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I'm originally from SoCal but now reside in NorCal. I have over 30 years of behavioral health experience in both medical inpatient and outpatient settings and private practice. My approach to therapy is a collaborative effort with the client to focus on coping skills and short-term and long-term goals to achieve the best possible outcome of the therapeutic process. My background has been mostly in the field of psychology, working with all ages and most diagnoses. I find it personally fulfilling to help a client overcome their challenges to reach a place of self-actualization eventually.
My approach
My approach to therapy is to work together as a team to develop a treatment plan with treatment goals to help the client work through their issues by gaining insight, awareness, and resolution to assist them in moving forward with their lives more healthily and productively. My primary modalities are Person-Centered and Gestalt Therapies with an emphasis on solution-focused coping skills and treatment goals. My specialties are adolescents and adults, LGBTQIA, addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
My focus
I prefer clients that are committed and dedicated to exploring ways to improve their lives by actively engaging in the therapeutic process, which includes deep soul-searching and being challenged about dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Goals are set together with a focus on both short-term and long-term timelines that are realistic and attainable with appropriate coping skills.
My communication style
My communication style is relaxed and casual, focusing on active listening and confronting/supportive feedback. I consider our sessions a conversation to explore challenges, roadblocks, and solutions to move forward healthily and positively.
My journey to mental healthcare
I took a psychology course in high school that piqued my interest in psychology, then began working at an inpatient hospital for adolescents and addicts, which gave me real-life experience and increased my interest in helping people. Thirty years later, after working in the psychiatric field, I find it both interesting and fulfilling to help people get better and reach their full potential as human beings.
My goals for you
Therapeutic goals I focus on include identifying issues to be addressed, talking about how these issues impact their daily life, what are the thoughts and feelings around these issues, and practical coping skills to help overcome them.
My first session with you
The first session involves explaining my ways of conducting a therapy session, listening to the client explain the reason they are seeking treatment at this time, completing the initial assessment questions, and mutually agreeing upon treatment goals and coping skills to improve their situation, lessen their symptoms and progress with moving forward with their life.
