(she/her)
New to Grow
Does life keep lifing? Every time you get up, another barrier is presented. I can help you obtain your resilience and confidence to handle anything that comes your way. I can help you increase your self-esteem and your voice, and start healing from your past so that you can show up as your best self... Becoming unstoppable! *PLEASE NOTE: Anyone with high acuity/high risk will not be appropriate for tele-health. I have over 13 years of experience in social work, helping adults, teens, and families in crisis. I'm licensed in California and a member of the local Tri-Valley National Alliance on Mental Illness. I am trauma-informed with an understanding of the importance of cultural competence. Not only do I have lived experience, but I am also a woman of color, an immigrant, and a first-generation person. I lead with a non-judgmental, honest, and empathic approach. My clients have described me as trustworthy and authentic.
We will review your background information, what led you to seek therapy, and your treatment goals.
My clients have often left sessions feeling heard, seen, and having learned coping skills to reduce symptoms and improve mental health.
I lead with a culturally competent mindset and a trauma-informed approach. Immigrants, refugees, and people of color tend to do well in treatment with me. Those with lived experience and who have been justice-involved. You will leave treatment with real coping skills to improve self-esteem, assertiveness, communication, self-reflection, and healing from your past. You will take home evidence based worksheets and activities to minimize symptoms and show up as your best self.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We identify thought patterns, behaviors, and core beliefs that negatively contribute to your mental health. By changing these, you can significantly increase mental health and decrease symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Four Core Skills Modules: Mindfulness: Being fully present and aware of the current moment without judgment. Distress Tolerance: Accepting oneself and the current situation, particularly in crisis, without resorting to negative behaviors. Emotion Regulation: Identifying, managing, and altering intense, distressing emotions. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating effectively, setting boundaries, and maintaining self-respect in relationships.
Trauma Informed Care
Principles: -Establish the physical and emotional safety of patients. -Build trust between providers and patients. -Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma exposure on physical and mental health. -Promote patient-centered, evidence-based care. -Ensure provider and patient collaboration by bringing patients into the treatment process and discussing mutually agreed upon goals for treatment. -Provide care that is sensitive to the patient’s racial, ethnic, and cultural background, and gender identity.
Psychoeducation
I will provide you with evidence based research to help you understand your thoughts, behaviors, and actions impacting symptoms.
Motivational Interviewing
Provide treatment while honoring the patients autonomy and the stages of change. The Stages of Change Model: Precontemplation (Not Ready): The person does not see their behavior as a problem and has no immediate intention to change. Contemplation (Getting Ready): The person acknowledges the problem and is ambivalent, weighing the pros and cons of changing. Preparation (Ready): The person has decided to change and is making small steps or plans to change in the near future. Action (Making Changes): The person is actively implementing changes, such as modifying their lifestyle or behavior. Maintenance (Staying on Track): The person sustains the new behavior and works to prevent relapse. Relapse (Recycling): A return to old behaviors, which is considered a normal part of the process, often leading back to contemplation.