Are you doing the same crap over and over and expecting a better life? I can totally relate. I have been completely lost and utterly miserable. Then I personally experienced the transformative power of great therapy. So, I adamantly believe people can change because I have. And now I want to help you build the life you deserve. 

I am trained and specially skilled to assist you in getting your thoughts out of your head and reconnecting with the feelings in your body so you can get to know yourself better, while acknowledging the pain that circumstances and social systems (racism, capitalism, marginalization, patriarchy, etc.) can inflict no matter how much therapy we do.

Do you think therapy can sometimes take itself too seriously? Me too. I have an endlessly curious, always honest, not judgey, and not too serious vibe. I believe laughter can be just as healing as tears. And many people use their sense of humor to connect and build trust. I aim to be someone you genuinely enjoy talking to, even if we are talking about difficult stuff. 

A little more about me:

Former professional musical comedian: How I built my ability to identify patterns'; musical sensibilities (tone, rhythm, improvisation); understanding of paralyzing perfectionism and performing under pressure; self-motivation; changing careers; and my sense of humor.

Former alcoholic: Why I understand the grip of bad habits, the regret of lost time or past actions, the struggle to change habits, reconnecting to body after years of numbing, and the power of distress tolerance through mindfulness.

Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from California State University, Fullerton: Where I learned about complex cultural expectations; religious shame and trauma; and a longing for community in a disconnected society. 

Graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles: When I studied the connection of the mind to the body; the neuroscientific facts about the structure and function of the brain; therapeutic modalities and interventions; reading the research; and a social awareness of the systems that oppress and perpetuate trauma.  

A disco ball is hundreds of broken pieces of glass glued together to become a shining ball of light. I do not believe people are broken. We are all disco balls. And I am here to help you find and shine your light. It is not my job to tell you what to do. I help you find out why you do what you do and if you want to keep doing it. You can only grow as much as you have faced who you are. Let’s face it together. Together we can practice building inner strength and emotional intelligence in order to understand and manage the anxiety of being alive.