Services
- Individual
- Couples
- Family
- Adolescent/Teen
About My Clients
My favorite clients folks struggling with trauma, whether it's from their childhood or a more recent experience that is causing disruption to their life. I also love working with older teens and young adults as I have also been a middle and high school level counselor for over 25 years. I am great at educating parents on what is "normal" (basically everything !). Right now, about 90% of my clients are bi, gay, lesbian, and/or gender expansive and in some process of becoming their true selves.
My Background and Approach
I am a very direct, honest type of therapist. I love to use trauma informed modalities such to parts work and EMDR. Our interactions will be filled with finding your strengths from a Solution-focused place, even when you feel most of them are lacking. I love to provide insights into why your experience is troublesome for you and how to live your life in the best way possible. My work is culturally informed, affirmative and open to new ways of looking and thinking. You are the best expert on yourself and through our interactions, we will both learn more about you. I did my training at both St. John's University in New York, where I obtained an MS in Education for School Counseling (1996) and California State University, Dominguez Hills (2003) where I obtained my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also have a separate credential in Affirmative LGBTQIA Therapy from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in 2016. I am a consultant in training with EMDRIA for EMDR.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I am a strong ally for the LGBTQ community to other cis individuals about the needs and rights of our LGBTQ folks while being mindful and respectful of the community as well. I am not here to save anyone rather I am continually looking to learn. I do try to check my cis privilege frequently because I never want to make assumptions about the community I support. I volunteer my time at our local PFLAG chapter as a facilitator and as a community outreach person as I am also in the community as a bi person. I also believe personally, I do need to support others who want to learn too. This is how I show my ally-ship. I am of Catholic faith and follow Fr. James Martin in his quest to bridge the gap between our LGBTQ community and what we were all originally taught in the church. I do believe in changing systems from within and believe that God does love everyone and all were created perfectly by Him. I have two children so when I talk parenting, I also walk the walk!