with a clear plan for your 'next act.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My Greatest Strengths as a Clinician 1. Recognizing Opportunity in Crisis My core strength is the ability to help you see the "hidden possibilities" within life’s most difficult moments. I don't just see a crisis as something to be "gotten through"; I view it as a pivotal turning point where we can identify new paths for growth and agency that may not have been visible before. 2. A Strategic, "Director's" Eye for Human Motivation With my background in theater arts, I bring a unique capacity to understand the "internal scripts" and motivations that drive human behavior. This allows me to help you look at your life with a director’s perspective—identifying the roles you've been cast in and the narratives you've been following, so you can rewrite them to better suit who you are today. 3. Versatility and a Deep Clinical Toolkit Because of my extensive training—ranging from the VA to the Superior Court—I don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. My strength lies in my ability to integrate a vast array of tools, including Clinical Hypnosis, CBT, and Structural Family Therapy, to create a plan precisely tailored to your unique psychological makeup. 4. Partnership and Clarity I pride myself on being a collaborative partner rather than a passive observer. I am known for my ability to connect deeply with others while maintaining a clear, strategic focus on the "Success Plan" we’ve built together. You will always know where we are in the process and what the next step is toward your goals. 5. Professional Integrity and Systems Expertise My experience as a Child Custody Evaluator and my roles in providing expert assessments for complex situations have honed my ability to be thorough, fair, and highly observant. I bring this level of clinical integrity and systemic insight to every individual I treat, helping you navigate not just your own thoughts, but the complicated social and family systems you live in.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with high-functioning individuals, professionals, and adults who find themselves at a crossroads. You might be navigating a significant life transition, a career crisis, or a recurring pattern in your relationships that you’re finally ready to change. My ideal client is someone who: Desires Strategy over 'Just Venting': You are looking for more than a listening ear; you want a partner who can help you identify barriers and build a concrete roadmap for success. Is Navigating Complex Relationships: You may be struggling with family dynamics or interpersonal conflicts and want to master your own role within those systems to create lasting peace. Values Deep Insight: You are curious about your own motivations and are ready to 'rewrite the script' of how you respond to stress, crisis, or change. Is Ready for Action: You appreciate a structured approach where each session builds toward long-term mastery and self-reliance. Whether you are a high-achiever feeling 'stuck' or someone facing a personal upheaval that feels like a crisis, my goal is to help you recognize the opportunity within that challenge. If you are motivated to do the work and ready to acquire the tools necessary for a meaningful 'second act,' we will be a great fit.
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 the 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.