Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy is an important step, and I aim to make our first session feel both welcoming and purposeful. Whether you're coming in with a specific concern or simply a sense that something isn’t quite right, our initial meeting is designed to provide clarity, support, and direction. During our first session, I conduct a thorough intake to get a well-rounded understanding of your concerns, symptoms, and life circumstances. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, your emotional and mental health history, and any patterns or challenges you’ve noticed. I’ll also ask about your strengths, support systems, and what you hope to get out of therapy. These questions aren’t meant to overwhelm, but rather to create a comprehensive picture that will guide our work together. This is also a space for you to ask questions and express what you're looking for in a therapeutic relationship. I take a collaborative, person-centered approach, grounded in empathy and mutual respect. My goal is to ensure you feel heard, valued, and understood from the very beginning. We’ll also discuss possible treatment options and approaches that are best suited to your needs. I draw from evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and other scientifically supported methods, always tailoring them to the individual in front of me. I’ll explain how these approaches can be helpful and make sure they align with your goals and comfort level. By the end of our first session, we’ll begin to outline some initial goals and set expectations for how therapy might progress. While therapy is a process that unfolds over time, I want you to leave that first meeting with a sense of direction, hope, and trust in the therapeutic relationship we're beginning to build. Ultimately, our work is a partnership. I bring professional expertise, but you bring your lived experience, and together we’ll chart a path toward growth, healing, and lasting change.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Unlike most therapists in clinical practice who typically hold a master’s degree, I bring doctoral-level expertise with a Psy.D. from Stanford/PAU University, along with an undergraduate education and two years of medical school at UCLA. This background allows me to approach mental health with a richer understanding of the complex interplay between mind and body, and to apply evidence-based interventions through a scientifically grounded lens. The depth and breadth of my training helps me uniquely integrates psychological, medical, and neurological perspectives. My work is deeply rooted in the latest research in clinical psychology, neuroscience, and integrative medicine. This means that while I am committed to providing empathic, person-centered care, my methods are also informed by a rigorous understanding of how emotional, cognitive, and physiological systems interact. I do not view mental health in isolation - it’s always part of a larger, interconnected system. I also value collaboration and transparency throughout the therapeutic process. You can expect a structured yet flexible approach that draws from empirically supported treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, and humanistic approaches. I work alongside you, ensuring that you understand the therapeutic process and feel empowered and informed in your journey toward healing. Ultimately, my goal is to offer more than symptom relief; I aim to help clients build insight, resilience, and long-term well-being through a therapy experience that is both compassionate and scientifically based.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work with a wide range of clients who are seeking meaningful change, deeper self-understanding, and support through life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship difficulties, I provide a safe, collaborative space to explore what’s holding you back and develop strategies to move forward with clarity and purpose. I’m particularly well positioned to help individuals whose mental health concerns are intertwined with physical health issues, such as chronic illness, pain, or medically unexplained symptoms. With advanced doctoral training from the PGSP-Stanford Consortium and a background in both psychology and medicine, I bring a uniquely integrated, science-based perspective to complex cases that often fall between traditional mental health and medical care. I also specialize in working with clients who not only want relief from symptoms but who are motivated to grow as individuals. I try to help individuals better understand themselves, shift unhelpful patterns, and live with purpose and meaning. Whether you're facing a major life transition or have been struggling for years, I meet each client where they are, tailoring care to both immediate concerns and long-term goals. My training allows me to support individuals across a broad spectrum of needs, from common mental health challenges to more layered, multifaceted presentations. If you're looking for a thoughtful, evidence-based approach grounded in both compassion and clinical expertise, I would be honored to work with you.