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I have worked with clients in areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, loss, co-dependency, OCD, parenting, work issues, trauma, sexuality, and struggles related to religion/faith.
My approach
My approach is eclectic. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed therapies to help people harness strengths for life's challenges. I have training in EMDR and am working on becoming a certified EMDR therapist. I also look at life's challenges from a spiritual lens. I have an MDiv from Yale Divinity School and an MSW from the University of Southern California.
My focus
I work with adults of all ages. I typically work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and OCD. I have walked with many clients facing challenges in their grief, spirituality, health, and role changes.
My communication style
I work on creating a calm, inviting, and accepting space during my sessions. I communicate openly and also know the importance of being a good listener.
My journey to mental healthcare
In 2002, I became an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. I was called to a church in California where I served as a local church pastor for 12 years. I served a church that is open and affirming to the LGBTQ community. In my time in the local church, I was approached by many who needed mental health support. I felt the need to continue my education and decided the best path for me in addition to my ministry training was clinical social work. This journey has been quite a ride. I have had extensive experience in medical settings as a grief counselor, medical social worker, and hospital chaplain. I currently work in the Palliative Care department of my local hospital system. I love providing therapy and having the chance to help clients improve their mental health, and learn coping skills that they can carry with them long after the therapeutic relationship has ended.
My goals for you
Some clients come to therapy with clear goals they wish to accomplish in our time together; other clients may come knowing they just don't feel right and so we spend sessions determining what those goals might be.
My first session with you
In the first session, I will go over any information provided to me through intake forms and talk about confidentiality. We will discuss why the client is seeking therapy and assess for psychosocial supports that are already in place. It is also just a chance to see if I am a good fit for the client.
