My treatment philosophy is that all patients deserve personalized care, attention and support based on their individual needs throughout the therapy process. I do not subscribe to a one-size fits all model of treatment because we each have unique life experiences and circumstances that continue to influence who we are and how we may respond to therapy. We all do have strengths and abilities to work through challenges, so the role of the therapist is to help the patient to discover theirs. I'd like to point out that in my experience, therapy is like a dance. Sometimes the therapist guides and facilitates and other times the role is to follow the patient's lead and readiness. The balance can shift from time to time which gives patients the ability to work through their struggles as needed, in a safe space.
I am comfortable working with most age groups, from age six to seniors. I value family so I suppose it's only natural that I also particularly enjoy helping families and parents to build a stronger family system. Additionally, treating folks with mood, anxiety and trauma disorders is fulfilling therapy work for me as I love to see those personal transformations when they occur.
I understand that trust-building can be challenging for many folks. My energy focuses on establishing a secure, comfortable and trusting environment before the "harder" work begins. I use the word "harder" because change can involve vulnerability and growing pains. So, I encourage an atmosphere of openness by regularly checking in with patients. When a patient feels able to share openly how they are feeling as therapy unfolds, we can better work together at a more comfortable pace.
There were different time periods in my life that nudged me towards becoming a counselor. I am the middle child of five and I found myself being the "fixer" in the family regularly, eager to establish harmony. Years later, I was attending USC pursuing my then-dream to become a elementary school teacher and I recall being drawn to the students on a personalized level. I heard some seriously heart-breaking stories and I had the knee-jerk reaction to help them to feel better about themselves. I decided that teaching young people involved way too much classroom discipline and that it would be super tough for me to connect the way I wanted to. So, I took my psychology bachelor's degree and placed it on hold for a while. Fast forward to six years later. I had been working as a dental assistant, regularly assuaging patients' fears and anxiousness while doing chairside assisting. I saw them as people and not just patients, and I knew that God was pushing me towards a more meaningful line of work to become a counselor. I enrolled in a graduate program for clinical counseling and I have never looked back.
When I am not working, you will usually catch me outside with my children. I am a wife and mom of two. I love soaking up the sunshine, walking/hiking, and being on water with them - whether it's in a pool or on a boat. My nikon camera provides for another fun outlet as I thoroughly enjoy nature photography. I also relish in a good cup of coffee, getting lost in netflix series, cooking, and taking vacations w/ my family to the mountains and the beach.
The Notebook. It doesn't matter how many times I have watched this movie, each time it feels like it's the first. A perfect love story combined with beautiful scenery. Win win!
Probably a photographer! Capturing photos of moments in time is so fulfilling.
