I earned my Doctorate in Forensic Psychology in 2011 and have extensive experience working with both teens and adults across a wide range of settings. My background includes work in mental health hospitals, correctional facilities, outpatient clinics, addiction rehabilitation centers, and with Kaiser Permanente. This diverse experience allows me to support clients with complex needs using a practical, well-rounded approach.
Your first session, also called an intake, is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, mental health background, and any goals you may have for treatment. We’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you—you’re not expected to share everything all at once. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, learn about my approach, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. By the end, we’ll start identifying initial goals and discuss what working together might look like, including how we can best support your needs.
I take a practical, results-oriented approach to therapy that balances insight with real-world change. I integrate evidence-based methods like CBT and ACT to help clients better understand their thoughts and emotions while also building concrete skills they can use in daily life. Given my background across settings—including hospitals, correctional facilities, and addiction treatment—I’m comfortable working with complex situations such as crisis, family conflict, and substance use. Clients often tell me they appreciate my direct, supportive style and leave sessions with a clearer understanding of themselves along with tools they can immediately apply.
I work best with adults who are navigating depression, anxiety, family conflict, crisis situations, and addiction. Many of the clients I support feel overwhelmed, stuck in negative patterns, or unsure how to move forward, but are open to exploring their experiences and building healthier ways of coping. I’m particularly well-suited for individuals seeking practical tools, increased self-awareness, and support in creating meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors. By building awareness of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, I support clients in developing more balanced thinking and practical coping strategies to improve their overall functioning.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop greater psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them. I guide clients in clarifying their values and taking meaningful, value-driven actions, even in the presence of discomfort, to build a more fulfilling and purposeful life.