ABOUT THERAPY
Hello and welcome to taking the first step to healing.
Anyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives, even those with a strong support system.
Signs to look for to consider therapy include:
experiencing prolonged periods of anger, sadness, or anxiety
relationship conflicts or communication difficulties
trouble coping with a loss like the death of a loved one, a breakup, or the loss of a job
struggling with your identity, self-worth, or self-esteem
If any of these apply to you, then it may be time to give therapy a try.
ABOUT ME
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California.
The majority of my work is with adults to help them explore their interlocking identities, discover their path and navigate through the adjustments to new responsibilities and demands of adulthood, like enrolling in college, adjusting to school and/or work life, moving away from family, or moving back in with family.
I help adults who experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or defeat from the pressures of work life, family, relationships, self-criticism, addiction, and other co-occurring disorders. I offer support to the experiences unique to the LGBTQQIA+ community.
Part of my practice is also devoted to creating a safe space and validating the often-discounted struggles of ethical vegans, animal advocates, and people who are grieving the loss of their animal family members.
I will work with you to build and apply safe coping skills to assist in breaking through your obstacles and challenges, despite your circumstances.
TYPES OF THERAPY OFFERED
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Perhaps you struggle with the idea that everyone has value and is worthy of love. It is not selfish to seek help. Your health and happiness matter. You have a purpose in life and I can help you identify it. I will listen to you express all of your uncensored thoughts, feelings, fears, worries, hopes, and dreams in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. Together we can find ways to move past your obstacles and celebrate your moments of victory on your path to a happier and healthier life.
COUPLES THERAPY
Maybe the sparks have faded in your relationship and you’re feeling as if you and your partner are on cruise-control. Maybe you are having trouble communicating that you feel stuck, hurt, or angry. Couples therapy can help resolve conflict constructively and respectfully, assuring that each partner has a voice that is heard. Therapy can strengthen your communication skills and explore ways to rekindle your emotional and physical intimacy with your partner.
FAMILY THERAPY
Family systems therapy can help you gain a deeper understanding of each family member’s role, experiences, relationships, dynamics, and conflicts, in a safe and non-judgmental space where you are heard and valued. Using Bowen Family Systems, genograms, and, sometimes the amazing works of Claudia Black LCSW, we can process your experiences and trauma, apply Radical Acceptance to accept what is (acceptance does not mean to approve of or excuse) to adjust your expectations and create boundaries so that you may achieve differentiation from your family.
Note: we can work on family conflict with just you, in individual therapy.
VEGANS AND PET LOSS BEREAVEMENT
You may feel that no one understands the deep love you have for animals. Others may not respect the life of all sentient beings as you do. You may feel invalidated by those around you as you mourn the devastating loss of someone that is non-human. As a certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, I will accompany you through the stages of grief, anticipatory grief, and loss. I will help you honor their lives with dignity and without judgement.
SEX THERAPY FOR COUPLES
I am a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) through the Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training with Dr Tammy Nelson of the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute.
Many couples struggle with pleasure disorders, which can include pleasure avoidance, pleasure denial, pleasure rejection, and pleasure resistance. These types of pleasure disorders can lead to sexual discrepancies.
Many couples have sexual discrepancies in their relationship and are uncomfortable discussing sex, especially with a stranger, like a therapist. Sex is an important element of a healthy relationship and the topic of sex deserves a safe space for conversation and exploration.
Through counseling, Imago Dialogue, and detailed Erotic Recovery interventions (homework), we will focus on arousal to achieve the desire for sex. This therapy requires that both you and your partner are willing to participate and put forth the effort in the homework assignments. Together, with your commitment and effort, we can work toward your goal of improved sex and intimacy.
CREDENTIALS
Education
University of California, Riverside
B.A. in Liberal Studies with emphases in Behavioral Sciences and Education.
Phillips Graduate Institute
M.A. in Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and concentration in Co-occurring Disorders
Certifications
Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional
Integrative Sex Therapy Institute
Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist Certification
American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Relevant Training
• Adolescents, Technology, and Reducing the Risk for HIV, STDs, and Pregnancy
• Allyship
• Body Image and Self-Esteem
• Cannabis and Mental Illness
• Characteristics and Sexuality of Queer People
• Clinical Supervision: Principles and Practices
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anger Management
• Common Experiences and Challenges of Working with Victims of Human Trafficking
• Ethical Issues in Mental Health for Social Workers
• Gender-Affirming Care: Writing Support Letters
• HIV and AIDS: A Therapist's Reference Guide to Treatment Issues
• Human Sexuality
• Imposter Syndrome
• Integrative Sex & Couples Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Internet-Based Support for Young Adults with ADHD and Autism
• Intimacy Loss in Dying and Grief
• Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Kink & BDSM 101
• LGBTQ+ Identity Management on Social Media
• Masculinity and Minority Stress among Men in Same-sex Relationships
• Mass Violence and Behavioral Health
• Minority Stress and Mental Health in Same-sex Relationships
• Porn and Relationships
• Positive Psychology
• Relationship Factors and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use for Gay and Bisexual Men
• Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
• Revolution Diagnosis & Treatment Using the DSM-5
• Sexual Arrangements among Gay and Bisexual Men
• Special Topics in Telehealth
• Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment, and Intervention
• The Marriage Check-up with Gay and Lesbian Couples
• The Psychology of Puppy Play
• Trans/Non-binary 101
• Transgender Microaggressions as Ethical Violations in Therapy
• Treating Repetitive Negative Thinking and Anxiety
• Treating Same Sex Couples
• Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
• Working with LGBT Individuals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
All of my therapy sessions are virtual, using a HIPAA-compliant, confidential platform. This allows me to see clients throughout the state of California.
Symptoms of depression can make it a struggle to find the energy and motivation required to travel to an office. Symptoms of anxiety can make it difficult to walk past your front door.
Virtual therapy sessions help relieve the pressures of leaving the comfort and safety of your home.
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
Each individual therapy session runs about 45 minutes; couples sessions run about 55 minutes. The recommended frequency for treatment is weekly, but as you begin to improve, we can agree on biweekly sessions.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Anthem Blue Cross and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.
WHAT IS THE COST?
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
The cost of therapy can be a sensitive subject, especially for those without insurance. Therapy should be affordable, but should also reflect a balance of the value you place on improving your health and the commitment to continuing your treatment. Please call to discuss the cost of the type of treatment that is best suited for you.
I do offer a limited number of time slots for sliding scale rates through Open Path Collective. Contact me for more information or visit Open Path to apply.
CONTACT ME
Contact me via phone, text, or email for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
License No. LMFT105924
(626) 421-2360