(she/her)
Hello! I have always felt a natural calling to help others. Recognizing this early on, I chose to pursue a career dedicated to supporting people in improving their lives and feeling more confident in their choices. This path led me to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I earned my Master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College in 2013 and later completed my Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy at The Chicago School in 2021. Along the way, I expanded my clinical training through continuing education at UCLA, with an emphasis on alcohol and substance use studies. In my work, I support clients in exploring their potential and drawing on their strengths to navigate life’s challenges. As your therapist, I strive to create a space that is authentic, nurturing, and grounded in genuine connection. My identity as a South American therapist informs my perspective and allows me to bring cultural awareness and sensitivity into the therapeutic relationship. My years of experience, along with my ongoing personal and professional growth, have shaped a strong client-centered approach—meeting individuals where they are with compassion and respect. Clients have shared that my work across diverse cultural backgrounds helps them feel safe, understood, and supported, and that our therapeutic relationship feels inclusive and affirming.
Clients can expect to discuss their goals, current situations, and any challenges they may be facing, as well as relevant aspects of their personal history. Early sessions often involve more in-depth conversation as we build a comprehensive understanding of these areas. Above all, clients can expect to be treated with respect, regardless of their background or the difficulties they bring into therapy. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where thoughts, emotions, and experiences can be explored openly. Unconditional positive regard is central to my approach. I believe that authenticity and a nurturing therapeutic relationship are essential to meaningful growth. Together, we will work collaboratively to identify core needs, build on existing strengths, and move toward your goals. My philosophy is grounded in a client-centered, collaborative approach that supports individuals in discovering new ways to navigate life and reach their full potential, in alignment with their unique values and aspirations.
My years of clinical experience and working with different backgrounds has helped me to integrate my client-centered approach and helped me to be attuned to your needs in practice. Clients have shared that my cultural competence is one of my greatest strengths, and that it enhances awareness of respect for different cultural beliefs, values, and practices. Being open-minded and coming from a nurturing style are two crucial aspects of my approach and style that help me to consider clients as individuals and consider unique aspects to enhance therapy for them. I try to always cultivate and use active listening to support communication, the exchange of ideas and in order to join clients in their journey alongside them. I enjoy taking clients through their journey but also believe it is important to celebrate the small victories in the process as well. My hope is that you will feel as if you have a partner who not only helps you with tools, but also helps you appreciate yourself more and more as you learn.
I enjoy working with adolescents as they navigate important life transitions and seek support during challenging times. I am also passionate about helping individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life changes that may impact their personal growth. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable bringing forward any topic and can openly explore their thoughts and emotions. I encourage clients to take the first step toward their journey and live a fulfilling, meaningful life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience has led me to explore many approaches in my journey to the right approach for my clients and practice. After learning and trying many, I have learned that I have one of the largest influences in my approach from CBT. CBT is a specific psychotherapy approach known to be effective with different mental health conditions with mild to severe symptoms. CBT explores maladaptive (false believe) thinking patterns to help support life challenges and also to help identify new options while using better coping strategies during these moments. I have discovered that patients who utilize a variety of CBT interventions can increase their ability to manage daily life challenges.
Attachment-based
One of the other main areas of influence in my practice has led me to utilize a deeper perspective known as Attachment Therapy. Attachment Therapy is helpful for individuals and couples with a focus on past and present relational attachment issues. Attachment looks at family dynamics and first experiences alongside current relational dynamics and attempts to connect them to realize relevant patterns. Ways that this has helped previous clients has been instrumental in recognizing better and healthier friend and partner choices, in general.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am certified TF-CBT specializing in treating clients who suffer with the effects of trauma with CBT. This appears to be very effective in helping the client to realize that after trauma, there are other more tailored approaches that are helpful in navigating stressful situations and realizing the consequences of that trauma. TF-CBT is an evidence-based clinical approach for clients who have experienced trauma and who currently experience challenges to manage the effects of their trauma on their current daily functioning. One of the benefits of this approach is its components to enhance the regulatory system while being culturally sensitive. Once we have built trust and rapport, we can work to identify new options, practice those preferred new options and eventually manage distress better.