I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose practice has three main focuses: (1) young adults feeling overwhelmed by the transition to life after college; (2) individuals struggling to find love; and (3) couples facing difficulty starting a family.

I have a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University, a Master’s Degree in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.

My own life’s journey has included finding a satisfying career path after years of unhappiness, working through several unhealthy relationships until ultimately finding a supportive and loving partner, and undergoing multiple rounds of fertility treatments in order to start the family we wanted. I know that therapy can be a wonderful tool for self-exploration, restoring relationships, and working through hardships, and hope that my own personal growth, education, and work experience can help you in your healing process.

Being an Adult

You just graduated college and are looking forward to moving into that awesome apartment, starting that dream job, and conquering the world. Wait . . . you mean that isn’t how it works? Reality is more likely to involve having to move in with your parents because rent is so expensive or sitting in traffic for hours trying to get to that “dream job” that is not actually what you thought it would be. Your situation may cause you to wonder: Why does everyone look so happy on their Instagram and Snapchat when I’ve got the blues?

Moving from college to the working world can be a much bigger transition than people realize. Many feel shame for not being able to be fully independent. Others struggle when they realize they have no idea what they want to be when they “grow up” or can’t stop comparing themselves to everyone else around them. Some are trying to become less dependant upon using substances that previously helped them get through difficult times.

Let's work together to:

• Learn ways to cope with anxiety and depression
• Examine your substance use as a coping strategy
• Manage expectations around perfectionism
• Face any shame that might be bringing you down
• Set realistic life goals that you would be proud to accomplish

Being an adult is hard. But just because others aren’t sharing their stories doesn’t mean that you should struggle in silence. I look forward to hearing about your dreams, realities, and hardships and hope we can work together to make your life a more satisfying and happy one.

Relationships

Growing up, we were led to believe that finding love would be easy. Maybe you’ll marry your high school sweetheart. Or fall in love with your best friend (you know, the one you’d never been attracted to before) But, as those still searching for their “person” know, that is NOT the case. Today, meeting someone involves logging in, swiping right, and finding out the date you agreed to is not what was advertised. Or, the dates go well, and the person you thought you had built a connection with ghosts you.

Finding the right partner can be a game of emotional roulette. Let's work on figuring out why you cannot hold onto that relationship, are scared to put yourself out there, or feel like giving up. Intimacy is built from within. Finding the right partner takes time, patience, and persistence.

Let's work together to:

• Increase your self esteem
• Work through past relationship trauma
• Find happiness in your own live
• Build healthy relationships and boundaries

Just because you did not end up with your high school sweetheart does not mean you don't deserve your happily ever after. Let's work together and build your confidence to be authentically you, set healthy boundaries, and learn how to express and accept love.

Infertility

Remember that movie where the couple gets drunk, hooks up, and, boom, she’s pregnant? That is exactly how it happens, right? Not for everyone! For some, the process of having a baby can take months or even years, which can lead to a roller coaster of emotions: sadness, depression, anxiety, loss of hope, and financial stress, just to name a few.

My own fertility journey has helped me shape a practice that focuses on the struggles associated with starting a family. I hope to help you and/or your significant other get through this emotionally draining time by working through your fears, excitement, and grief.

I can help:

• Individuals learn coping skills to deal with the stress and anxiety
• Help couples explore their concerns about other options
• Rebuild your relationship since infertility can cause a strain between partners
• Process the grief surrounding miscarriages and/or broken dreams

Many believe that starting a family is as sexy as what they see in movies, causing people to feel isolated and afraid to share their stories. Let me be a comfort and listening ear. You are not alone. Let's work together to bring back hope, reduce stress, and find a future for you that is fulfilling and satisfying.