We live in a world that is teeming with expectations. Expectations to be attractive but not too attractive, funny but not immature, interesting but not ‘attention seeking,’ confident but humble, compassionate but not a push-over… this list could go on. It can be a challenge to develop a strong sense of self amidst contradictory messages about who we are supposed to be. Conforming to the ever-changing standards can serve as a method of maintaining safety for some people, especially if they don’t feel safe in other facets of their lives.
Once we’ve internalized the message that we’re supposed to be something (but definitely not ourselves), we develop a high risk for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, perfectionism, and other mental health disorders. Our social and industrious selves suffer too, since we don’t always believe we deserve respect or the luxury of setting healthy boundaries. Our sense of being ‘ok’ becomes dependent upon external feedback, which throw us into a fragile state of existence that can lead to impulsivity and extreme shifts in mood. As a therapist, I will work to assist you in identifying these patterns and unraveling the mystery of who you are in order to promote sustainable recovery and general well-being.
My Approach
I maintain a trauma-informed approach and I prioritize building strong, authentic relationships with my clients. I recognize that therapy involves an incredible amount of vulnerability on your part, especially in the beginning stages of the process. My goal is to emanate a down-to-earth, relatable, and trustworthy vibe while giving you concrete reasons to feel confident in my expertise. Ultimately, I want you to feel that you are getting your money’s worth! I find it critical to balance empathy and the development of insight in sessions by providing you with specific tools you can utilize on your own. I also want any person who is considering working with me to know that I view all behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as serving a valuable purpose (even when they are uncomfortable or destructive). I will never judge you for any aspect of your experience. Instead, I will assist you in developing self-compassion as we work together to identify the path towards healing.
I believe that true recovery requires us to take an honest look at ALL behaviors that we use to escape, numb, avoid, or stimulate. This means that if you are looking for help with disordered eating, I will likely ask about and compassionately address any issues related to substance misuse, self-harm, excessive spending, isolation, risky behaviors, etc. I recognize that it can be terrifying to giving up disordered eating patterns with-out a ‘back-up’ plan. We will engage in a collaborative approach in order to find ways to engage in behavioral shifts that feel safe to you.
My Journey and Education
I’ve spent most of my life living in Southern California. I have an affinity for the outdoors, animals, and all-things nature. I have two wonderful kids and a husband who always has my back. There is such a sense of peace that comes with being part of a team! While I’ve been lucky enough to have the supports necessary to build a life I love, I still remember what the darker times of my life felt like. The times when I was filled with self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and chronic loneliness despite being surrounded by people. I know what it is like to reach for the first thing that can make you feel better, even if that thing drains your livelihood in the long run. I tap into these personal experiences as a jumping-off point for cultivating genuine empathy and understanding, while leaving plenty of room for the fact that your life and experiences are completely unique and different from mine.
I’ve had an unwavering interest in helping people to heal from eating disorders, process addictions, and impulsive tendencies from the time that I was a young adult. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science from California State University, San Marcos in 2017. I completed my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University in 2020. While in graduate school, I completed my clinical training at a community mental health program while providing individual, family, and couples therapy for individuals with severe mental health disorders. Throughout my schooling I was also employed with an eating disorder treatment facility at the residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care. Between 2015 and 2019, I worked in a variety of roles (Patient Care Technician, Admissions Coordinator, and Clinical Support team member) before moving into my role of Primary Therapist in January of 2021.
Online Therapy
Your time is valuable and having to travel to a therapist’s office can sometimes be a barrier to getting the support you want and deserve. I use HIPAA-compliant video software that allows you to participate in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Sessions function the same way as in-person counseling without the added time and cost of travel.
