About Me
Change comes through connection.
PTSD, postpartum depression, problems in a relationship--all of these things are, at their source, expressions of disconnection. Disconnections from the self, the body, and others. The connection I make with my clients is the bedrock of healing and growth. It is why I love this profession so much. In a world of tweets and posts, we are interacting with more people than ever before, but true connection seems to be so often lost.
A "flaw" in my teenage years and early 20s was that, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't help but be my authentic self. I now understand how my neurodivergency plays into who I am, but all I knew as a teen was that when everyone else seemed to have the secret sauce to be cool, I was a little too... not. Not in a fun Manic Pixie Dream Girl way, just kind of a weirdo. That part of me that maybe stopped me from getting invited to the cool parties now serves my clients every day. I can't help but be me (thank goodness) and that authenticity is what every single one of my clients get. That means that they get to be their truly authentic selves with me in return. Each and every client teaches me something about the world we live in and I share my expertise so they can navigate their emotional world a bit more easily.
Learning about the brain and nervous system has had a profound effect on my professional practice and also within my personal life. I live the techniques that I share with my clients. I know that what resonates for me may not resonate with others, so I am not in the business of forcing an agenda, but I am walking the walk of the skills I share. Through my personal therapy and professional consultation, I am constantly finding new insight that deepens my ability to hold space for others as they find theirs. Just one of a million reasons I think I have the best job ever.
Part of my personal path is a strong commitment to delving into my own biases so as to do the ever evolving work of becoming antiracist, queer affirming, and an intersectional feminist. I am constantly striving to do better. I never, ever expect to learn about a systemic experience from a client. I will encourage dialogues with clients about their lived experience so as to create space for the client's insight. I try to do so with humility and am always ready to receive feedback on how I can better meet my client's needs. I am here to listen and support your unique and shared experiences.
In my personal time, I love going on adventures with my family, deep diving into whatever special interest has caught my fancy, seeing live music, and watching bad TV.
Specialties
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NeuroAffirming Practices
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Complex/Developmental Trauma
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OCD
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Peripartum Mood Disorders
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship Difficulties
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Life Transitions
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Parenting Issues
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College/Graduate School Issues
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Gender Identity Support
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LGBTQ2A+ Counseling
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Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Education and Training
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Masters in Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Policy
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Bachelors of Arts in Community Studies, UC Santa Cruz
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EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training
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Trauma Resiliency Model Certified Practitioner and Training Facilitator
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2020 Mom/Postpartum Support International Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals
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Certified Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner
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Completion of the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship
Think we might be a good fit? I would love to schedule a 15 free consult to get to know you and for you to get to know me: