Services + Info

I work with individuals to promote change, move through challenging transitions and increase mental wellness. Difficult life transitions, current or past traumas can take a toll on your mind, body and spirit. These stressors may cause or exacerbate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty focusing, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances. If you are struggling and having difficulty managing then therapy may be helpful for you. Therapy can help in processing emotions, understanding your feelings and behaviors, developing problem solving strategies, and learning new ways to cope. I encourage active exploration as well as help clients find practical solutions. I tailor therapy to each client’s particular needs, goals and personality.

My Approach in individual therapy

I draw from research-supported therapeutic models, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy with an Attachment lens to help you understand the roots of your struggles and develop new patterns of thinking and behavior. These techniques are designed to give you practical tools for managing emotions. 

Emotional healing is not just a mental process; it is deeply connected to the body. I utilize somatic techniques focusing on the connection between the mind and body, using physical sensations to unlock and process emotional trauma, stress, and unresolved feelings to restore balance to your emotional and physical well-being.

In working with trauma, I can utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR Therapy, an evidence based therapeutic approach used to help individuals process traumatic memories and experiences. EMDR helps the brain reframe and release the emotional distress attached to the memories, allowing you to gain a sense of closure and move forward with less emotional burden. Research shows EMDR provides relief from distress associated with traumatic memories. 

The first step is finding a therapist that is a good fit. I work with children and adolescents going through transitions, family relationships, struggling with anxiety, depression, school issues, peer relationships, disruptive behavior and trauma. When children and teens experience emotions or engage in behaviors that interfere with their happiness and ability to thrive, they may benefit from meeting with a mental health therapist. 

Therapy can help a child process their feelings, gain insight, strengthen communication, learn to resolve conflict appropriately and learn new coping strategies including somatic exercises to increase the mind body connection. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where your child or teen can express themselves, explore their feelings, and work through challenges with the guidance of a trained professional. 

My Approach with Child and Adolescent Therapy

Every child and adolescent is different,  my approach to therapy is flexible, creative, and tailored to meet the needs of each individual. I use a variety of techniques and interventions that are developmentally appropriate and engaging, including play therapy, talk therapy, art therapy, learning coping skills and sometimes include family therapy. I aim to build trust with your child or adolescent so they feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Children greatly benefit when their parents are able to work together cooperatively. Parents who are separated or divorced can find it difficult to get beyond the conflict or the unhealthy patterns that ended their relationship. Re-configuring the family structure can be equally difficult. Co-parent counseling aims to reduce conflict, improve communication, facilitate positive parenting and create a working relationship between parents in order to focus on the needs of the child. 

My Approach to Co-Parent Therapy

Co-parent therapy is rooted in the idea that putting the needs of your children first, while improving the co-parenting relationship, benefits everyone involved. I use a solution-focused approach to help parents find common ground, resolve disagreements, and create a parenting plan that works for both families. To be honest, this process can sometimes be messy and there will be bumps in the road but the long term goal is that parents can find a new way of interacting so they do not need to utilize a third party or the court system. 

Some of the areas I focus on in co-parent therapy include: improving communication, resolving disagreements, creating parenting plans and making decisions about the child(ren). Most parents would like to create parenting decisions and plans outside of the court process. Creating a comprehensive parenting plan that works for both parents can reduce ambiguity and provide a structure for decision-making. In co-parent counseling, we can establish or revise co-parenting plans that address key aspects of parenting (child timeshare schedule, visitation, holidays, education, etc.), set clear, realistic expectations for both parents and work towards the decisions being made in the best interest of the child.

Navigating the complexities of co-parenting can be challenging, especially when emotions and conflict are high and in some cases safety can be a concern. Some parents may need a higher level of care and a two therapist model may be recommended.

For more information: https://www.high-conflict-co-parenting.com/

I am a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) provider through California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists under Family Law and Psychology Seminars (FLPS). FLPS sponsors continuing education for LMFT’s, LCSW’S, LPCC’s, and LEP’s. FLPS was created through a collaboration with Dana Schneider, LMFT. FLPS provides training and education to mental health professionals, mediators and family law attorneys committed to resolving conflict and strengthening families transitioning through separation and/or divorce. Providing training by mental health professionals with extensive experience in working across disciplines to better serve children and families through these major, often highly conflicted and emotional transitions. FLPS goal is to transmit practical techniques and research based knowledge to practitioners in this specialized area of professional practice.

I offer professional consultation services to support psychotherapists at every stage of their careers. Whether you are a new therapist looking for guidance, a seasoned clinician in need of case consultation, or a professional aiming to expand your skill set, consultation services are designed to enhance your practice and professional development. Reach out regarding your consultation needs and for training/consultation rates.