In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session with me is all about you—your story, your comfort, and your sense of safety in the room. My goal is not only to understand what brought you in, but to make sure that we are a good fit for the work ahead. Therapy is a relationship, and like all relationships, it works best when you feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I take that responsibility seriously. When you walk into your first session, you can expect a space where you are treated as a whole human being, not a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. Guided by a Rogerian, person‑centered foundation, I approach every client with unconditional positive regard—the core belief that people thrive when they are met with acceptance, empathy, and authenticity, without judgment or conditions attached. This means you are welcome to show up exactly as you are, with whatever you’re carrying. You don’t need to prepare anything, and you don’t need to worry about saying the “right” thing. You set the pace. [simplypsychology.org] In our first meeting, I focus heavily on building genuine rapport. Before anything else—before therapeutic goals, interventions, or background details—it is crucial that you feel safe in the room. Emotional pain often comes with fear, shame, or uncertainty, especially for men who have been taught to stay silent, stay strong, or carry burdens alone. I understand how difficult it can be to take that first step into therapy, and I honor the courage it takes to sit across from a stranger and share parts of your life that you may have held tightly for years. You can expect me to practice deep, active listening—not only hearing your words, but also tuning into the emotions beneath them. I will ask thoughtful questions that help me understand what you’ve been experiencing and what support you’re looking for. At no point will you be rushed, analyzed, or pressured to reveal more than you feel ready to share. My role in the beginning is to witness your story, understand the context of your struggles, and make sure you feel grounded and respected throughout the process. During our conversation, I may ask about what has led you to seek therapy now, what you hope to gain from our work, and how life has been impacting your sense of well‑being. But this is not an interview or an assessment—it is a conversation between two human beings. My background, my presence, and my approach are all aimed at creating a compassionate environment where you feel safe to open up at your own rhythm. By th

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is that I bring both clinical training and a lifetime of lived experience to the work I do. I don’t simply understand adversity on an academic level—I’ve lived through it, survived it, and grown from it. Because of this, I meet every client with a level of empathy, steadiness, and human understanding that cannot be taught in a classroom. My clients often tell me that I don’t just “listen”—I get it. I arrived in this country at seven years old, not speaking a single word of English. I grew up in an environment marked by gangs, drugs, and violence, and I endured a physically abusive home. Those early years shaped my understanding of resilience, trauma, fear, confusion, and the desire to rise above circumstances that feel bigger than you. I know what it means to feel unsafe, unseen, or unheard—and I know what it feels like to fight for a different life. At 18, I joined the United States Marine Corps. I spent 24 years serving, deploying around the world, leading Marines, and learning the meaning of discipline, courage, and emotional endurance. Service taught me that pain often hides behind silence, humor, toughness, or survival mode—especially for men. It taught me how to stay calm in chaos, how to carry responsibility, and how to listen beneath the surface of what people say. It also gave me a deep understanding of the emotional toll on service members, their spouses, and their children. Living near Camp Pendleton today, I remain closely connected to the military community and the unique challenges it faces. I’ve also experienced profound personal loss. I lost two of my daughters—pain that reshaped my life and my heart. These experiences allow me to sit with clients in their darkest moments—not as an expert telling them what to do, but as a fellow human being who knows how fragile and sacred life can be. Alongside my lived experience, I pursued academic excellence because I believe my clients deserve both heart and skill. I earned two master’s degrees from Pepperdine University—one in Teaching and Education, and another in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. I’ve spent years working with diverse populations, both demographically and clinically: individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, and identity struggles; couples working to rebuild trust and connection; families untangling conflict and communication patterns; and communities impacted by violence, poverty,

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to support individuals, couples, and families who are looking for a therapist who brings not only clinical training, but also life experience, emotional steadiness, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of resilience. After 24 years in the United States Marine Corps and four years serving my community as an LMFT, I’ve learned that healing requires more than textbook knowledge—people need to feel safe, understood, respected, and supported by someone who genuinely “gets it.” I work especially well with men who feel pressure to stay strong on the outside while carrying far more than they share. As a Marine veteran, I understand the unspoken weight that service members often carry: the expectations, the memories, the transitions, the emotional armor, and the moments of isolation that can accompany military life. Living next to Camp Pendleton and having spent most of my life connected to the military community, I deeply understand the unique challenges faced by active‑duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and especially military children. Whether you’re navigating reintegration, deployments, emotional struggles, identity transitions, or stress within the family system, this is a place where you can speak openly and be met with steadiness, respect, and zero judgment. I’m also here for clients who are moving through grief, loss, or life’s most painful transitions. Having personally experienced profound loss—including the heartbreaking experience of losing two of my daughters—I know that grief is not something you “get over,” but something you learn to carry with strength, compassion, and meaning. My own journey allows me to sit with clients in their deepest pain without rushing them, minimizing their feelings, or offering clichés. Instead, I offer space, understanding, and guidance as they navigate a path that no one ever expects to walk. Couples also represent a central part of my practice. Relationships are both beautiful and challenging, and many couples simply want to be heard, understood, and guided toward healthier communication. Using Gottman‑informed methods, I help partners rebuild trust, deepen emotional connection, understand conflict patterns, and reconnect in meaningful ways. Whether you’re facing communication issues, intimacy concerns, betrayal, family stress, or the emotional aftershocks of trauma or military life, I provide a structured, compassionate approach that supports both partners. I also enjoy worki