Share via email
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University Long Beach. I served in the U.S. Navy, and I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health and sub-concentration in Military Social Work. I am currently attending a Doctorate of Psychology program at California Southern University. I worked with the DCFS San Bernardino County for many years. My position involved advanced professional social work providing diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and case management support to individuals, groups, children, and families with complex health, psychosocial or economic problems. I was frequently involved in assisting clients with emergency situations and assessment of risk, safety, and bio-psycho-social welfare. I developed and implemented treatment goals and care plans and monitored progress toward such goals. I provided support and counseling to promote client's self-sufficiency. I currently work as an LCSW in the Psychiatry Department at Kaiser Permanente.
My approach
I have experience working in Military Health Care, Acute Care, Behavioral Health, and Children and Family Welfare. I am skilled in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, and Crisis Intervention.
My focus
I am a member of an interdisciplinary team who provides direct assessment, diagnosis formulation, treatment planning, treatment intervention, and psychoeducation to adults, adolescents, and children. I provide clinical consultation and treatment in an integrated healthcare environment regarding family interactions, sociocultural factors, and community resources.
My communication style
I practice a strength-based approach which is a type of positive psychotherapy and counseling that focuses more on the client’s internal strengths and resourcefulness. This focus sets up a positive mindset that helps the client build on their best qualities, find their strengths, improve resilience, and change their worldview to one that is more positive. A positive attitude, in turn, can help your expectations of yourself and others become more reasonable. I use motivational interviewing and CBT counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. It is a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes.
