Menu
What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
Providing a warm and caring presence and being highly attuned to my client’s emotions are my therapist superpowers. I aim to create a positive and welcoming therapeutic space for all of my clients to feel heard, supported and empowered. I strive to practice with collaboration, non judgment, and kindness to ensure that my client feels confident to take an active role in their healing journey.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I initially started my undergraduate studies at San Diego State University as a pre nursing student. I felt ambivalent about my chosen major. As a pre nursing student, my prerequisite courses included Psychology 101. After attending one lecture, I became fascinated with the study of the mind and behavior so I decided to switch my major to Psychology. I thoroughly enjoyed anything that involved psychology but at the same time, I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession. My desire and passion for psychology and helping the unserved and underserved population evolved and led me to pursue my Master in Social Work at the University of Southern California.
What is one thing that you have learned through your own therapy?
In my own healing journey, I have been able to view the challenges and complexities I have faced in a different light. The ability to shift one’s perspective is a process and takes practice overtime. Through self compassion and making the connection between the mind and the body, I was able to find the most in depth, authentic version of myself. This is something that I strive to integrate in the work that I do in helping my clients navigate through the difficult parts of their lives
What does a typical session with you look like?
Therapy is a collaborative process and my goal is to give my clients a safe space to explore who they are, where they have been, and who they want to become. In the time we have together, I will guide my clients into a therapeutic process to help them to gain better insight of the different systems in their lives (family, culture, work, community, etc) and how each relates to one another. My goal is to guide my clients in identifying challenges and roadblocks in life and develop tools and strategies to respond to their emotional needs. My approach as a therapist is rooted in compassion and respect, honoring and highlighting the strengths of each individual client.
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.
