To me, therapy is all about the relationship between therapist and client, also known as the therapeutic alliance. Much of the research reflects that a strong therapeutic alliance is the best indicator for successful therapy outcomes. Therapy offers an individual the opportunity to create healthy relationships, increase self-awareness, and develop strong coping skills.
 

I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my bachelor’s in child and adolescent development and my master’s in mental health counseling. At CSUF, I was taught the importance of providing unconditional positive regard in the counseling room. Unconditional positive regard means that I will treat you with respect, acceptance, support, and empathy, regardless of what you say or do. I became a therapist to be the person I needed when I was younger. I felt like no one in my life, adults or peers, truly understood me or noticed me struggling. It will be my first goal to make sure you feel seen and validated for what you are experiencing.

 

I have a great passion for working with teens and young adults. Teens are taking notice of the world around them without feeling jaded by it just yet. Teenagers' issues are real and valid, and it is an honor to be the one to express that to my clients. My favorite part about working with teens is aiding in their self-exploration about identity, values and morals, interests, and passions. Many of today’s teens are social justice-oriented, and I welcome and encourage conversations surrounding current events within the counseling room.
 

I have experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance use, and eating and body issues. Helping others work through their eating and body issues is my greatest therapeutic passion. About 10% of individuals living in the United States struggle with disordered eating but is the second most fatal mental illness, behind opioid addiction. Many factors can encourage eating and body issues, including societal views about weight, chronic dieting, family values and modeling, response to internal stress, and eating as a form of control or coping. Without proper treatment, there may be lasting impacts on vital organs, disruption of supportive relationships, and increased obsession or hypervigilance. If you are struggling with eating and body issues, my goal is to help develop insight as to why this is occurring and collaborate on a plan to repair the broken bonds within the body.
 

My approach to therapy is client-centered, meaning I believe your treatment needs should be tailored to you and help you become the expert in your own life. My collaborative therapy style means that I will walk alongside you each step of the way to make meaningful changes, develop insight and coping skills, and reach your therapeutic goals.

If you are looking to start your mental health journey, book a free phone consultation today to see if

we are a good match!