LMFT, 10 years of experience
Trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, I am available to help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, relational issues, and communication. As a first generation Eritrean American born and raised in the Bay Area, I struggled with a sense of belonging throughout my adolescence, often straddling the line between multiple identities and insecurities surrounding the idea of not being “American enough" and not being “African enough.” Early on in college, I took a psychology class that helped me further understand the human condition and its applications in my own life. I learned transformative concepts in terms of moods, relationships, and behaviors, prompting me to further pursue the field of psychology. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to get advanced training in various therapeutic approaches, which I believe help clients get the most out of their therapy experience.
It’s my passion to facilitate a sense of reconnection in the lives of my clients, listening with deep care and attention. In fact, many of my clients comment on the fact that I am the first therapist they’ve worked with that doesn’t just sit there, nodding their head. I am engaged in the therapeutic process and invested in creating a meaningful space where my clients can process.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am a good match for adults who struggle in their relationships with their spouses and/or children. And as a therapist certified in the revolutionary technique of Brainspotting, I am adept at treating anxiety and trauma. I also have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, the Emotional Freedom Technique, and Relational Life Therapy. Furthermore, when my schedule allows for it, I offer support groups for men and teen boys who are in search of community and a diverse array of perspectives.
I specialize in working with men, athletes, and racial minorities because I identify with these groups in a way that allows me to meaningfully connect with clients. As a racial minority, I understand the layers of systemic, generational trauma; as an athlete, I relate to issues of performance anxiety; as a person who used to struggle with depression and anxiety, I know what it takes to manage disruptive symptoms; and, finally, as a husband and father, I can identify with the struggles of prioritizing relationships and maintaining a work-life balance. These unique perspectives make me particularly well suited to work with individuals who often don’t have the privilege of seeing themselves in the counseling space. I know what it is like to feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected, and I aim to fill the space for my clients that was such a big void for me as I grew up and was getting to know myself.
As a therapist certified in the revolutionary technique of Brainspotting, I am adept at treating anxiety and trauma.
I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression.
I have training in Relational Life Therapy that provides practical tools to deal with relational issues between couples and family members.