My Beliefs.
I believe that our relationships are the most important things in our lives and that when we feel connected, cared for, a sense of belonging, and safety… we thrive! At the core of who we are our need for love and our need to love exists… and it is a healthy and powerful driving force in our lives. That is… until pain gets in the way.
I believe that healing happens within relationships. We now know a great deal through brain science about neurodevelopment. We know that we are hard wired for relationships. We have an understanding of what shapes the brains organization and development as well as one's emotional, social, cognitive and physiological well being. And because of brain science we now have a greater understanding of how healing occurs. The brain has the capacity to reorganize itself (heal) by forming new neural connections... and this can happen within significant relationships. That's pretty cool if you ask me! In my work with individuals, couples and families I work to promote healing and utilize the relationships available in one's life to support this important process. My hope is that my own relationship with those I work with also aids in this kind of "neural healing". The therapeutic relationship can be impactful for many reasons.
I also believe that you are the expert on your life, not me. In a collaborative process I come along side of you and help you connect with the strengths and resources within yourself to grow… to heal. I believe that therapy can be incredibly beneficial in empowering a freed up way of being that is intricately connected to the beauty of who you already are…. who you were designed to be before pain and defenses set in.
I believe therapy works! I have walked alongside courageous and committed individuals and families over the years in their own journeys towards better relationships and healing. I have learned from them, been inspired by them and have been in awe of their strength and perseverance in not only enduring but changing their life stories. I have been honored to be a participant and am incredibly grateful for the ways in which they have also touched my life. Your life story has power.
My Experience.
My training and experience in the mental health field began over 20 years ago working in OliveCrest Treatment Centers and Homes for Abused Children. My journey continued on to Kinship Center Adoption Clinic, Vanguard University’s Counseling Center, and other community clinics to my own private practice. I currently am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist running my own practice in Newport Beach, California. (License #LMFT78873)
Over the course of my professional life I have had the opportunity to work with many children, adults, couples and families in navigating through the struggles in their lives. And I have been in awe of what happens in the healing process when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable… to step in to the pain and grow.
My Education.
My formal education began with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Biola University and then continued with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. So much of my own learning and education has come through the various work experiences I have had over the years and the "seasoned" clinicians that have modeled, mentored and touched my life. I'm grateful for the journey.
Me.
When I am not at work I am at home with my family… they are the center of my world. As a wife and mother of two I understand the needs of families and the delicate balance that takes place in caring for yourself while caring for others. I fill my time with family and friends and am grateful for those who are along side of me in this life journey. Our family also includes a husky and a belgium malinois, a bearded dragon, two red eyed tree frogs and fish… for now (my son is rather persistent).