What is your area of expertise?
I specialize in child and adolescent psychoeducational assessments and psychological counseling to address concerns related to academic learning processes such as Specific Learning Disorders (reading, writing, and mathematics), Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and other psychological disorders. Building from a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I integrate holistic modalities and mind-body techniques to support my clients.
What was your path to becoming a Licensed Educational Psychologist?
With over a decade of experience in the fields of psychology and education, I have gained a deep understanding of the innate connection between emotions, behavior, and thinking patterns. After completing an internship at Yale’s child psychiatric hospital, I worked at both residential and intensive outpatient programs to support children and adolescents with eating disorders and mental health issues. Following, I was a school psychologist in Orange County public school districts which fueled my passion for early intervention and integrative approaches to learning and overall well-being. This path led me to working with children, adolescents, and families as a Licensed Educational Psychologist.
Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
Through my training as a trauma-informed yoga teacher, I have further learned the importance of breathwork practice, an integral tool we always have with us. With each emotion, our breath changes. Breathing can help break the cycle of stress, pressure, and worry. When working with my clients, I have found teaching mind-body techniques to be essential. I am reminded how bringing awareness to the present moment through breathing exercises helps to prepare the body and mind for each day ahead.
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.