APPROACH
Psychotherapy is healing and growing through human interaction. Whether you are currently suffering, or simply looking for something to shift in your life, you don't have to do this alone. Everyone can benefit in some way from talking to a professional who can facilitate growth and help to create change through psychotherapy. This human-to-human interaction can help to start you on the path away from suffering and toward what you want in life. I have worked with a wide variety of patients over the years utilizing an Integrative approach, which weaves traditional Western therapeutic techniques with techniques adapted from Eastern medicine so that I can find what is most effective for each unique patient. I encourage my patients to work toward growing and healing as whole beings--mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. Treatment methods I use most frequently to encourage this growth and to create significant change include EMDR, Relational Therapy, Mind-Body Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
As a Humanistic psychologist, I am conscious of the importance of providing a welcoming environment where people feel safe to express themselves. My work with patients is collaborative and I focus on helping people to identify their strengths and cultivate these strengths in order to feel stronger, more secure, and happier.
Another passion of mine is maternal mental health. I recently completed Postpartum Support International's Certification in Perinatal Mental Health, and welcome new parents and their families with open arms.
SPECIALTY AREAS
-Stress Management
-Self-esteem
-Healing from the Effects of Traumatic Experiences
-Communication
-Perinatal Mental Health
-Identity Development
-Spirituality
-Meaning-making
-Bipolar Disorder
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Personal Growth
-Grief and Loss
-Parenting
-Relationship Concerns
-Cultural Integration
-Life transitions
-LGBTQ+
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Child Development, and Music from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I then completed a Master of Arts and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. While completing my clinical internships in graduate school, I was fortunate to gain experience with a wide range of patients.
I began my clinical training at St. Vincent de Paul Village working with homeless adults. I continued to conduct individual and group therapy while working at Aurora Behavioral Healthcare, a private psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient services for adults, older adults, adolescents, and children. I completed my final pre-doctoral internship at Rady Children's Hospital in the Outpatient Psychiatry Department, conducting Individual and Family Therapy for adolescents and children. Additionally, I worked with the Poway school district on program development for multicultural awareness in elementary schools.
I completed my post-doctoral clinical hours at Southern Indian Health Council, where I gained significant training and experience working with the Native Community. I became well-versed in Native traditions, cultural integration, and issues related to historical trauma. This experience was also an inspiration for me to use the traditional Medicine Wheel as a basis for looking at health from a holistic perspective, considering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health throughout treatment.
I now have a private practice treating the aforementioned specialties in Old Town, San Diego. In addition, I am contracted with Survivors of Torture, International, a non-profit organization working toward helping refugees in San Diego who have suffered torture in their country of origin. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model), which are both powerful tools which I utilize frequently in my private practice.
In my free time, I enjoy playing and listening to music, yoga, ceramics, learning, and spending time with my family.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
-American Psychological Association
--Poster Presentation at APA Conference in 2009
-San Diego Psychological Association
--Women's Committee Co-Chair (former)
--Mindfulness Committee Member (former)
-Center for Integrative Psychology--Past Events Committee Member
