My Approach
I use both a feminist and relational approach to psychotherapy, which is a person-centered, socially informed model that positions treatment within a cultural context and is founded on the concept that our relationships with others and with ourselves is an essential aspect of our emotional well-being. I consider my clients to be the experts of their own experiences and we work together to gain insights, alleviate hurt and/or destructive patterns, and improve personal relationships.
On a less clinical, more personal note those closest to be describe me as genuine, relatable, energetic, warm and funny. (I guess I do have a sense of humor and am not afraid to use it, even in psychotherapy.)
My Background
I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in 2008. Additionally, after completing my Bachelor’s Degree at UC Berkeley, I received a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies from The Ohio State University in 1999. The core of my work with clients brings both disciplines together to better understand life experiences by looking critically through the lenses of race, class, gender, sexuality, as well as, family of origin, cognition and behavior.
My clinical practicum began with an internship at The Pacific Center for Human Growth in Berkeley, CA where I focused exclusively on the needs of clients in the LGBTQ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer) community. I then interned for three years at the Women’s Therapy Center where I continued to specialize in LGBTQ issues as well as anxiety, major life transitions, and relationship issues for both individuals and couples of diverse populations.