(she/her)
New to Grow
I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to my practice, drawing on a diverse professional background to connect with clients. As a parent in a blended family, I deeply understand the complexities of modern relationships and the importance of resilience. Outside of the office, you’ll find me hiking, cooking, spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and playing pickleball. I am President Elect of RECAMFT (Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) and have been on the board for five years. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard and empowered to grow.
The first session will be focused on getting oriented, building comfort, and laying the groundwork for future work. It’s about understanding you and your goals. I’ll ask questions about what brought you in, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you’d like to change or improve. We’ll talk about what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. This could be something specific (like managing anxiety) or more general (like feeling more confident or less stuck). We’ll discuss confidentiality, session structure, and pacing. I want you to feel clear about what to expect. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll talk about what comes next and how to continue. If not, that’s okay too—I can help point you in a direction that might suit you better. You don’t need to prepare anything special—just show up as you are.
I use my clinical skills to support you becoming the best version of yourself.
I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient drug addiction treatment, child and adolescent WRAP around services, TAY (Transition Age Youth 16-25) and elderly people in skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities. I am genuine and direct and I'm able to establish positive, strong therapeutic relationships. I am also aware that sometimes a client and therapist are not a good fit. I generally suggest people try a therapist 4-6 times before deciding weather it is a good fit or not.
Trauma Informed Care
I am trained in EMDR, DBT and Narrative Therapies. I use these methods within an overall framework of Trauma Informed Care, understanding that what we have experienced throughout our lives has impacted us and affected our nervous system and our outlook on the world. It is possible to help the nervous system update so that you do not have to continue to live in a state of flight, ,fight or fawn.
EMDR
EMDR is a powerful therapy when indicated can be very useful. I start by using EMDR for resourcing, working with you to create ways you can self sooth and regulate your emotions. From there we can go deeper and work on issues that may not have previously responded to talk therapy.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
There are overarching concepts of DBT that clients find very useful and practical, so I like to introduce these when appropriate. Additionally, there are interventions that when used and practiced can significantly support people improving communication, distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I find this modality can have impactful results in a relatively short amount of time, and is generally tolerated well by most people. It is a strengths based practice and can be effective in creating positive change that is felt on a daily basis.