Hello! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California (Lic. #120212). I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Amridge University in Montgomery, Alabama. My approach is rooted in systems-based thinking—I look beyond symptoms to understand the deeper patterns and relational dynamics that shape emotional reactivity and behavior. I help clients identify and break dysfunctional cycles to create more peace and connection in their lives. I’m trained in EMDR, a powerful therapy for processing trauma and distressing memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to activate the brain’s natural healing process. I often use it when clients feel stuck or weighed down by past experiences—it can be a transformative tool for moving forward. Whether you’re seeking support as an individual, couple, or family, I strive to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and tailored to your unique story. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on helping you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, your background, and what goals you’d like to work toward. You don’t need to have everything figured out—this is a space to explore, not to perform. I’ll also explain how I work, including my use of EMDR for trauma and my systems-based lens for understanding relational patterns. Whether you’re feeling nervous or ready to dive in, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and grounded from the very beginning.
I bring a calm, grounded presence to therapy and create a space where clients feel safe to explore what’s beneath the surface. My systems-based approach helps uncover the root causes of emotional distress and relational conflict, while EMDR allows clients to process trauma in a way that feels contained and empowering. I’m deeply attuned to grief, attachment wounds, and spiritual concerns, and I tailor my work to each person’s unique story. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on lasting healing.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $125 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Attachment-based
Our early attachments to primary caregivers can profoundly influence our later attachments to friends, family, and romantic partners. As part of my practice, learning about your family of origin and your connections with others as you grew up provides the essential context in our work together.
Christian Counseling
I am an LMFT in California with a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke University. I work with people of all faiths, but I mention that I am a Christian to let others know it is safe to discuss the spiritual side of humanity in therapy with me.
Relational
I work with individuals from a systems perspective. This means I will examine how your interactions with others affect your mood, behaviors, and overall well-being. Important Disclaimer: I am not able to bill insurance due to insurance policies that typically require a diagnosis of a mental health disorder for treatment. Since couples therapy is often considered relationship-focused rather than medically necessary treatment for a specific mental illness, many insurance providers do not cover it. This limitation applies to private insurance and Medicare/Medicaid/MediCal plans. If you would like to schedule couples or relational counseling with me, I am happy to see you on a private-pay basis.
Psychodynamic
In this approach, I look beyond behavior and external cues to see what lies within the psyche. Using metaphor, identifying ingrained defense mechanisms, and working through issues are part of the therapeutic process.
EMDR
I use EMDR in my practice because it gives clients a structured, evidence‑supported way to work through distressing memories without becoming overwhelmed. It helps the brain reprocess experiences that feel “stuck,” which often leads to reduced emotional intensity, improved regulation, and a stronger sense of internal safety. EMDR integrates well with other therapeutic approaches I use, and it allows clients to make meaningful progress in a way that feels contained, empowering, and respectful of their pace.