Specialties
Couple Relationships
Parent-Child Relationships
LGBTQ+ Identities
Divorce & Separation
Academic Issues & Neurodivergence
Health at Every Size (HAES)
Often, couples who love each other find themselves stuck in cycles of miscommunication and disconnection. Relationships can feel like lonely places to be. In therapy, I will work with couples to examine what's going wrong in their relationship and what they would like to see change. I collaborate with couples to gather a good understanding of what both partners can do better -- then, I will assist both partners in the process of practicing a new way of communicating with one another.
As a member of the queer community, I know firsthand how important it is to work with a clinician who understands the unique experiences of gender and sexual minorities. In therapy, I work with members of the LGBTQ+ community to support their self-understanding, identity formation, and journey to self-acceptance. I also support queer folks in healing from experiences of marginalization, homophobia, and transphobia. Finally, I support clients in the coming out process, and help clients find access to supportive and caring allies.
Divorce and separation can take many forms. For some, a divorce or separation provides relief. For others, this type of relational split can feel devastating. In my therapy practice, I support individuals, couples, and families before, during, and/or after the process of separation. During the therapeutic process, we hold space for grief that may be present due to the ending of the relationship.
Before working as a therapist, I ran a private academic tutoring business for several years. I worked with families across Orange County on improving students' grades and increasing positive communication between students and parents about academics. In my work as a therapist, I am able to take this work further. In therapy, I support students in finding strategies that work for them, discovering passions, setting goals, and eliminating barriers to success. I also work with parents to create an atmosphere that promotes their students' optimal functioning in school and at home. Finally, my experience working with students with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has instilled in me a passion for working with neurodivergent folks.
If you have struggled with disordered eating or over-exercising, it is important to work with a clinician who is committed to a health at every size (HAES) approach. In therapy, I maintain a HAES-affirming, anti-diet, non-stigmatizing, and non-shaming approach. I provide space for clients to explore the messages they have received about their bodies, their relationship with food, and their relationship with exercise throughout their lives. Together, we unpack the impact of these messages and the steps a client may want to take to heal.
As children are increasingly living in the world of electronic devices, they may struggle to form meaningful relationships with their parents. Many parents feel distant from their children, but don't know how to reconnect. In therapy, I work with parents and their children on establishing open communication and providing more opportunities for familial connection.