If you are a client of Kaiser Permanente, it is necessary to obtain a referral from Kaiser before proceeding. Once you have received the referral, Kaiser will provide you with a link to schedule a session with me. I specialize in helping individuals as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship challenges, and behavioral concerns. I understand that these struggles are not just diagnoses—they are lived experiences that can quietly shape how you see yourself, how you connect with others, and how you move through your day. Anxiety can feel like a constant hum in the background—keeping you on edge, overthinking, and emotionally worn down. Many people carry it for years without realizing how much it’s impacting their relationships and sense of peace. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep managing it by yourself. Depression is often misunderstood because it doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it feels like exhaustion, numbness, irritability, or simply going through the motions without feeling connected to your life. It can make even the smallest tasks feel heavy. But depression is treatable, and with the right support, it is possible to feel like yourself again. In our work together, I offer a space where you can be seen, heard, and understood—without judgment. My goal is not only to help you cope, but to help you reconnect with yourself, find clarity in what you’re feeling, and build a life that feels more grounded, meaningful, and yours.
First Session: Getting to Know You 1. Background Information During our first session, I will ask questions to better understand your background. This may include: Family history and significant relationships Educational and occupational history Social supports and current living situation This information helps me understand your experiences within a broader life context. 2. Current Concerns We will discuss what led you to seek therapy at this time. This includes: Specific challenges, stressors, or symptoms you’re experiencing How these concerns are affecting your daily functioning, relationships, or well-being Any previous experiences with counseling or mental health treatment 3. Goals for Therapy We will identify what you hope to achieve through therapy. Goals may include: Emotional regulation or symptom reduction Improved relationships or communication Increased self-awareness, coping skills, or life balance Goals can evolve over time and will be revisited as therapy progresses. Establishing Rapport and Safety 4. Building Trust The first session is also about creating a comfortable, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. You are encouraged to share at your own pace, and questions are always welcome. 5. Confidentiality I will explain the confidentiality of therapy sessions and its limits. Information shared in therapy is private, with exceptions required by law, including: Risk of harm to yourself Risk of harm to others Abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult Court orders or legal requirements Understanding confidentiality helps ensure transparency and safety within the therapeutic relationship.
I have a genuine ability to connect with people without judgment. I thrive on inspiring others to embrace their potential and live their best lives.
I work with children, teens, adults, and couples who are ready to grow emotionally and create meaningful change in their lives. My ideal clients may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward, but they are open to support, learning new skills, and exploring their thoughts and emotions in a safe space. Whether you’re a child learning to express big feelings, a teen navigating identity and pressure, or an adult working through stress, relationships, or life transitions, I value clients who are willing to show up, stay engaged in the process, and practice what we build together outside of sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Ever wonder why two people can go through the same experience, yet one moves forward while the other feels stuck? The difference often lies in how we process and make meaning of what we’ve been through. With over 20 years of experience, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and restructure unhelpful thought patterns that keep them feeling stuck. Together, we’ll work to shift perspectives, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools that support lasting change. My goal is to help you move from surviving to truly living—with clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of control over your life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
For the past 10 years, I have used Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build more grounded, intentional lives. DBT is a skills-based approach that focuses on being present and fully engaged in the moment, rather than overwhelmed by the past or anxious about the future. As a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT supports individuals in developing practical tools to manage intense emotions, cope effectively with stress, and navigate relationships in healthier ways. Together, we work on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—skills that create real, lasting change in everyday life. My approach is collaborative, structured, and focused on helping you feel more in control, more connected, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Strength-Based
One of the first approaches I learned as a social worker was the importance of building on a person’s strengths to support areas where they may feel challenged. Rather than focusing only on what’s not working, I help clients recognize the resilience, skills, and inner resources they already have—and use those as a foundation for growth. This strengths-based perspective is woven into my work alongside evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. Together, we identify what’s already working in your life and expand on it, creating practical strategies that feel realistic, empowering, and sustainable.
Grief Therapy
If I were to write my first book, it would be on grief therapy—because grief is not just something I’ve studied, it’s something I’ve lived. After losing my mother in 2003, I experienced firsthand how deeply grief can impact everyday life. There were moments I felt like I was moving through the world on autopilot—disconnected, overwhelmed, and unsure how I even got from one place to another. That personal experience, combined with my professional training, allows me to meet clients in their grief with both understanding and practical support. I help individuals make sense of their emotions, cope with the intensity of loss, and gradually reconnect with themselves and their lives. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
13 ratings with written reviews
January 13, 2026
Carmen was a wonderful and courteous therapist. She was insightful and gave me many obtions on how to handle my issues.
July 30, 2025
I love the fact she made me feel comfortable and she’s very uplifting I’m so excited to walk on my journey with her She is definitely what I need.
May 7, 2025
She helps me see the best parts of my life and gives me the time to explore the less helpful feelings and how to quiet my mind.