Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California with over 12 years of clinical experience in both the mental health and addiction fields. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with issues and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, social obstacles, substance abuse, and family conflict. I earned my undergraduate degree from University of California San Diego where I majored in Music Humanities and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at University of Southern California and earned my master's degree in Social Work.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, I will ask questions about your background and what is bringing you here to therapy (a "get-to-know-you" session). We will be setting some initial goals for what you are most hoping to gain from therapy and how I can best support you in our work together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am empathetic, nonjudgmental, kind, and a great listener. I strive to find a therapeutic style and approach that best fits each person I work with.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with young adults who are experiencing anxiety, life transitions, and issues related to self-esteem. These clients are wanting to be the best versions of themselves but are often times feeling constrained by their own thought processes. Together, we will work on identifying coping mechanisms in order to help you feel unstuck.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist you in developing a greater sense of your beliefs and values, understanding who you are at your core, and creating tools to help let go of negative thinking patterns and accept yourself and the situation as is. This is in order to foster meaningful change in your life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize many cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises in order to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I provide evidence-based tools to help you understand the origin of negative thought patterns, improve negative thoughts, and change unwanted behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to help clients feel motivated to change their current behaviors. I help you to see where you've been and where you want to be, creating intrinsic motivation from within. Motivational Interviewing can be helpful for clients to feel empowered by creating their own meaning, importance, and capacity for change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) to focus on your current circumstances and future hopes, rather than analyzing the past. This therapy model focuses on creating solutions as opposed to focusing on problems. I use SFBT to help you set goals, explore and embrace your strengths, and focus on potential solutions in order to improve your quality of life.