I earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a depth psychology emphasis from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California, publishing a thesis entitled Gender Divides in Couples Therapy: Effects of Raising Boys and Girls in Different Emotional Worlds. Concurrent with my master’s studies, I have furthered my training and advancement in Marriage and Family Therapy at the Southern California Counseling Center located in Los Angeles. One of the largest community mental health centers in California, SCCC works with clients of all ages and backgrounds, from whom I quickly developed a strong interest in couples counseling and working with individuals to increase emotional intelligence and improve their relationships. My training and supervision has been provided by leading therapists in the greater Los Angeles area with an emphasis in Gestalt and Somatic Therapies as well as Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy. Additionally, I have been certified in the Community Resilience trauma treatment program (CRM). I currently see individual clients, couples, and families with issues ranging from trauma and abuse, PTSD, and anxiety, to financial and family crises.

Building on a strong interest in couples counseling, I sought out and studied with Terrence Real and completed his three levels of training towards certification as a Relational Life Therapist. I have also completed the first two levels of John Gottman’s clinical training specific to relationship work. At the Southern California Counseling Center, I attended lectures by Sue Johnson and was trained in her Emotionally Focused Therapy. Taking from the three modalities, I have developed my own voice and style within the therapeutic setting that has provided strong tools and education for couples, leading them to achieve and maintain successful outcomes. In some cases, this has meant an easing through the transition of an ending relationship. I myself experienced a difficult divorce that was challenging litigiously and emotionally.

After thirteen years of marriage, I found myself a single mother of three in Los Angeles. The stresses related to parenting, managing a home and finances alone, and trying to navigate the dating world in a big city pushed me into seeking therapy. The therapeutic process was life changing and is what ultimately inspired me to pursue the counseling profession. My hopes for this work are that I can help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, build resilience and emotional awareness, and meet the goals they make for themselves.