About
Therapy is about helping YOU… get to where you want to be.
Emotionally – Mentally – Physically – Spiritually
Maybe you can see it.
You’ve felt it in your bones. You’ve dreamt about it. Just the thought of it puts a smile on your face, makes you breathe more deeply, energizes you. It makes you feel GOOD.
Perhaps for you, therapy is about identifying potential barriers and exploring different paths to get there.
Or maybe it’s different for you.
For you, defining your vision will be part of the process.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and introspection will provide you the clarity you need to move forward.
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside awakens.”
~Carl Jung
Why therapy?
Relief or freedom from pain.
Have you lost a loved one? Has a close relationship come to an end? Have you experienced a devastating event?
The intense pain from one of these events can drive you to seek help. Receiving support from a caring individual can be invaluable after losing a loved one or ending a close relationship.
But it doesn’t have to be an emerging crisis.
Significant transition? Relationship enhancement? Recovery from addiction or trauma?
Or maybe you just know you want to feel better – to figure out why you haven’t achieved greater happiness.
Mild distress or unresolved issues can catalyze you to make those changes!
“It’s not (so much) where you start; it’s where you finish!”
Regardless of what brings you to therapy, you have goals. You want to relieve pain and distress – to experience life more fully.
And here’s where I come in.
I can offer you real solutions to help you move from pain to peace.
But that’s just one of my roles!
Benefits
So, what do YOU want to do?
Gain clarity? Discovering who you are and what you want out of life can offer you unbelievable rewards. Feeling comfortable in your own skin helps you connect more fully with others and make better life decisions.
Transform trauma? Trauma doesn’t have to define you. We’ll address and resolve past wounds so the process of healing can begin. Getting rid of old hurts will empower you for a richer, fuller life.
Face down your fears? Together, we can increase your confidence and self-esteem. You’ll learn how to triumph over your fears and conquer the self-doubt that has been holding you back, so you can courageously move forward toward your dreams.
Achieve overall health? When we Relieve anxiety and depression, heal old wounds, enhance relationships, gain freedom from addictive behaviors, and improve other mental health issues, you’ll be amazed at the corresponding effect these changes will have on your body. You may feel like a brand new you!
Feel fully alive? Imagine waking up energized, loving life, and blossoming in more meaningful relationships? Inner work fosters the awareness, gratitude, and acceptance to get YOU there.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
~Maya Angelou
It sounds great, but…
The benefits sound incredible, and you’ve got the desire.
But now comes the difficult part… making the call.
Let’s face it: there’s a certain level of vulnerability attached to reaching out for help. The idea of opening up to someone, sharing your feelings, hopes, and dreams… can be intimidating.
I get it.
That’s why I’ll provide a safe and secure environment that promotes healing and lasting change.
Together, we can get you where you want to be.
You’ll never find a better investment
Therapy is an investment… and who better to invest in than YOU????
It takes time. But you’ll see priceless returns.
If you’re ready to embark on your journey toward healing and growth, give me a call at (949) 549-1118.
About Me
Helping you journey toward self-discovery and true happiness drives me to get out of bed in the morning; it’s my passion, one that began many years ago.
I started my career in Human Resources and had the opportunity to provide counseling services for staff. While I enjoyed this role, I had a strong desire to provide therapy in a clinical rather than a business setting. That calling led me to earn my doctorate in Psychology and, ultimately, become a Licensed Psychologist.
Fueling passion with professionalism
I have extensive experience working with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, parenting, and interpersonal relationships.
In addition to my work as a psychologist, I have served as a director of clinical training for a postsecondary Psy.D. program, a director of a substance use disorder program, and as a director of a community counseling program.
My passion for helping clients heal from trauma led to my doctoral project entitled: An Exploration of the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health. In this project, I explored the variables involved in successful recovery versus long-term mental health issues in adults who experienced childhood trauma.
I specialized in Addictive Disorders during my doctoral studies and received a certificate in Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a technique proven to help reduce symptoms related to depression, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, phobias, and other emotional problems.
My research, education, and experience have enhanced my ability to help adults who’ve endured childhood trauma achieve a lasting, successful recovery and to overcome the painful events that have so long stood in their way. It’s also prepared me to help anyone touched by addiction – because I know how addictive and compulsive behaviors can cripple people-loving, talented, vibrant people, with much to offer. And their loved ones.
To stay current and sharpen my professional skills, I’ve attended workshops and training on suicide intervention, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, addiction and substance use, mindfulness and meditation, and solution-focused therapy.
I’ve also enjoyed hands-on opportunities to facilitate groups and workshops in parenting, anger/anxiety, intimate partner violence, trauma, addiction, healthy relationships, sexual harassment/discrimination, and job placement skills.
But it’s not just about the mind
Prior to obtaining my doctorate, I was a Certified Personal Trainer, and I have a certificate in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
I use a holistic approach, and I practice what I preach in my daily life: eating healthy, doing yoga and cardio, lifting weights, and using mindfulness techniques.
When we work together, I’ll customize your treatment. What you need will be different from anyone else, and we’ll communicate openly and honestly to determine “what is” and “what isn’t” working for you. Together, we’ll make your vision a reality.