(she/her)
Have you been looking for a space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out? You’ve arrived. I believe therapy works best in a collaborative, judgment-free environment—a place where you can take a deep breath, set aside the heavy lifting, and show up exactly as you are. Healing in therapy begins with acceptance and genuine connection, which is why I prioritize being a human being first and a therapist second. We’ll use humor, compassion, and honest curiosity to help you find greater ease within yourself. You are the expert on your life; I am your guide in exploring your inner landscape, experiences, and the connections that shape you. A Little About Me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, working with adults across California. I am recharged by time in nature, my meditation practice, creative expression, and soaking up quality time with my partner, our extended families, and our sweet senior dog.
Think of our first few sessions as a low-pressure trial run. Finding a therapist is a deeply personal choice, and it is important that you feel a sense of safety and connection before we begin the heart of our work together. We’ll move at your pace, exploring what brought you here while identifying your goals and the meaningful changes you hope to achieve. This is a shared "get to know you" time to ensure I’m the right person to support you in this season of your life.
I bring a big picture lens to our work -- I see you as a whole person shaped by your family, culture, and the systems we live in. My approach blends practical tools with deep processing, including: - Somatic & Mindfulness Practices: To help you connect to the present and get back into your body - Self-Compassion: Tools for developing a more balanced inner dialogue - Values-Based Action: Support for making decisions that feel authentic rather than driven by "shoulds"
I specialize in supporting adults and older adults who are often the helpers or caretakers for everyone else. I work particularly well with: - High-Achievers and Perfectionists: Folks tired of feeling like they are "not enough" - Family Caregivers: Those experiencing the unique burnout of caring for friends or family - People in Transition: Navigating major life changes, from career and relationship shifts to the complexities of grief and loss To get started, simply select a time on my calendar that works for you. After booking, feel free to reach out via the portal if you’d like to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to ensure we’re the right fit and answer any questions you may have before we meet.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
The tenants of ACT, including psychological flexibility, engaging values as guides to desired change, and working with instead of against our suffering, inform my approach to therapy. I believe this approach allows for a more compassionate and human response to the diverse and complex experiences that bring people to therapy. I continue to receive ongoing training and education in ACT in order to better serve my clients.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I find that components of mindfulness or present-awareness can be interwoven into many other approaches I use (including ACT, DBT, mindful self-compassion, somatic therapy, and parts work). It is a foundational skill that I enjoy sharing with clients to support them in managing their symptoms and maybe even finding more peace and contentment in their lives. I have many years of personal and professional training in a variety of mindfulness and body-mind practices.
Compassion Focused
I believe the capacity to develop compassion - for oneself and others - is fundamental in addressing the suffering we experience as human beings. I engage a variety of methods (guided meditation, written practices, verbal exercises) to teach mindful self-compassion in therapy and receive ongoing training and education in this approach to better serve my clients.