My Approach to Helping
My Philosophy: I approach my work from a collaborative, strength-based perspective, and believe that all growth and change in therapy is contingent on first creating a viable, corrective emotional experience for the client. I primarily draw from a Relational-Cultural theoretical orientation (Miller & Stiver, 1997) that emphasizes both the interpersonal nature of therapy and the important role that culture plays in how we define ourselves and relate to one another. This relational approach to therapy helps to support the development of a strong working alliance in which clients can begin to challenge existing patterns of thought (Cognitive Therapy) and practice new ways of relating to self and others (Behavioral Therapy).
I believe the therapist’s primary goal should always be the creation and maintenance of an environment in which the client feels the safety and security necessary to minimize resistance and take interpersonal risks in session. I view therapy as a dynamic, interactive process, and believe that a therapist’s most useful tools are their authenticity, transparency, and willingness to provide timely, genuine feedback to the client.
HobbiesInterests: Family and friends are really important to me, and I enjoy spending time with them. I also have a rescue pup named Barkley, who continues to think that we’re roommates, no matter how much I try to convince him otherwise. I enjoy cozy dinners in, trying new restaurants, modern and post-modern art, big action movies, and live music and theater.
More Info About My Practice
Education and Experience: I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas, Arlington [Magna Cum Laude, Distinguished Senior in Psychology], and went on to earn an M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at Texas Woman's University. I completed my Pre-doctoral Internship at the APA-Accredited program at Texas Tech University, and completed my Post-doctoral Residency at Family Health Care Network in Visalia, California. I have been independently licensed to practice as a Psychologist in California since 2013 and in Texas since 2019. I am also certified by the Association for the Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) as a Treatment Specialist for Diverse Populations (2014) and as a Treatment Specialist for Concerns Related to Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (2018).
I have extensive experience providing individual, couple, and group psychotherapy. And over the course of my career, I have had the privilege to work in a variety of treatment settings (i.e., primary health care, community mental health, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, university counseling centers, the US Air Force, and providing telehealth), and with a range of clientele ranging from the "worried well" to individuals struggling with severe, pervasive mental illness.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Addiction, Alcohol Abuse, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Relapse, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnoses, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Gambling Addiction, Grief Counseling, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Men?s Issues, Pregnancy Issues, Racial Identity Concerns, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Self-Harm, Sex Therapy, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep Concerns, Stress Management, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Testing and Evaluation, Transgender Issues, Trauma and PTSD, Weight Loss, Women?s Issues
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.