COUNSELING EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
My passion for helping others began early in life, having always been interested in people, relationships, and the process of healing and growth. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services, with a minor in Women’s Studies, at California State University, Fullerton in 2002. I attended graduate school at CSUF as well and earned a Master of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy in 2005. While in graduate school, I worked as an assistant to a naturopath physician and acupuncturist, an experience which provided a compelling argument to the truth of the mind-body connection and the powerful impact that one’s emotional world has on their physical health. My clinical experience and knowledge were deepened in the twelve years I spent at a non-profit organization in Southern California, helping those affected by intimate partner violence. Working with abused women and men led me to search for techniques that could help individuals heal quickly, safely, and completely. I continue to be a guest lecturer on “The Dynamics of Domestic Violence” for the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training as well as for related classes at colleges and universities.
In 2022, I co-created a parenting education course through The Tech Savvy Parent, which helps parents adapt the parenting skills they are already using to children’s online experiences. Kids’ lives have gone digital but parenting hasn’t. The course supports parents in helping their children thrive in the digital age.
Therapy Approach
I believe profound and lasting change emerges through the use of client-centered and holistic methods, integrating traditional psychotherapy theories and practice with alternative approaches. Additionally, a safe and compassionate therapeutic relationship is of great importance in fostering healing. Early life experiences may also be explored as helpful tools in the identification of barriers to achieving one’s goals.
Mind-Body/Holistic Therapy Training
I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and a certified practitioner of Healing from the Body Level Up (HBLU). I am also trained in mind-body techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or “tapping”, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Enneagram Personality Typing. Additionally, I am a devoted yoga practitioner, which adds to my understanding of mindfulness, meditation, and body awareness.
Licenses
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
OR License #T1914
CA License #45548
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
OR License # C6506
CA License #1090