Pasadena Trauma Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #137335
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I often hear so many stories of people who go through life feeling so alone, scared, and stuck in patterns that keep them from being able to live a full and happy life. Lots of these people have experienced various forms of trauma and are unaware that their symptoms of depression and anxiety can be alleviated by honoring their past experiences, emotions, and traumas – big or small. How do we do that, you might ask? Creating a safe space where individuals feel comfortable enough to explore and share their experiences is one of the most important values I hold as a therapist: curiosity, integrity, kindness, and connection. I strive to help my clients feel safe enough to share all parts of themselves, sit alongside them in those darker moments, and find new ways of being that create a deep sense of self-awareness, joy, confidence, and connection.
I specialize in PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety/depression, mood disorders, attachment disorders, chronic stress, substance use, and relationship issues/infidelity. I have a passion for working with couples and fellow therapists who have experienced individual or relational trauma(s). Therapy is unique to each individual, and I believe in tailoring my education, training, and professional experiences to fit my clients’ specific needs and goals.
I utilize multiple modalities to help clients on their journey towards self-awareness, growth, and healing:
- Brainspotting
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) and “parts work”
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Individuals (EFT or EFIT)
- Trauma Regulation Integration Process (T.R.I.P). If you would like more information on T.R.I.P., please click here.
I am a Brainspotting practitioner and have witnessed the powerful healing Brainspotting can have on a client without talking about the trauma. Brainspotting is a somatic therapy that helps clients access the subcortical (non-verbal) part of the brain, where trauma is typically stored. According to the creator of brainspotting, David Grand, “where you look affects how you feel.” Since our eyes give us access to the subcortical brain, Brainspotting uses the visual field as a way to help release stored memories. If you’d like more information on Brainspotting, please click here.
I am also an EFT therapist. EFT helps individuals explore and express their underlying emotions and desires that have been suppressed due to difficult childhood experiences, family discord, substance use, and past trauma. EFT helps to look at dominant emotions and patterns that block a person’s ability to authentically express themself, have healthy relationships, and live a happy life. Recognizing these patterns and validating underlying emotions brings a deeper awareness that helps individuals have more self-compassion and confidence in interpersonal relationships.
I have seen the power these modalities have in creating long-lasting change and deep healing. Please reach out to me if you would like to learn more about Brainspotting, IFS, or EFT and how these tools can help you reach your goals, heal, and live your most ideal lifestyle. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, riding my Harley-Davidson, exercising, practicing piano, and attending comedy shows.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Fullerton
- Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Fullerton
Certificates
• Brainspotting Levels 1 & 2
• Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship
• Mandated Reporter Mental Health Professionals Training
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention
• Domestic Violence Victim Services
• Technology and Trafficking: Predatory behaviors and gender violence
