I use the techniques I have learned and developed as a therapist and life experiences to create a compassionate, empathetic, non-judgmental environment for clients. I have a calm and warm demeanor that allows me to build trusting, open, and honest relationships with clients. I like to work collaboratively with to instill empowerment, recognize unique needs, and to treat the client as a whole person. I like to guide the client in recognizing they are the expert in their on their experience. I use client-centered and strength-based approaches with my clients as well as CBT, DBT, ACT, and family systems techniques to address disordered eating/body image issues, anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties.
I find it really inspiring to see clients enter therapy and leave with a different perspective on their life. My primary focus is instilling hope and motivation in order for clients to believe that recovery is obtainable and sustainable.
My Professional Background
I received a double major in psychology and education in my undergraduate degree. I received my Masters Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles graduating with honors on the Dean’s List. I am currently working on obtaining my PsyD and Certification as an Eating Disorder Specialist.
In my 8 year journey, I have worked as a Program Director of a Residential Treatment Center treating adult women and men with eating disorders, chemical dependency, and mental health. I also have additional experience working with eating disorders at the partial and outpatient level of care treating adult and adolescent men and women. I have a passion for working with clients who struggle with eating disorders and chemical dependency. In addition, I have experience working with women, men, and adolescents in eating disorders, chemical dependency, trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD. I have experience working with women and children coming out of shelters effected by intimate partner violence, teens dealing with depression and gender identity issues, and families struggling with past trauma.
Education, Training, and Certifications
- Bachelors – Double Major in Psychology and Education – Ashford University, Arizona
- Masters – Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Los Angeles, California
- CBT for the Treatment of Eating Disorders
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Training
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Exposure and Response Prevention
- Crisis Management
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Skills Training
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Training
- EMDR Trainings 1 & 2 through the EMDR Institute, Inc
- The Flash Technique Training – EMDR
Fun Facts
I am an English Mastiff lover! I love big dogs. Mr. Big is my 8 year old English Mastiff, who brings so much joy and love in my life! I love to spoil him and take pictures of him with different hats and sunglasses on. Fun fact, I was in musical theater for 10+ years and love to belt out show tunes. Redecorating is a side passion and I love to change things up in a space and make it beautiful.