Contemplative Psychotherapy therapists in Soquel, CA

Where within you does conflict persist? Is it in the body, a swirling energy the surges without explanation, keeping you spinning in thought circles and struggling to sleep or relax (ANXIETY)? Is it in the heart, the whistling emptiness of grief, or the stabbing pain of ruptured relationships, and lost connections (DEPRESSION)? Is it in the head, thoughts that won’t stop reciting their well worn verses of what-ifs and should-haves (OCD/ADHD)? Is it in the spirit, an anguish of being, the unknown outnumbering the known to a paralyzing degree, questions of WHY swirling intangible as mist, existential questions, the ground beneath our feet uneven and unsteady (BELIEF/MEANING)? Is it in all of the above, and in your dreams as well, impacting ability to connect with others, to be still with yourself, to be intimate, to give and receive love, to accept what was, embrace what will be, and surrender to the now (TRAUMA)?  

Relationships are so important for our personal happiness, yet they can be challenging. I'll help you solve problems and restore connection. I offer virtual therapy all over California, for both individuals and couples. My Practical Strategies, and Powerful Tools, help you quickly feel Supported, Optimistic, & more Balanced. I support Highly Sensitive People learn excellent Self Care, & Thrive. I believe developing intuition and spiritual connection matters. Holistic strategies empower clients to improve Communication and Commitments, reawaken Love, solve Issues and increase Understanding.  

Relationships can bring our deepest joy, but they can also surface painful patterns. If you and your partner find yourselves caught in the same arguments, struggling to truly hear one another, or feeling emotionally distant, you’re not alone. Many couples reach a point where communication breaks down and the connection they once felt begins to feel strained or uncertain. Sometimes earlier life experiences, family patterns, or stressors quietly shape the way we relate, making it harder to stay close even when the love is still there. With more than two decades of experience working with couples, I help partners slow down the cycle of conflict and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in relational and attachment-based work. I support couples in developing healthier communication, repairing emotional wounds, and building a stronger foundation of trust and intimacy. I’m also particularly attuned to the needs of highly sensitive people and those who want a thoughtful, depth-oriented approach to relationship growth. Whether you’re preparing for a deeper commitment, working to repair trust after a rupture, or trying to rediscover connection after years together, therapy can offer a meaningful path forward. I also support individuals navigating dating, heartbreak, or relationship transitions. Together we’ll work toward clearer communication, emotional safety, and a relationship that feels more conscious, supportive, and alive. If you’d like to explore whether this work might be a good fit, feel free to reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.  

I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for profound growth. My path to understanding the human condition began in the theater and the study of Method Acting, where I learned to look beneath the surface to explore how internal experience drives outward behavior. This "inside-out" perspective remains central to my work: helping you align your internal reality with your external actions. Over my 20-year career, my approach has continually evolved. After graduating from top universities and training programs, I was mentored by leading experts in trauma, addictions, and relationship dynamics. This foundation led me to establish a successful group practice in Orange County, teach psychology at UC Irvine, and serve on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Professional Practice Committee for the Orange County Psychological Association. However, my career is only part of the story. In the midst of professional achievement, I navigated a deep personal crisis and divorce that transformed my understanding of therapy. This led me on my own journey of growth—including seven years living in Asia, studying with Buddhist monks, and caring for local villagers. What I offer today is an integration of rigorous academic training and Eastern wisdom. My decision to practice psychology grows from a sincere desire to relieve suffering and transform life's hardships into catalysts for self-actualization. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence, nervous system regulation, and deep connection to what matters most. What to Expect in Our First Session Our first meeting is about more than cataloging problems; it is an opportunity to assess the "internal climate" of your life. Together, we will examine the patterns that are no longer serving you, identify where old narratives or high-pressure reactions have you "hooked," and see what is holding you back from living authentically. I believe therapy should offer a shift in perspective from the very first hour. You will leave our initial session with practical, evidence-based tools designed to settle your "biological alarm" and transition your nervous system from a state of defense to one of openness and flexibility. By the end of our first meeting, we will begin clarifying a personalized roadmap for long-term change, leaving you with immediate skills to start shifting your life from day one. Core Strengths & Therapeutic Philosophy A Life Dedicated to Inner Work: I don't ask you to do work I haven't done myself. My insights stem from extensive clinical training, decades of deep meditation, and navigating my own pivotal life transitions. I bring a perspective that is both seasoned and deeply empathetic. Creating a Foundation of Safety: True change requires safety. By blending a warm, collaborative connection with a structured success plan, I help you settle constant internal alarm systems, moving you from the exhaustion of perpetual "doing" into a grounded state of "being." Moving Toward What Truly Matters: I help you spot the cycle of avoidance—the habits we build to run away from pain or fear—and redirect your energy toward positive growth, core values, and meaningful action. A Strategic, Personal Roadmap: I reject one-size-fits-all, standardized protocols. By strategically blending evidence-based practices (CBT, ACT, Clinical Hypnosis, Imago, and Structural Family concepts) with Eastern principles, we build a customized success plan designed specifically for your life. Who I Work Best With I specialize in working with adults and professionals who feel stuck at a critical crossroads—whether navigating a major life or career transition, relationship strain, burnout, trauma, or a recurring pattern they are ready to break. My clients appreciate insight, structure, and forward movement. They want more than a space to vent; they are ready to understand themselves deeply and take concrete steps toward lasting change. Practice Details & Credentials Education: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited, UT Austin); M.A. in Developmental Psychology (Teachers College, Columbia University); B.A. in Psychology (UC Santa Cruz). Licensure & Certifications: Licensed Psychologist in California (PSY 17495) and Singapore Registered Psychologist. Session Formats: Virtual sessions & In-person care in Roseville, CA. Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Trauma & PTSD, Stress & Burnout, Relationship Dynamics, Men's Issues, and Military/Veterans care.  

"When experience matters! Specializing in ALL relationship challenges including complex, court related custody related and extended family related challenges. I can help you with Therapy using zoom visits for multiple people, I have a nice office you could come into and Mission Viejo. I am a nationally recognized "Marriage-Friendly Therapist." and advanced training in Couple, Family, custody and anger management and Discernment Counseling. I see children of all ages and we can talk about the best way to do this. Online or Mission Viejo office sessions. Prompt /emergency appointments