Hello! I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS 25941), with more than a decade of experience as a psychotherapist on a broad range of behavioral and mental health issues, including substance abuse and addictions, trauma and PTSD, and family/parenting matters. I completed my undergraduate studies at UCLA and received my Master's in Social Work from USC. I have been working in the mental health field since 2003, providing counseling and therapy to a wide spectrum of individuals, families, couples, and groups, in various settings, including hospitals and clinics and inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
I focus on assessing the specialized needs of each individual client (or couple), and will employ the therapeutic theory or technique (among many) that best fits the client's personality and specific circumstances. My approach and techniques are particularly informed by my extensive training in social work, which takes into account all of the numerous factors that influence people, including the family system (including any family of origin issues), cultural factors, job situation/related pressures, financial pressures, social support, wellness (including diet and exercise), and coping skills. I also utilize mindfulness and meditation techniques to bring a client's awareness into the present, and helps clients get in touch with their authentic self. In addition to my Master's education at USC, I have undertaken extensive other training such as recent anger management training by UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center.
I understand that each client is unique in terms of background, the specific issues to be dealt with, current situations, and his or her dynamics with the therapist. I am passionate about helping clients to improve the quality of their lives through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.