Hi. I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California. I earned my master's degree at the University of San Diego and I have the privilege of practicing for 18 years. I help individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges by providing a compassionate and supportive environment for clients to explore their concerns and work towards positive change. I use a combination of evidence-based practices with a client-centered approach. My goal is to empower clients to develop healthier relationships and improve their overall well-being. I'm dedicated to fostering a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and respected.
The first session is an important step in establishing a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship. It sets the foundation for our work together and helps ensure that clients feel supported and understood throughout the therapy process. We will start by getting to know each other. I will introduce myself, explain my background, and discuss my therapeutic approach. This is also a time for clients to share a bit about themselves and their reasons for seeking therapy. I will explain the confidentiality policies and the limits of confidentiality, ensuring clients understand their privacy rights and the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. I will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the clients' current situation, history, and specific challenges. This may include discussing family dynamics, relationship issues, and any relevant personal or medical history. Together, we will identify the goals for therapy and what the clients hope to achieve. Clients will have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the therapy process, my approach, or any other concerns they might have.
Using a holistic approach, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each client or family. I use evidence-based practices and adapt my methods to best support individual and relational growth. Empower my clients to build resilience and develop coping strategies for dealing with life's challenges. Help clients identify their strengths and leverage them to overcome obstacles and improve their overall well-being. I am adaptable and can work with diverse populations, including individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am skilled at adjusting my approach to suit different cultural, social, and individual contexts.
As a licensed therapist, implementing trauma-informed care involves understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, creating a safe and supportive environment. Understanding how trauma affects an individuals' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Empowering and identifying a persons strengths and resilience, build on existing supports and skills, supporting autonomy, collaborating with individuals on their personal healing journey. All while, being aware of cultural factors that influence trauma and its expression. Providing culturally sensitive care, being respectful of a persons background and identity and ensuring I'm inclusive and accessible to all clients.