I became a therapist because I wanted to make a direct difference in the lives of others. After more than two decades working with individuals, teens and couples though some of their most challenging moments, I still feel that same sense of privilege every time someone trusts me with their story— and that never gets old.
My Background
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#37708) based in San Diego, California. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family from Pepperdine University and a degree in Communications from UC Santa Barbara. I’m also a certified personal and professional strategic coach, which means I support clients not just in processing what’s hard, but in moving toward meaningful growth in their lives, careers and relationships.
While attending graduate school I taught in Los Angeles Unified and was a director and trainer in recreational programming for youth and special medical populations across private and nonprofit settings — work that shaped how I approach therapy today. I bring that same belief in people’s capacity to grow and heal into every session.
A Little About Me
I’m a mother of three young adult children and have experienced the full arc of parenting — from preschool through college and beyond — while managing the demands of sports, activities and a busy household. I understand what it’s like when life feels like a lot to hold, because I’ve lived it too.
Now, as an empty nester, I’m embracing this new season of connection with my adult children. I enjoy staying active, exploring new interests, traveling, reading and most importantly, spending meaningful time with friends and family.
I spend as much time outdoors as I can in San Diego and beyond and I love the ocean. I volunteer with ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors), helping connect youth with limited access to nature through outings that promote wellness, connection and leadership. These experiences shape how I show up with clients—grounded, real and without judgement.
My Therapeutic Approach
What I bring to every session is genuine curiosity about your experience, a practical focus on tools you can use in your daily life, and a collaborative approach that makes therapy feel active and engaging—not something that’s happening to you. My goal is for you to feel supported in our work together, gaining new awareness and a clearer sense of what’s beginning to shift over time.
That means I’m an active, engaged presence in the room—not a passive listener who simply reflects your words back to you. I bring in psychoeducation, neuroscience-informed techniques, and clear, practical explanations to help you understand what may be happening beneath your thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
The goal is to feel less confused and overwhelmed, so you can stop white-knuckling your way through it and begin creating real, lasting change. I’ll share observations, offer honest feedback, and gently challenge the stories you’ve been telling yourself when it’s helpful, while always following your lead and meeting you where you are.
I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is transparency. I’ll explain why we’re doing what we’re doing, connect the work in session to your real life, and check in regularly to make sure it’s helpful. If something isn’t working, we adjust together. Therapy should feel supportive and useful as we work together, even as the process naturally moves forward, pauses, and shifts over time.
Sessions are a mix of exploring what’s underneath the patterns keeping you stuck, building practical skills you can use right away, and helping you develop a clearer, more compassionate relationship with yourself. I also pay attention to what’s happening in your body as well as your thoughts—because anxiety, stress, and trauma don’t live only in the mind.
I integrate evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy), trauma-informed care, interpersonal therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems, attachment-based therapy, strategic intervention, and human needs psychology, depending on what’s most helpful for you.
My ongoing continuing education includes CBT, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, somatic treatments, women’s health issues, relationship challenges and narcissistic abuse recovery — areas I continue to deepen my training in to better support the clients I work with.
You don’t have to arrive ready for change. Sometimes you just need a space to be truly heard first — and that’s exactly where we start.
Specialized Training & Certifications
I have completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 training — a research-based approach for improving communication, managing conflict and deepening emotional connection in relationships.
I hold Advanced Certification in Strategic Intervention and Marriage Education from the Madanes Training Institute, and I was a founding class member of the Robbins-Madanes Training Program, developed by Cloe Madanes and Tony Robbins.
I remain committed to ongoing continuing education across all areas of my practice.
My background also includes:
- Presenting workshops on communication, relationship skills, parenting, stress management, personal development, team building and goal setting
- Owning and managing a small business, giving me direct insight into the work-life balance and professional pressures many of my clients face
- DIS counseling in past school settings across Poway and Vista Unified School Districts
- Extensive experience in outpatient and residential treatment settings, supporting victims of crime, family preservation services, domestic violence survivors and families.
- Collaborating with medical professionals, teachers, school staff and community professionals to support client’s wellbeing
- Extensive past volunteer experience working with children and families experiencing life-threatening medical conditions
I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the North San Diego CAMFT chapter. Staying current matters to me because my clients deserve a therapist who is continuously growing too.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a therapist — with warmth, experience and a genuinely collaborative approach — I’d love to connect. I work with adults, teens and couples throughout California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and the San Francisco Bay Area, via secure video telehealth. Having lived in these areas, I understand the unique environments that can shape your experience. I currently have openings available.
Contact me to book an appointment or schedule a 15-minute free consultation so you can ask questions and decide if it feels like the right fit. There’s no obligation — just an opportunity to see if we’d work well together.
I look forward to hearing from you.
