My Approach
I believe therapy works best when it’s built on a genuine relationship. I take the time to get to know you and tailor our work to what feels most helpful for you because I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want, build tools to help you cope and feel more in control, and uncover patterns from the past that may still be showing up in the present. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering both practical support and space for deeper reflection, so that lasting change can feel possible.
My Communication Style
I provide a warm, compassionate, and direct approach. I believe in balancing deep listening and empathy with practical guidance so that you feel both heard and empowered. In our sessions, you’ll have space to explore your emotions freely while also gaining tools to navigate daily challenges.
Our Goals
Therapy is a collaborative process. We will work together to define what healing looks like for you, whether that’s reducing anxiety, healing from trauma, improving relationships, or building confidence. We’ll set realistic, meaningful goals and adjust them as needed to ensure you feel supported every step of the way. Remember, you are the expert of your own story and I am here to help guide you.
My Education
I obtained my bachelors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University. I then obtained my Masters in Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University San Diego.
My Training
I completed my doctoral internship at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where I provided treatment to adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Following this, I pursued postdoctoral training in private practice while also working part-time in a correctional facility. I have received specialized training in EMDR, CBT-I, DBT, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including a psychiatric hospital, crisis house, residential treatment center, and an adolescent intensive outpatient program. I view professional development as an ongoing journey and consider myself a lifelong learner.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
– Carl Rogers
My goal as a therapist is to empower clients to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment while taking actions that serve positive purposes. I aim to help clients gain essential insights into the root causes of their challenges and to implement treatment plans that foster lasting change in their lives. Drawing from decades of diverse life experiences, I strive to provide a safe, collaborative space where clients feel understood and supported.
I have developed a clinical specialty in substance use disorders, with over thirty years of experience working with individuals inside and outside of clinical settings. Having spent years working in psychiatric hospitals and treatment centers, I am comfortable and skilled in managing and supporting clients in acute distress. I utilize a tailored, evidence-based approach that integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness-based therapies. When working with individuals facing problematic substance use, I employ tailored harm-reduction strategies to promote sustainable recovery. I also have experience providing couples and family therapy.
My path to psychology was unconventional, and I believe this breadth of life experience gives me deep empathy and valuable insights when working with adults and transition-age youth. Before entering the mental health field, I spent decades in the corporate world. My previous roles range from being a stock options trader on the Pacific Stock Exchange to serving as the Executive Vice President of a national solar company and the Chief Financial Officer of a large agricultural operation. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons about navigating high-pressure environments, staying calm amid chaos, and helping teams find alignment—skills I now bring into the therapy room. This non-traditional journey has set the stage for a life of reinvention, allowing me to connect authentically with clients seeking to transform their lives.
I earned my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology. During my clinical training, which involved significant work with individuals experiencing acute mental health conditions in psychiatric hospitals and substance recovery centers, I gained extensive experience in administering assessments and providing both short- and long-term therapy. Besides my clinical practice, I have a strong passion for research. I recently completed my qualitative dissertation exploring the experiences of psychotherapists using psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
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Capturing Moments of Learning, Growth, and Connection in Our Classes.
