Couples therapy at discounted prices. Read More

I specialize in Addiction, Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions

Living life passionately without limitations and regrets from the past intruding into today and tomorrow is the path to happiness and freedom. Sometimes these roadblocks prevent us from moving forward or realizing our full potential for achieving and enjoying life.

"Together, we will achieve success in awaking your sense of well-being and transforming your perspectives about yourself and others."

About therapies

Being understood and heard is at the heart of all relationships and therapy

Therapy with a compassionate and understanding person offers the ability for one to look at ourselves and situations with perspectives that we might not be able to see by ourselves. Being understood and heard is at the heart of all relationships and therapy can be the start of making changes to foster happiness and growth.

Qualifications

In Practice for 19 Years
Attended Undergraduate: UCLA / Masters: CSUN, BA Psychology / Masters Counseling Psych, Graduated 1989

Cognitive
Behavioral
Therapy
Acceptance
Therapy

Specialties and Expertise

Find balance & well-being with personalized therapies

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you're addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins when they take prescribed medicines or receive them from others who have prescriptions. The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it's increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill. These are called withdrawal symptoms. Help from your health care provider, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program can help you overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free.

Anger management refers to techniques and strategies used to regulate and control anger, preventing it from escalating into harmful behavior or situations. It involves identifying anger triggers, understanding the underlying emotions, and developing healthy ways to express and cope with anger. If anger is significantly impacting your life, causing problems at work, in relationships, or with the law, consulting a therapist or counselor specializing in anger management is recommended. In conclusion, anger management is a valuable skill for everyone, and understanding how to recognize, manage, and express anger in healthy ways can significantly improve overall well-being and relationships.

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event with an uncertain outcome. It can be a normal response to stress, but when these feelings become excessive, persistent, and interfere with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision.

An unhealthy dependence on relationships. The co-dependent will do anything to hold on to a relationship; to avoid the feeling of abandonment. An extreme need for approval and recognition. A sense of guilt when asserting themselves. A compelling need to control others. Signs of codependency: Lack of satisfaction or purpose in life outside of the relationship. ... Tendency to endure a partner's harmful behavior. ... Idealization of partner. ... Enabling partner's poor choices and behavior. ... Controlling behavior. ... Guilt when not attending to your partner's needs and wants.

Is it worth going to couples counseling? Both people will have a chance to express themselves during the session. Builds understanding and empathy in your relationship: Going to couples counseling can help you understand your partner better. Over several counseling sessions, you might gain a new perspective on the world. Does couples counseling actually work? How does Couples Counseling work and does it actually help? Sometimes, it helps them part with clarity and compassion. But either way — it offers a path out of the fog and into something more honest. And if you've been wondering, does couples therapy work — the answer is that it often does, especially when both partners are ready to show up for the work.

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how you think, feel, and behave, impacting daily life, including sleeping, eating, and work. Treatment, often involving therapy and/or medication, is usually effective. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important to reach out to a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help you on the path to recovery.

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym representing the diverse community of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other related identities. The "+" signifies the inclusion of anyone else who identifies as part of this community, acknowledging the ever-evolving language and understanding of gender and sexual identities. Affirmative therapy focuses on helping clients explore and accept their identities while addressing the unique stressors they experience and build a Safe and Inclusive Environment. Developing healthy coping strategies: By teaching clients healthy coping strategies, LGBT-affirming therapists support individuals in managing the stressors associated with internalized homophobia and other challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Life transitions are a natural part of life, and while they can be challenging, they also offer opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Life transitions are significant changes or shifts that mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another, impacting personal, professional, or social circumstances. These can be planned, like graduating or getting married, or unplanned, like job loss or the loss of a loved one. Successfully navigating transitions involves recognizing the change, developing coping strategies, building a support system, and sometimes seeking professional guidance.

Other Specialties

  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Peer Relationships
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Coping Skills
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Internet Addiction
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Men’s Issues
  • Alcohol Use
  • Anger Management
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Bisexuality
  • Body Positivity
  • Codependency

Finding balance and well-being involves nurturing both your physical and mental health through various strategies. It’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Achieving balance is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.

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Therapy can be a powerful tool for transformation, fostering personal growth and positive changes through self-reflection, healing, and the development of new coping mechanisms. It provides a safe space to explore past experiences, address current challenges, and cultivate a more fulfilling life. Having a therapist witness your struggles and journey with you to new awareness and insights is the apex of therapy.