
Hello! First of all, let me say thank you for taking the time to visit my site. I am very passionate about mental health, since taking care of the mind is the key to a happy way of life. Choosing a therapist is an important decision and I am happy to share more about myself to see if I am the right fit for you!
My job as a therapist is to provide you with a nurturing place where you can share your truth without fear of judgment. It is also my job to help you tap into your innate resiliency and strengths. I will encourage you, challenge you, and guide you as you rediscover your strength and begin to experience healing!
About Me |
First and foremost, I define myself as a mother. Being a mom of four has brought me great joy, and has also given me a deeper perspective of how taking care of oneself is essential in order to build healthy connections with others. I put myself through college and graduated on the President's Honor List with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. While attending CSULB, I interned at Metropolitan State Hospital and worked with men and women suffering from dual diagnoses, such as addiction and schizophrenia. Not only did I co-facilitate psycho-educational groups on addiction, but also art and music therapy groups. After I graduated, I became a teaching assistant for a tenure professor who taught several undergraduate psychology courses. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Master of Science in Counseling, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I did my master's thesis on preventing postpartum depression in perinatal women using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. I spent a year researching the symptoms and effects of postpartum depression and interviewed several mental health therapists whose clinical work centered around working with women suffering from this disorder. I spent two years at Orange Coast College in the Student Mental Health Center doing my graduate practicum hours. I counseled men and women varying in age from 18-65, all with a unique set of issues. I also led a student mother's support group at the college. Upon graduation, I was hired as a mental health counselor in the Student Health Center and also was a mentor to the incoming therapist trainees. I loved every moment helping the diverse student population thrive mentally and academically! My supervisor at Orange Coast College, Laura Rothafel, saw my passion and dedication to helping my clients and promptly asked me to join her private practice in 2016 where I have been working ever since. I find great joy in helping the people who walk through my doors find relief and happiness! **Certified in SMART Recovery Training for Addiction |