Services
Types of Therapy
I use an integrative approach utilizing both top- down approaches and bottom- up. Some top- down approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Two main bottom- up approaches I utilize include Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Attachment Theory.
Top Down
Here, we start with the mind and examine our thoughts, beliefs, and conscious understanding and work to better understand its influence on our emotions and body responses.
We’ll work on cognitive restructuring, gaining insight and reflection, processing experiences along with self observation.
-
Explores how unconscious thoughts and early relationships shape a person’s current feelings and behaviors.
Through self-reflection and insight, you’ll be able to better understand deep-rooted patterns and make lasting emotional changes.
-
A goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
We’ll work to recognize and replace unhelpful thinking patterns to create emotions and actions that are better aligned with the person you want to become.
-
Another form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioral practices with mindfulness to help you manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It focuses on finding a balance between accepting oneself and working toward positive change.
You’ll hear me use a lot of “and” statements when focusing on DBT in sessions.
Credentialing & More
Degrees & Licensure
Bottom Up
Alternatively, here we start with the body and its physiological responses, including helping regulate the autonomic nervous system so that the mind can follow.
We’ll work on grounding, mindfulness exercises, tracking bodily sensations along with movement and body awareness.
-
Examines early relationships with caregivers and how this has shaped the way we form emotional bonds and trust others throughout life.
Our intention here will be to help you understand and heal patterns of connection, insecurity, or avoidance in your current relationships. Whether that be platonic, professional, romantic, sexual, or open.
-
Helps you gain a deeper appreciation for all of your different “parts” that exist within you- each with its own feelings and roles. Our work will be focused on cultivating compassion from one’s core Self, to then promote inner harmony or as some of my clients have called it, “shavasana.”
Whether that’s the busybody; caretaking adult; your inner child; or the impulsive shopper, all parts are welcome.
Trainings & Continuing Education
Attachment and Trauma from the International Trauma Training Institute- 2022
IFS in Action Master Class by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD- 2024
IFS in Action: Leading Clients to Self-Leadership by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD- 2024
The Myth of the Unitary Self by Gabor Maté, MD; Richard C. Schwartz, PhD- 2024
Stop the Dread & Avoidance of Anxiety! How to Apply IFS Techniques for Anxiety by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD- 2024
Intimacy From the Inside Out for Couples by Toni Herbine- Blank and John Palmer- 2025
HIV/ AIDS: A Comprehensive Review: 7 hours
Ethics and Telemental Health: 3 hours
California Law and Professional Ethics: 6 hours
Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management: 8 hours
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Monterey Bay- 2014
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health: Counseling from University of San Diego- 2018
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with the Board of Behavioral Sciences #10900