Part of my passion is empowering individuals and families to overcome obstacles and barriers to improve their quality of life. I have been involved in the mental health field for 10 years in diverse settings including hospice, schools, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, in homes, and clinics. I have specialized training helping clients struggling with a variety of issues including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- ADHD
- Trauma
- Oppositional defiance
- Adjustment disorders
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Military life challenges
- Cultural identity
I received my Masters in psychology counseling through Bowie State/University of Maryland University College and then moved to San Diego to further my education and pursue licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy through Southern California University.
As a military spouse I have had many unique educational and employment opportunities. I worked as a Sexual Assault Prevention Responder, Navy ombudsman, and an Air Force education advisor. I received additional training through my work as a domestic violence advocate, helping deaf and hearing survivors of domestic violence. I also had the unique and humbling experience working for San Diego Hospice, where I received training through the Center for Grief and Bereavement Program, providing individual and group therapy for patients, family members, and children. I gained additional experience working with culturally-diverse populations through the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) Drug Alcohol Treatment Recovery Center and UPAC Child Mental Health community program, providing individual and group therapy with children, adolescents and adults.
I utilize an eclectic approach that includes evidence-based treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectic behavioral (DBT), brief strategic (BST), and a solution focused (SFT) approach. I utilize play therapy techniques, art therapy interventions, and have been trained in sand tray. As a marriage and family therapist I take a holistic perspective to treatment; I am concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families. As a systemic therapist I believe the unit of treatment isn’t just the individual; even if it is single person being interviewed, my treatment approach acknowledges the set of relationships in which the person is imbedded. (aamft.org)
My work focuses on providing an engaging and respectful space for each person by utilizing practices best-suited to client's strengths as well as their personal backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. I connect and collaborate with clients to help them achieve specific and attainable therapeutic goals with an “end in mind.” I believe counseling is a valuable tool that can help clients grow and live their best lives.
Accepting Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Magellan, Optima, Tricare, Optum/United Behavioral Health
Soon to be credentialed with Aetna