Find a Therapist in Laguna Hills, California.

I chose the field of counseling because I am passionate about people & the process of growth. I chose to be a psychotherapist out of a sincere desire to help others believe in themselves and reach the goals they have set to lead more sucessful lives and enjoy healthier, happier relationships with those around them. I have a broad experience in working with individuals, children, couples & families. I consider it an honor to be present alongside my clients on such a rich, rewarding and powerful journey.

I provide more in-depth psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which deals with unconscious motivations, defenses and projections. I look at early attachment and how our difficulties in early relationships contribute to psychopathology and problems in our present relationships. With my approach, you will benefit from a lasting, more internal shift in uncomfortable and painful feelings as a result of a new and more positive, safe relationship experience within the therapeutic setting.

I have 20 years of diverse professional experiences and extensive training. I am a published writer, lecturer and passionate about my field. I specialize working with Individual Adults and Teens. My style is conversational, and I strive for a collaborative and compassionate practice with my clients. Though, I am trained in a variety of therapies, I primarily work in narrative and psychodynamic theory. Additionally, I may draw upon other similar or complimentary theoretical approaches to create a highly personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

Psychotherapy is not anything to be scared of, or intimidated about. Seeking out a therapist or being in therapy isn't an admission of weakness or some kind of character flaw. Therapy is a collaborative process and a partnership with someone who is trained in and experienced with facilitating personal growth. And in this process, you are in the driver's seat. Our minds and emotions and relationships involve complicated machinery just like our bodies do and in the same way a medical doctor helps you stay physically healthy, Psychotherapy is designed to help you be and stay mentally and socially strong, and continually in a position to take on life's many challenges as your best self.

Therapy is not a one size fits all experience. Though I extensively trained to understand specific theories of practice, I utilize a "prescriptive" approach. This means I will adapt to your needs in treatment. Therapy is co-created, it is relational, and it is in the therapeutic relationship where we seek personal growth to apply outside the therapy room. I work with adult individual clients who are grieving a significant loss, LGBTIQ+ adults, adults with creative blocks, neurodivergent adults, people pleasers, those recovering from trauma, and adults burnt out about their work.

I always tell my clients that I am an "Old School Psychotherapist." This means that I believe that the way we are raised, our parents, and our families create who we are as adults. This means that I do a deep dive with every single client. I learn about you. I learn about your past, your history, and your family relationships. We form a bond and this connection allows us to be a true team for your mental health. If you are looking for a long-term therapist, you are in the right place! Long-term therapy allows for long-term results. You come to therapy to learn about yourself and see your mood improve, and you will get there much faster with a therapist who is truly on your side. I am here.

My approach is to work collaboratively with clients using a holistic model of therapy which entails a blending of Eastern and Western modalities. For example, training in meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, proper exercise, a nutritious, science-based diet and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. Also, including talk therapy can then help to reveal core values and issues. Mindfulness training benefits clients in observing clearly thoughts and behaviours. Clients benefit greatly through the use of evidence based interventions by developing the skills needed to evaluate thought patterns and overcome destructive patterns.

Phoenix Rising provides individualized treatment plans and therapy for Psychotherapy. Our clinicians are highly experienced and will provide you with a customized treatment plan for your unique situation. You do not have to experience this struggle alone, we have compassionate team members who are waiting to help. We invite you to call for a free confidential telephone assessment and schedule an appointment today.