When over-functioning, high levels of achievement, and basic coping skills aren't leading to life satisfaction, it is time to look inward. Welcome! I utilize attachment-based therapy to help women with anxiety heal from unprocessed trauma and increase self-confidence. Many of my clients were responsible, mature children and adolescents who learned to stay safe and succeed through people-pleasing, avoidance, perfectionism, hyper-independence, and over-achieving. As adults, they often sacrifice their own needs to care for others. They may be hard workers at work but feel underappreciated. They may experience high levels of anxiety in relationships leading to avoiding closeness with others or clinging on tightly when their abandonment wounds are activated. They often feel like nothing they do is ever good enough, fear that others will reject them if they do not excel, or need to constantly prove themselves. I work with clients to explore the origins of their anxiety so that together we can process unresolved trauma, increase distress tolerance, and find new ways to self-soothe that allow them to live more freely and authentically.

The world can feel heavy and ever-changing, and sometimes we just need a space to breathe, slow down, and reconnect. I believe that genuine connection is at the heart of healing, whether that’s with others or within yourself. Every person and every family has their own story, pace, and path toward growth. In our work together, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can show up as your authentic self. I see you as the expert of your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as we explore what you need to feel more grounded, balanced, and at peace.

Feeling down, depressed or anxious can make an everyday task seem daunting. Resolution is within reach, and I am here to help you become the best version of yourself. Working in a direct approach and within different theoretical modalities, my goal is to collaborate with you as you are the expert in your life. Whatever it is that you're experiencing, know that things can change. Together we'll create an environment that is safe and conducive of healing. This is your journey and I am here to walk along side you.

Specializing in: -- eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma and self-esteem -- maternal mental health and women's issues -- trauma & PTSD -- understanding and healing from narcissistic abuse -- grief and loss -- chronic health & cancer struggles

IF YOU WANT THINGS TO BE DIFFERENT, YOU HAVE TO DO THEM DIFFERENTLY! Life has a flow. When the flow is blocked, we suffer. Suffering takes form in many ways and affects every aspect of our lives. Trauma, adverse life events and sudden tragic circumstances all contribute to suffering. The manifestations appear as drug and alcohol dependence, depression, and anxiety. The consequences can be physical in nature, such as chronic pain and stress, mental in nature, such as isolation and fear, and spiritual in nature, when all hope seems lost. My approach is to help you unblock the natural flow of your life. Regain balance and empowerment in the areas of romance, finance, sex and spirituality. Combining EMDR and Mindfulness therapies, I can help you find your FLOW: Fulfillment, Liberation, Ownership and Well-Being. You can choose a better way to live. You can live the life you choose. Now is as good a time as any!

I currently have a private practice where I see individuals for individual psychotherapy. I have worked on a grant at UCSB Alcohol and Drug services providing clinical services to students. I have also been a reality show psychologist for casting and on-set location support. I use my clinical and life experiences, and my educational background to tailor every experience to meet each individual style of learning and needs. I have a keen eye for assessing situations, and a deep respect for meeting individuals where they are and helping them to move to creating positive and healthy choices in their lives and relationships. I have an MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Education. Since becoming licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in 1995, I have worked as a clinician and clinical supervisor in community-based and county settings, as well as private practice. I have a broad and deep range of experiences, including extensive work with mentally ill and dually diagnosed individuals, psychological evaluation and assessment, crisis intervention, supervision of interns, individual, group and milieu therapies. Most recently, I have a private practice in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara. I have been a consultant and location psychologist on reality television shows, such as Top Chef, Survivor, 13, Rock Star, Pirates, Jingles, and Big Brother.

Do you get stuck in cycles of negative thinking? Does it feel like your mind is working against you? Is it tough to turn off damaging self-talk and self-blame? This perpetual self-punishment can give rise to and worsen already challenging conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as sustain the effects of trauma. Wouldn’t it be a relief to break these patterns of destructive thinking? To improve self-esteem? To feel confident and worthy of engaging with others? I can help. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, solution-focused, and designed to be short-term using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT explores how thoughts and perceptions influence mood and behaviors. Identifying and modifying unhelpful thinking patterns affords us the ability to manage our emotions more effectively. In my practice, I also emphasize the importance of mindfulness, given our tendency to be overwhelmed by today's many distractions. Breathing and mindfulness techniques help to reduce anxiety, expand awareness, build resilience, and achieve greater degrees of acceptance. I have experience in suicide prevention and teen crisis counseling, and I currently work with the military veteran population, having recently appeared on Good Day LA to discuss the importance of trauma-informed care. Feel free to reach out with any questions. There has never been a better time to focus on taking care of ourselves, and entering into therapy can be an important first step to real change.

Therapy is an investment of time and energy towards self-awareness and transformation, creating balance and harmony, while instilling hope, and self-acceptance. In my work with individuals, the most common areas of focus involve relationship or self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, abuse, or those with self-defeating behavioral patterns. Separation, divorce and child custody can be a painful process for parents as well as children. I offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment to cope with these challenges together while seeking the appropriate tools unique to your situation to facilitate conflict resolution and positive co-parenting. I specialize in helping individuals andor family members who have developmental disabilities and feel powerless to overcome behavioral and social issues. I have 20 years of experience working with children and adults with high function autism in a facility setting. I understand the challenges and I can help. I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach, drawing from a myriad of psychological therapies and modalities to create a unique client-centered design. As humans, we share many experiences, life events, traumas, challenges, and victories, yet we are all very exceptional individuals in need of understanding, empathy, respect, and acceptance.

Are you feeling stuck in your relationships, struggling with communication, or facing life challenges that seem overwhelming? As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, strengthen connections, and create positive change. With 15 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals navigate conflict, individuals work through anxiety and life transitions, and families build healthier dynamics. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs.

I hold a safe nonjudgmental space where you can explore, learn new tools, and challenge beliefs that aren't working anymore.