I am a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience. Most of this experience has been working with adults with multiple mental health struggles such as PTSD, Gender Dysphoria, Bipolar, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Schizophrenia and addictions. Over the years I have found a passion and talent for working with complex and developmental trauma and have found that training in EMDR therapy has been integral to my work (read more about EMDR here).
I identify as a cisgender, heterosexual female, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.I am an intersectional feminist. This means that I recognize there are many layers of experience that have shaped our lives. Some of these layers include race, class, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity and ability. I believe that Black Lives Matter and that Black Trans Lives Matter. I work to recognize the ways in which my privilege affects my outlook and work to come from a place of cultural humility. I do not expect you to share my perspective, but it’s important for you to know that I am mindful of how these layers affect you, me and the therapy. 
In recent years I have begun working with transgender, non-binary and gender expansive individuals. I have been so honored to be a part of their journey and healing and have learned a lot from them. This spurred me to seek additional training and certification as a Transgender Care Therapist so that I can be a better resource and advocate. I am continually seeking to better my understanding of the varied experiences of the individuals I work with.
I am a psychology nerd at heart and love learning and growing. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my knowledge and skills. I appreciate feedback from my clients and seek to foster an environment where we can both be real with each other. I believe I have the training to be the expert in the field of psychology and healing and you are the expert in your own experience, together we will make a powerful team.
I am an animal lover in general and a dog lover in particular. I recently adopted a new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Sadie and she has begun working with me in the office and training to be a therapy dog.
To learn more about Sadie the therapy dog click here.
(And just so that my other dogs don’t get jealous I am including their pictures here as well. )
You have taken the first step by checking out this website. I encourage you to take the next step and call me. I look forward to speaking with you and coming up with a plan to help you to let go the pain of the past, live more fully in the present and start developing hope for the future.
Credentials
Certifications:
- Certified EMDR Therapist
- Certified Transgender Care Therapist
- Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies
- EMDR Adult, Complex Trauma & Dissociation Specialist Intensive Program
- Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Education:
- BA, Psychology – University of California, Santa Barbara with honors
- Psi Chi – International Honor Society in Psychology, member
- PhD – California School of Professional Psychology, at Alliant International University
