Individuals, couples, and teens come to me for a variety of reasons, but they all share a common goal: they want to make a change in their lives. Sometimes the coping mechanisms that worked for us in the past are no longer effective. This can lead to problems in our relationships, our careers and our emotional state.
In therapy, I use a collaborative approach to help you trust your instincts and rely on your strengths to move from a life of limitations to one of choice and options. This fresh perspective can help you develop and strengthen skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, frustration, tolerance, attunement, trust and intimacy, boundary setting, confidence in asking for what you need, expressing yourself more fully, stress resilience and problem-solving.
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. The relationship we build is the foundation for successful therapy. We will work to create a curious, compassionate, and respectful partnership where we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Together we can heal past wounds, repair relationships, overcome disappointment and create a life you are grateful for.
I use a variety of techniques, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic therapy. I also incorporate mindfulness-based approaches to help recognize and manage the effects of stress and trauma on the nervous system. Together we can overcome challenges in the areas of identity (sexuality/gender/in relationships), relationships, anxiety, insomnia, depression, perfectionism, shame and other struggles bringing you or your relationship down.
My background includes working with adults and children, including neurodivergent children and their parents. I also draw on a wealth of experience gained from my own journey with individual therapy, a 10+ year marriage and an 8-year-old son.
Some of my favorite activities include hiking with my golden retriever, petting my spotted black and white bunny, playing Pickleball with my family, biofeedback meditation and gardening.
Education and Credentials:
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #14059
Clinical Therapist, Empathy Works Therapy; 2023 - Present
Masters In Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sonoma State University; 2023
Certification from Stepping Stone's comprehensive Internal Family Systems (IFS) Course; 2024
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy; 2024
Completed The Couples Institute Training "In Quest of the Mythical Mate"; 2023
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with Intimate Relationships, Communication Dojo; 2021
Mental Health Therapist, Petaluma City Schools; 2021-2023
DIR Floortime© Basic Certificate, ICDL; 2018
DIR Floortime© Specialist, Greenhouse Therapy Center; 2017 - 2019
