(she/her)
Hello! I have always felt a deep calling to help others. Early in life, I recognized that my passion lay in supporting people as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and make meaningful changes. This calling led me to pursue a career in mental health and become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My academic background in psychology began at Universidad de San Martín de Porres in Lima, Peru, where I completed four years of psychology studies in 1980. I earned my Master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College in 2013 and completed my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Marital and Family Therapy at The Chicago School in 2021. To further enhance my clinical expertise, I have pursued specialized training through UCLA, with a focus on alcohol and substance use studies. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses unique strengths and the capacity for growth. I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight, build resilience, and move toward their personal goals. As your therapist, I strive to create a supportive, authentic, and compassionate environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. As a South American therapist, I bring cultural awareness and sensitivity to my work, recognizing the importance of honoring each client’s unique background, experiences, and values. My diverse clinical experience, combined with a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, has shaped a client-centered approach that emphasizes respect, empathy, and genuine connection. Clients often share that they feel safe, supported, and understood in our work together. They value the inclusive and affirming space we create, where they can openly explore their experiences and move toward greater well-being and fulfillment.
Clients can expect our initial sessions to focus on understanding their goals, current circumstances, and the challenges they may be experiencing, as well as relevant aspects of their personal history. These early conversations help establish a comprehensive picture of their experiences, strengths, and needs, allowing us to create a meaningful foundation for our work together. Above all, clients can expect to be met with respect, compassion, and acceptance, regardless of their background, identity, or the concerns that bring them to therapy. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where thoughts, emotions, and experiences can be explored openly and honestly. Unconditional positive regard is at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I believe that meaningful change occurs within the context of a genuine and nurturing therapeutic relationship. By working collaboratively, we can identify underlying needs, build upon existing strengths, and develop effective strategies for achieving your personal goals. My philosophy is grounded in a client-centered and strengths-based approach that empowers individuals to gain insight, navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, and create lasting change that aligns with their values, aspirations, and authentic sense of self.
My years of clinical experience and working with diverse backgrounds have enabled me to integrate a client-centered approach, allowing me to be attuned to your needs in practice. Clients have consistently praised my cultural competence as one of my greatest strengths, highlighting how it fosters an awareness of respect for various cultural beliefs, values, and practices. Being open-minded and adopting a nurturing style are two crucial aspects of my approach that enable me to consider clients as individuals, taking into account their unique aspects to enhance therapy. I prioritize cultivating and utilizing active listening to support communication, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and join clients on their journey. While I relish guiding clients through their therapeutic process, I also believe it’s essential to celebrate the small victories along the way. My hope is that you’ll feel like you have a partner who not only provides you with tools but also helps you grow and appreciate yourself more as you learn.
I find immense joy in working with adolescents as they embark on significant life transitions and seek support during challenging times. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about assisting adult individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and life changes that may hinder their personal growth. My objective is to establish a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel at ease sharing any topic and can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. I wholeheartedly encourage clients to take the first step toward their journey and strive for a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Other specialties
I identify as
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
Another significant influence in my therapeutic approach is Attachment-Based Therapy. This perspective helps individuals and couples understand how early life experiences and important relationships have shaped the ways they connect with others today. Together, we explore both past and present relationship patterns to identify recurring themes that may be affecting current challenges. By increasing awareness of these patterns, clients often gain greater insight into themselves and their relationships. Many clients find that this work helps them make healthier choices in friendships and romantic relationships, improve communication, establish stronger boundaries, and create more meaningful and secure connections with others.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling with its impact on their daily lives. TF-CBT is particularly effective in helping clients understand how traumatic experiences can influence thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships, while providing practical tools to promote healing and resilience. This approach recognizes that trauma can affect the way individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world around them. Through TF-CBT, clients learn healthier and more adaptive ways of coping with stress, managing difficult emotions, and responding to situations that may trigger distress related to past experiences. One of the strengths of TF-CBT is its structured yet flexible framework, which incorporates skill-building to enhance emotional regulation, increase coping abilities, and support long-term recovery. The approach is also culturally responsive, allowing treatment to be tailored to each client's unique background, experiences, and values. As trust and rapport develop within the therapeutic relationship, we work together to identify patterns that may no longer serve you, explore new perspectives and coping strategies, and practice skills that promote greater confidence and emotional well-being. Over time, many clients experience increased resilience, improved daily functioning, and a greater sense of control over the effects of trauma.