LMFT, 8 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
Are you feeling stressed out? Do you give to everyone else, and then not have time or energy for yourself? I can help you. I work with individuals aged 18-75 that are negotiating work / life balance, challenging family dynamics (including parenting and caregiving struggles), and general life transitions. In our sessions, we will identify your strengths, practice communication skills, and you will be encouraged to meet your goals. We will work together to help you feel less stressed and more supported until your life feels more balanced.
In our first session together we will get to know one another, and I will ask the client to share with me a bit about why they are seeking therapy now, and what are their current struggles. This often leads to some personal history, and back and forth dialogue. Most clients report feeling relieved and somewhat hopeful after the first session, because they know they have taken the first step towards improving their mental health. All initial appointments are virtual, in-person appointments in Santa Cruz are an option after the initial appointment.
I make efforts to be warm, humorous, and easy to talk to. I bring a wealth of education with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Masters in Education from the University of California at Santa Cruz. However, I also bring a lot of practical life experience. I am a middle-aged mother of two and wife of over 20 years. If asked, I would say my biggest strength is that I believe in my clients and trust them to discover the secrets to their happiness while I provide support, as an ally on their path of self-discovery.
I work with women, aged 20 - 70. Specialties include, those struggling with life transitions, self-care, anxiety, parenting, perimenopause, codependency, and caregiving. Clients that are ready to self reflect and consider making changes if appropriate are preferred.
I use CBT to help clients integrate their thinking mind, with their feelings, so that they are able to breathe in stressful times, and find solutions to their challenges.
I am a person-centered therapist in that I trust the client to heal and grow. I often let clients lead the conversation and I make the hour about them, and their needs. So often, when given time and a kind, supportive ear, client's report feeling relieved, and resolved.