Special Interests
Approach
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Harm reduction, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Motivational interviewing (MI), Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Therapy Style
I utilize evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT to assist clients with making positive changes in their lives.
I have been working in the field of mental health for the last 21 years and in addiction & recovery for 11 years. I also have a special interest in working with developmental trauma and codependency issues. After having worked in “brick and mortar” outpatient substance use and mental health clinics, I have been working in virtual therapy in addiction for the last year and a half. It has been exciting to see how virtual therapy has broken barriers for clients, enabling them to get the care they need in the most accessible ways possible.
I have had the honor of working with indigenous populations, LGBTQIA+, and visually impaired communities. I have lived in multiple geographic areas such as the East Coast, the West Coast, Alaska, Arizona, and the Midwest, which has allowed me to develop an understanding of the cultural differences in each region.
I value meeting a client where they are at, empowering them to set their goals and assisting them in achieving their best selves. I have a strong belief in the hope we offer others and making a difference in the world.
Education
BA - Psychology, National University
MA - Counseling Psychology, National University
Certificate - Domestic Violence Interventions, Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC), First Responder Training, Crisis Evaluation/Interventions
License Number and State
CA 43646
Pronouns
she/her
What are your interests outside of work?
I love to travel, learn about new cultures, hike, garden and be around animals of all types (well maybe not snakes so much!).
What is one thing you do daily that supports your mental and emotional well-being?
To stay in balance in my life, I take time every morning to drink my tea, engage in self-reflection and try to learn something new to expand my worldview. Weather permitting, I also try to spend at least 30 minutes outside in some way connecting with nature.
What book have you read more than once?
I love to read many books, from fiction by Clive Cussler and James Rollins to clinical books on attachment, like Brene Brown's, Daring Greatly. I rarely however read any book more than once although I will often use them to review sections for reference.
Favorite organization/non-profit?
War Horse Creek in Mountain Center, CA - This non-profit is a program for veterans using the beautiful, majestic Mustang to assist veteran's with regaining an inner connection with themselves, transcending the impact of trauma and isolation.
How do you recharge?
When I need to recharge I often go hiking in nature, riding on motorcycles, cooking and find ways to be around bodies of water such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, oceans.
Do you have any pets?
I have had so many pets, from horses, goats, cows, chickens, dogs, pigs and even quail! My favorite pet story is of a chicken named Dora who would sit on your shoulder and Skype!
