I want to help you help yourself.
Here is a little about me….
She experiences, learns, and then transforms…
My journey of becoming a therapist began in Junior high when I knew deep down in my core that there was more than what meets the eye. There were deeper reasons as to why people acted a certain way. I always tried hard to “ alter” myself or the way I behaved. Little did I know, there was nothing wrong with me.
In the midst of my personal journey of healing from panic, anxiety, and trauma, I made the choice to enter Graduate school for Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University. It was there where I completely transformed; I was flipped inside out. The best way to learn anything is to practice. In this program we were each other’s “therapist in training”. From practice sessions, reflective work, to lectures, presentations, and amazing live sessions in class.
In the end….
Everything made sense now.
I was now on the other side of the fence. From someone who had struggled for years with no understanding or no idea how to feel better. To someone who accepts her wounds and is able to help others help themselves. Through listening, non-judgement, validation, reflection; I’m able to walk beside my clients as they explore their experiences to make sense of them and to find relief from pain. So that they can live out a healthy and functional life.
Today as a Marriage and Family Therapist…
I’ve worked with several populations and a wide range of clients. Some populations include children, adolescents, young adults, older adults, couples, and family. I’ve provided Substance Use Treatment Services for adolescents and young adults, while creating wellness flyers where I educated and inspired my fellow colleagues to work on self-care. I’ve helped clients manage and heal from anxiety, depression, panic, and family/relationship conflicts
Today, I’ve found a passion for helping Step Mothers learn how to navigate and cope with Step Family life. It is through my own personal journey of step family life, that I have found there is a high need for support for Step Mothers.
I’m certified in Mindfulness and I commonly use CBT, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focus, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems and psychoeducation. My favorite techniques while working with clients are more abstract approaches like imagery, meditation, writing and drawing. Anything to bring something that may be hard to explain, to life.