Qualifications & Experience

I have a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s in Communication with an emphasis in TV and Video Production from California State University – San Bernardino. I also received training from The Center for Individual and Family Counseling (CIFC) in North Hollywood, CA.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I knew I wanted to have a positive impact and do something meaningful with my life. After a 12-year career in the entertainment industry, I wasn’t sure whether that was where I was supposed to be. I prayed to God and felt Him tell me to go into counseling, a career I had desired in high school. I decided to make the change and have found that as a Christian, having a Christian therapist myself has been very beneficial and I want to offer that to other believers. I feel total peace around this decision which gave me confirmation that it was God’s plan.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I love music and singing on the worship team at my church. I also enjoy spending time with friends trying new restaurants and activities and visiting new places. I love Pilates, spin classes, and running along the beach to stay active. I am also very passionate about leadership and continue to take leadership courses and read books on this topic to grow as a leader and hopefully be able to help others grow as well.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Couples counseling
• Marriage counseling
• Premarital counseling
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues
• Grief
• Individual counseling
• Spiritual development

Couples Counseling

Each couple has their own unique dynamic, but many couples experience similar struggles or unhealthy patterns in their relationship. Most of us come from different backgrounds with different parenting styles and family dynamics, so it is no wonder why we might need some help in our relationships. In our sessions, we will explore the similarities and differences in how you and your partner were raised and how it affects your relationship. You will bring your experience and expertise of what works and what doesn’t work in the relationship and I will help to identify and understand the root causes of your relationship issues. You and your partner will then learn and implement tools and techniques both in and outside of session with the goal of improving your relationship and equipping you in the future.

Trauma

Experiencing abuse – whether emotional, verbal, or physical – can feel isolating and confusing. In addition, it can be overwhelming and even scary to confide in others about your experiences, because often times they do not know how to respond with understanding and compassion. Having a safe place to talk will enable you to find the language to express what you are experiencing and help you walk through your healing journey.

As your therapist, I understand the cycle of abuse both from a clinical perspective and also through personal experience. Abuse can be experienced in many places: within a romantic relationship, work relationship, family, church, or friendship. Although each individual’s exact experiences of abuse might be different, the patterns of abuse and abuse tactics used by abusers are very similar. Experiencing abuse can also lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or other health issues, and your safety and well-being are my top priorities. I want to encourage you that you can get through this with the right tools and support.

Women’s Issues

There can be a lot of pressure for women to perform in many roles: daughter, partner, sister, mother, leader, caretaker, etc. With so much to do and so many roles to fill, there may come a point in time when you may struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, and exhaustion. These feelings can make doing anything seem like a challenge. In our time together, we can work to set and accomplish realistic goals and help you find a balance in life that works for you.

Spiritual Development

I have a strong faith in God and believe that all things are possible with Him. In my sessions, I like to meet each client where they are in their faith walk. It is okay to question your faith and I want to create a safe and comfortable environment to explore your questions. I’m also here to walk beside those who have a strong belief and conviction to live their lives for God. Regardless of where you are, I strongly believe the promise in Romans 8:28 that God will work everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I believe you are called to His purpose and that He can use even the seemingly impossible or irredeemable circumstances for your good.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Online Counseling – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples, and Groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).