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I was born and raised in Downtown San Jose, California and moved to Santa Cruz, California in 2008 where I mostly lived for about 12 years. After receiving my BA from University of California, Berkeley, I obtained a Masters Degree in Holistic Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University (now National University).
I enjoy travel & adventure, river days, bike riding and rollerskating, going to shows and concerts, working with the Tarot and geeking out about psychology and spirituality. In 2021 I moved to Portland, Oregon with my husband and dog to experience a new life adventure!
Capricorn ☉ Cancer ☾ Sagittarius △
Experience & Approach
My career in mental health started in 2011 working as a tech in a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents, where I eventually interned treating substance use and co-occurring disorders in adults and adolescents while obtaining my Masters degree. I became a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and transitioned into working with family units struggling with the effects of trauma and addiction. I eventually developed curriculum for a 12 hour workshop for parents & family members of teens in treatment for addiction and behavioral issues, which I facilitated for about 6 months. Since 2018 I have been working with t(w)eens, adults, partnerships and families in a traditional therapy setting.
Ultimately, the most important part of therapy is the strength of the relationship between you and me, so I will be bringing my authentic self to session which means I will laugh with you, cry with you, and cuss with you. I provide a safe place for you to be your genuine self and for us to build a trusting relationship where we can work to improve your relationship to yourself and your capacity for intimacy. I have a modern, relational and casual style and am warm and direct. The therapy modalities I am most influenced by are psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems & other parts modalities. I also incorporate somatic and mindfulness practices for working with the body and nervous system regulation.