LMFT, 15 years of experience
Born and raised in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, I bring over a decade of experience to Grow Therapy clients, supporting the development of more fulfilling relationships. I am driven by a lifelong passion for the work of psychotherapy, my inclination toward empathic human connection, and the enduring belief that we as humans have a natural tendency to move in the direction of psychological growth & healing. Since completing a master's degree in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute (Berkeley, CA) in 2011, the focus of my work has included homelessness, domestic violence, substance dependence, child welfare involvement, community gun violence, complex childhood trauma, teen pregnancy, parent-child attachment, stress management strategies, peripartum depression & anxiety, child behavioral & emotional issues. I have supported countless individuals and families to strengthen their internal toolkits for navigating a range of life difficulties, managing strong emotions, and building more connected and more rewarding relationships.
In our first session, we will start with introductions, briefly go over some information about my practice and what you can expect from therapy, then give you plenty of space to discuss the specific difficulties you are experiencing and what you hope to get out of therapy. I will ask a few broad questions about the past to explore any relevant history. Together, we will explore your hopes for the future and develop a plan to work toward those hopes together.
My approach to therapy balances authenticity, cultural accountability, and practical tools for being here & now, within the context of a real therapeutic relationship. While I feel quite comfortable supporting those with very specific initial goals for treatment, I quite often find that when people come to me just feeling like "a mess" we are able to connect on a deeper level -- because life is messy. We have these complex brains seeking to make sense of our environment, relationships, and experiences; however, the meaning we find and the meaning we make do not always provide us with a sense of the cohesion and integration we seek within ourselves. I feel one of my biggest strengths is my ability to be an empathic presence in your mess, to see if we can't start making some sense of it all.
I love working with young adults early in their careers who are struggling to identify a sense of meaning, purpose, and personal direction. Folks are eager to explore these areas of themselves and the impact of these factors on their relationships, eager to explore the interplay between past, present, and future. They often feel like kind of a mess of internal pulls in conflicting directions, and as a result feel anxious or depressed in ways that make it difficult to move forward.
In our work together, you are at the heart of the healing process. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings. My role is to listen deeply, offer empathy, and support you in uncovering your own strengths and insights, helping you move toward greater self-acceptance and personal growth.
Life’s big questions—purpose, meaning, freedom, and uncertainty—can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through existential therapy, I help you explore these concerns in a way that fosters self-awareness and empowerment. Together, we’ll work through life’s challenges, helping you find deeper fulfillment and create a life that aligns with your values.
Struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions can be exhausting. ACT helps you break free from unhelpful patterns by teaching you to accept what’s out of your control and commit to actions that align with your values. I’ll guide you in developing mindfulness skills and taking meaningful steps toward a rich and fulfilling life.