I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with specialized training from the San Diego LGBT Center. I have worked across a range of clinical settings, including substance use treatment, community mental health, and outpatient therapy, which has allowed me to support clients with diverse backgrounds and complex life experiences. I bring an empathetic, kind, and nonjudgmental approach to my work, and I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace, build insight, and move toward greater emotional clarity and self-tr
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other in a calm, supportive, and pressure-free way. We’ll start by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no expectation to share everything at once—this time is about helping you feel safe, heard, and understood. I’ll ask gentle questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, and current challenges, and we’ll begin to explore what support might look like for you. Together, we’ll discuss your goals and what you want therapy to feel like moving forward. Most importantly, the first session is about building trust and creating a space where you don’t have to filter yourself or have all the answers. You’re welcome to show up exactly as you are.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe that everyone can benefit from support at different points in their lives, and I approach therapy with humility, curiosity, and respect for each person’s unique story. My work is informed by both professional training and lived experience, which allows me to offer empathy that feels genuine rather than scripted—without requiring clients to explain or justify themselves. I have experience working with diverse clients across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and challenges, and I strive to meet people where they are. Clients often share that I am easy to talk to, warm, and approachable, which helps create a space where difficult topics can feel less overwhelming. I value collaboration and authenticity, and I aim to support clients in feeling understood, supported, and empowered as they move toward meaningful change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who are open to showing up consistently and approaching therapy as a collaborative process. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to work on—just a willingness to reflect, be curious about yourself, and take small steps at your own pace. My ideal clients are those who are ready to engage in meaningful work, even when it feels uncomfortable at times, while also honoring their own limits. If you’re interested in building insight, developing healthier patterns, and creating change that feels sustainable rather than rushed, we may be a good fit. Therapy with me is not about being pushed—it’s about being supported as you move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Trauma Informed Care
My approach to trauma-informed care is grounded in safety, compassion, and respect for each person’s nervous system and life experiences. I understand that trauma can affect how we think, feel, and relate to others—often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Rather than rushing into difficult material, I focus on building emotional safety and stability first, so clients feel supported, empowered, and in control of the process. When appropriate, I integrate gentle, evidence-based approaches such as EMDR-informed techniques, parts-based work, and increased awareness of how stress and emotions show up in the body. Sessions are collaborative and paced carefully, with close attention to what feels manageable in the moment. My goal is never to push clients to relive painful experiences, but to help them process and make sense of the past in a way that feels grounding, respectful, and sustainable.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT-informed approaches to help clients better understand and manage intense emotions, stress, and relationship challenges. DBT offers practical tools for building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier communication, while also emphasizing self-compassion and acceptance. I find this balance especially helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in patterns they want to change. Rather than focusing only on skills, I integrate DBT in a flexible, collaborative way—tailoring tools to fit each client’s needs and capacity. We move at a pace that feels realistic and supportive, using DBT strategies to increase stability and confidence while honoring the emotional experiences behind the behaviors. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, capable, and empowered in their daily lives, not pressured to be “perfect” or constantly coping.
Attachment-based
I take an attachment-based approach, which means we focus on how early relationships and life experiences shape your sense of safety, connection, and trust—both with others and with yourself.