Marriage and Family Therapist, Marriage and Family Therapist
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience helping adolescents, family, couples and individuals reach a happy and fulfilling life. I provide a safe and compassionate environment where I welcome any experience with no judgments, no matter what the struggle is.
My approach is non-pathologizing, strength-based and solution-focused. I work in a very humanistic, systemic way and often use cognitive-behavioral methods. I keep my client informed as we go…empowering them to “own†what we discover so they can transform the aspects of themselves and their
To focus your attention and explore your inner self is some of the bravest and most powerful work there is. Psychotherapy, with the simple processes of attention and compassion can lead to deep and lasting change. I work collaboratively with you and use Hakomi Method Psychotherapy, and other methods
We want parents to know that behavioral problems are relational problems. Anytime we work with a child, we work with the parent because anything that goes from the parent to the child is way more meaningful and effective than anything that goes from us to your child, because you have the permanent relationship. While we work with the child we look at ways in which parents can strengthen their relational bonds with their child and crystalize their child's trust and respect for them.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 20 years. Children and teens experience mental health symptoms differently then adults, so it is critical your therapist is able to differentiate age/developmentally-appropriate behaviors from MH symptoms. I offer structured play, sand-tray, and expressive arts to create space and containment for children and teens to explore and process emotions, challenges, and parts of themselves, as well as to help them learn skills to increase regulation, reduce symptoms, and improve functioning.
I have worked with children and teens in multiple settings (mother, mentor, therapist). I am in awe of what strong young adults our youth are developing into. In these positions, I have noticed the many challenges they face. The teen and preteen years are confusing. Youth must figure out who they are, where they belong, and what they want to be. In addition to this feat, youth are challenged with a competitive academic environment and the constant watchful eye of social media. This can create intense stress and feelings that nobody is real. It is no wonder then, that anxiety and depression are increasing. As a therapist, I aide youth in discovering their passions, increasing self-esteem, calming anxieties, and finding their unique voice. Modern day society weighs heavy on our youth. With an understanding heart and open mind it is my passion to help carry that weight.
Having two teenagers of my own I understand all too well the trials and tribulations of being a child in today's world. I've worked with children as young as 8 to help them resolve fears and habits that have caused them great distress. I've also worked with teenagers to help them overcome unwanted habits, issues around self-esteem, as well as social and academic problems that have been holding them back.
Children and teens are often intrigued by the idea of using hypnosis to solve their problems, and any stigma they may feel about going for "therapy" is usually not present for hypnosis. I enjoy working with children and teenagers as they typically go into trance states very easily and have better access to their imaginations than most adults. My sessions with kids, as with adults, are usually relaxing, often fun, and sometimes even entertaining!