About Me
My Journey
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I've been working with trauma since 2015. Around 2018 or so, I learned about highly sensitive people (HSP) and strongly related to the descriptions and experiences of HSPs. I was amazed that there were others like me with whom I shared so many challenges and experiences. I became fascinated with all things HSP, and I added HSP as an additional specialty in my therapy practice. I didn't realize that there was more to it until 2022, when one of my healthcare providers suggested that I had traits of other neurodivergences as well. Looking back, it was so obvious. Even in this post about vulnerability from 2021, written in my blog a year prior to my diagnosis, there were a lot of signs. Knowing what I know now, I can't help but smile when I read it. I had no idea that I was in for even more, way more, self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love.
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My Approach
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As a neurodivergent therapist, I use a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed approach to therapy that acknowledges and celebrates your value and potential rather than trying to change or "fix" you. I'll work with you to identify and build on your strengths and help you find ways to use them to achieve your goals.
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My approach to therapy is intentional and multi-modal, tailored to your individual needs, preferences, strengths, and goals. Therapy, trauma, and neurodiversity are some of my special interests, so I'm often learning new practices and techniques in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. For those who are into jargon, I use a combination of person-centered therapy, EMDR, CBT, attachment-based therapy, somatic techniques, parts work, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based methods. I also have a stockpile of executive functioning hacks to share!
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I see myself as a collaborator and an encouraging presence, offering support, knowledge, recommendations, and helpful resources. I believe in the power of discovering your strengths and embracing your unique identity in order to create the life you want. You're the expert in your own life; nobody knows you better than you do. It's not my place to tell you what to do, nor can I do the work for you. You have the answers within yourself, and I'll work with you to find them.
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As a therapist, I believe in the value of therapy not only for my clients, but also for myself. That's why I'm a regular on the other side of the couch, so to speak. Consistently engaging in therapy as a client allows me to process my own emotions, prioritize self-care, and prevent burnout. It also enables me to develop my self-awareness and a deeper understanding of my own challenges and experiences, helping me avoid bias. Therapy helps me improve my skills and knowledge, exposing me to different perspectives, techniques, and feedback that I use to enhance both my therapy practice and personal life.
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My Clients
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I work with adults who have experienced trauma, those who are neurodivergent or questioning their neurotype, and neurotypical individuals. I welcome people of all sexual identities, gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, nationalities, cultures, religions and faiths, neurotypes, body shapes and sizes, and abilities. I value diversity and inclusion and strive to create a safe, respectful, and affirming space where everyone, especially those who are often marginalized by society, can find support and acceptance.
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Background and Education
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I have over 15 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. I began in 2008 as a behavior interventionist, utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the schools and homes of clients with developmental disorders. I regret my previous use of ABA, as it's not aligned with my values of respecting and affirming different ways of living and being. I recognize the harm and trauma that ABA can cause, and that I likely caused, and am committed to using only neurodiversity-affirming therapies that prioritize the well-being and self-determination of my clients.
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Then I moved to Spain and taught English in elementary schools for a little over a year. After returning to California, I worked in various primary and secondary schools for 8 years, providing therapy to students and trainings and consultations to staff and parents. I gained extensive experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships, low self-esteem, anger, stress, and burnout. I have now transitioned to private practice, where I focus on trauma and neurodivergence.
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I earned my BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish at CSULB in 2009 and my MS in Counseling at CSU Fullerton in 2017. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT107252), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC6635), EMDR certified therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). If you'd like more information about my background and education, visit my LinkedIn page.
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