Suffering may be an inevitable part of life, but I don’t believe we’re meant to suffer alone. If you’re stuck in predictable but unsatisfying patterns; overwhelmed by current life stressors; haunted by past traumas; troubled by your own mind and body; or seeking clarity and a more meaningful, satisfying life — I am here to help.

Sometimes, getting through our darkest times takes a simple change in perspective — and a sense of humor. I’ve been told I’m “irreverently helpful.” I believe we can do deep, meaningful, and challenging therapeutic work together while also sharing some laughs (when appropriate, of course). My therapeutic approach reflects my nature: a blend of type-A intensity and deep empathy. If I were a D&D character, I would be chaotic good.

I work with all kinds of people who struggle with all kinds of problems: individual adults, teens (mature-ish ones), and couples. I specialize and have advanced training in the treatment of trauma and all of its residual symptoms (EMDR), as well as in couples therapy (PACT and The Developmental Model).

I hold a bachelor’s in English and a master’s degree in education from UCLA. I also hold a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology. I am currently a Clinical Associate in psychoanalytic training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis and a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association.

I have a deep respect for the human mind and for your unique experience. I’m comfortable with the complicated. Please reach out if you’d like to talk.

Suffering may be an inevitable part of life, but I don’t believe we’re meant to suffer alone. If ... Read More

“It is my hope to create a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and supported as you embark on your journey of self-discovery and healing.”

As a therapist, it is my hope to create a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and supported as you embark on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I believe that working as a team to achieve your goals is vital to the therapeutic process. Moreover, as a Latina who was born to immigrant parents, it is my goal to provide therapy through a culturally attuned perspective. I recognize that seeking therapy may be an intimidating process, but it is worth it to face your fears because your mental health is an important component to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

I received my bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies from California State University, Northridge and my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. I have a passion for advocating for equal access to mental health care and working with communities to destigmatize mental health. I enjoying working with individuals who need support in their healing journey and with couples who need a safe space to explore ways strengthen their communication and connection.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and it is my absolute favorite place to be. A self-care activity I enjoy is spending time outdoors surrounded by all the beautiful palm trees LA has to offer. When I don’t have my therapist hat on you can find me in the kitchen testing out new recipes and baking all the sweets! Or cuddling with my cat watching the Food Network or HGTV.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of your journey and I cannot wait to meet you!

“It is my hope to create a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and supported as you embark on... Read More

Sometimes in life we don’t always fully understand or have a grip on what we’re going through. We find ourselves experiencing strong and sometimes strange emotions that we struggle to identify and manage. Sometimes we realize that our responses don’t seem to match or help the situation, and sometimes actually make the situation worse. We feel stuck in the same vicious cycles, regardless of how much we don’t want to engage in them. We’re often just trying to do the best we can to cope and get by without being flooded and overwhelmed.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, this is where I can come in and help. Looking within can be a vulnerable and scary process, but in therapy we can take a look inside together and understand the deeper meaning and sources of your suffering. My goal in therapy is not to find someone to blame, but to understand and appreciate the larger context of who you are, how you became you, and how your struggles developed. My goal is to help you feel more fully seen and heard so that you may also more fully see and hear yourself. Therapy takes time and can be challenging, but I believe that as we work together to integrate the different parts of yourself, you will feel more at ease with a wider range of feelings, have an expanded set of effective coping skills, and overall come to live a more meaningful, connected, and centered life.

I currently provide individual therapy for teens and adults of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. I work with clients who present with a variety of concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, peer and romantic relationship problems, family of origin issues, perfectionism, identity development, cross cultural issues, and the impact of trauma.

I hold a PhD in clinical psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and completed my APA-accredited internship at the University of Rochester Counseling Center. For my postdoctoral fellowship, I worked at Boston College University Counseling Services, where I received specialized training in providing therapy using a psychodynamic, multicultural, and developmental approach as well as in facilitating support groups for survivors of sexual assault. When not in the therapy room, you can find me baking new recipes, trying different restaurants in LA, and working for hours on jigsaw puzzles.

I believe the therapist-client relationship is the most important agent of change in therapy. Thus I seek to offer a warm, nonjudgmental, open space that facilitates not only curiosity and self-reflection but overall healing and growth. Please reach out if you would like to begin or continue your therapy journey!

Sometimes in life we don’t always fully understand or have a grip on what we’re going through. We... Read More

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