With over a decade of experience in the mental health field (community-based intensive in- home, court-mandated domestic violence treatment groups, faith-based counseling crisis counseling, school-based mental health, outpatient private practice, etc.), I enjoy helping others work towards having deeper, more meaningful thoughts, attitudes, behaviors and relationships. In my approach to treatment, I tend to incorporate psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, Bowenian and attachment therapy (particularly developmental trauma, looking at the long-term neuroaffective and social effects of misattuned attachments in our earliest childhood experiences), to name a few, for a more tailored approach to each individual's unique needs. My areas of special interest include childhood abuse recovery, trauma/PTSD, boundaries/communication, depression/anxiety, life transitions and codependency/addiction issues. My diverse background (including a Bachelor's degree in human development, teaching and public health experience, interest in nutrition and meditation) allows me to combine both professional education with both my life experiences and passions. I am trained in both Brainspotting (BSP) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy modalities, neurophysiological forms of trauma treatment shown to effectively reduce the psychological, physical and emotional symptoms caused by overwhelming events/memories. As a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, I also support couples through in-depth premarital, marital and re-marital counseling. Currently, I run two intensive therapy treatment groups for women: Healing Connections for women struggling with codependency and unhealthy relationships, and Wounded Heart for women survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Go to Services for more information about these opportunities. Therapy groups I have facilitated in the past include 52-wk court-mandated domestic violence groups, high school anger management groups, Incredible Years Parenting groups and Incredible Years Social Skills Training groups for children. I believe that every individual not only has the potential for growth, but is resilient and able to discover what does and doesn’t work in his/her life (a process of ‘pruning’ and ‘fertilizing’), to negotiate life changes and to make healthier choices for more authentic living. My approach, in all of my counseling work, is systemic. This means we would examine issues and concerns in the context of the “bigger picture,” which includes the mind (thoughts, emotions, beliefs), body (genetics, physical health, lifestyle), soul (values, spirituality) and social (relationship to self and others). I place a large emphasis on the importance of balanced self-care, awareness, and personal accountability. I am a Clinical Fellow member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and verified by Psychology Today. You can find me at Psychology Today's website. Outside of my passion for Marriage and Family Therapy and serving in the mental health community, I have a deep love for family, quality time with friends, my Christian faith, new sweet or savory recipes, road trip explorations, and the great outdoors (camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more)!