We're all looking for something ... and sometimes we just need a little guidance.Even though you know this may be a difficult process, you are also aware that you deserve to be happy. It takes strength to admit that we aren't happy 
and courage to seek out help to create change within our selves and within our lives. Congratulations, you're taken the first step. Here is a little more information to help you through this process.

What is therapy/counseling? 
Therapy is what you make of it. I see therapy as a professional relationship that is built with the purpose of fulfilling your goals. This is a very personal process and does not look the same for any two people. It may involve learning effective communication skills, practicing coping mechanisms in dealing with anger, depression, anxiety, etc., acknowledging past experiences and ways in which they affect who you are now, conflict resolution, learning to accept yourself as you are, learning more effective parenting/co-parenting skills, examining patterns of thinking and learning how to change them, and so, so much more! Therapy provides you with a compassionate, non-judgmental, neutral sounding-board in which you can see yourself and your wants and needs more clearly. 

 
I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families of all ages. I see people from age 3 to age 103. I do see children and teenagers. Couples therapy may come in the form of pre-marital counseling, couples going through a divorce/separation, happily married couples who want to come in to work through something together, couples dealing with infidelity, blended families, unmarried couples, etc. No family is too big or too small ... some even want to bring their pets and I am extremely open to that.
I use various theoretical orientations and interventions depending on who you are, what you are looking for, and the kind of help that would be most effective for you.



Most of the work I do is focused on these issues:
Depression                        Eating Disorders                    Self-esteem Issues
Self-Injury (Cutting)            Anxiety                                  Difficulties in communication
Sexual Abuse                    Infidelity                                  Struggling with past trauma
Domestic Violence             Loneliness                              Kids dealing with the effects of divorce
Building coping skills         Social Anxiety                        Looking for direction in life
Difficulties in relationships                                                Going through separation/divorce
Children acting out            Loss/Grief                                Issues related to unemployment

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC50992) licensed with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. This means I have attended graduate school, earned my Master's degree in the Psychology/Counseling field, completed 3,000 hours practicing as a marriage and family therapist (MFT), and passed two license exams. I have worked in multiple agencies and have experienced different elements of the mental health system. At this point I am trying to build my private practice and am working full-time. I am not yet on insurance panels but I am in the process of trying to make this happen. I know paying out of pocket is difficult in this economy and I do offer lower fees when necessary. 

I am warm, easy-going, flexible, accepting, knowledgeable, open-minded, and friendly. I have a good sense of humor and enjoy laughing when the time is right. I absolutely love animals and being outside and I am in heaven if I'm hanging out at the ocean or camping in the redwoods. 

I am here to help you reach your goals. I will be open and honest with you and I hope you will do the same in return. I know your time and money are precious  and I don't intend to waste either of them. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment.