(she/her)
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from UCLA and have spent most of the last five years as a psychiatric social worker, supporting teens and young adults aged 18-22 in schools. Prior to that, I worked for seven years as a teacher, gaining invaluable experience with adolescents. I’m passionate about guiding teens and young adults through this challenging, identity-forming stage of life, helping them discover and become their true selves.
In our first session, clients can expect a collaborative and empathetic approach as I strive to understand their unique experiences and perspectives. I focus on meeting clients where they are, actively listening to their concerns, and learning from their individual stories. Together, we will explore their goals and needs, setting the foundation for a supportive and personalized therapeutic journey.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in creating a non-judgmental, safe space where my clients feel truly seen and heard. I place a strong emphasis on building trust through empathetic listening and genuine support. This approach helps my clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working collaboratively toward their goals.
I specialize in working with teens and young adults as they navigate the complexities of identity formation, interpersonal conflicts with peers or family, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. I’m dedicated to supporting my clients through these pivotal moments, helping them develop resilience and find their path forward.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I use motivational interviewing to empower clients by helping them explore and resolve their ambivalence toward change, whether they’re trying to overcome substance use, manage behavioral challenges, or pursue personal growth. It’s especially useful for working with teens and young adults who are often in the process of asserting their independence. This approach empowers them to make decisions based on their values and desires, rather than feeling pressured by authority figures. Teens may resist direct confrontations or advice-giving, especially if they perceive it as judgmental. MI’s non-confrontational style encourages open dialogue, helping clients feel heard and understood, which can lower defenses and promote honest communication. Overall, MI is a versatile and effective modality in my therapeutic practice, providing a supportive framework that helps clients navigate the challenging process of change with greater confidence and clarity!
Strength-Based
In my practice, I use strength-based therapy to help clients build on their inherent strengths and resources to create positive change in their lives. This approach shifts the focus from what is “wrong” to what is “right,” empowering my clients to leverage their unique abilities and past successes as tools for overcoming challenges. For teens and young adults, who are often in a critical period of identity formation, strength-based therapy helps them recognize their potential and builds the foundation for long-term well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
I prioritize creating a sense of physical and emotional safety, helping clients feel secure enough to engage in therapy. I am mindful of potential triggers and work to avoid re-traumatization, ensuring that the therapeutic environment is supportive and non-threatening. For teens and young adults, TIC is particularly important as it respects their need for safety and control, fostering a healing space where they can explore and process their experiences without fear.