The more you can empower your teen to have CHOICE in picking a therapist, the better off you will be.

If your teen is resistant to therapy, allowing your teen options in the search process for a therapist, is my best suggestion. Giving them the autonomy to choose, is developmentally appropriate, and leads to better treatment outcomes.

In addition to groups, I have a special interest in working with family dynamics. I can facilitate conversations between you and your teen, and provide additional perspective, to increase understanding in the family. In turn, I will support your teen in taking risks to communicate feelings. It is my passion to see families in a more connected place, and I’m excited about the work it takes to get there. I will support your teen in developing a healthy identity and approach that allows for authenticity, and also integrates those that love them the most.

I also have a special interest in working with teens who live in high-achieving environments. Many teens today are balancing a variety of obligations and interests.  Sometimes, they benefit from some additional support in navigating the expectations of school and extracurricular activities. In my work with teens, we can understand potential obstacles to their goals (things like anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, etc.), and help them gain the social and emotional skills they need to navigate their lives.

Prior to opening my own private practice, I worked at The Institute for Girls Development in Pasadena. I gained valuable experience supporting teens in high achieving environments.

I’ve also served at Five Acres an 80-bed residential setting for foster youth. This position helped me learn ways of reaching youth who built up defenses towards connection.

The remainder of my clinical experience, was as a school-based therapist for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and the William S. Hart School District. 

I also hold a specialized certificate in CADC through UCLA Extension.

I am able to help teens and parents improve self-understanding, self-compassion, effective communication, and connection. Sometimes, teens can benefit from learning more skills towards effective and respectful communication. Learning new ways of dealing with feelings is an important first step.

Often, parents want to gain skills, such as learning how to support their teen’s growth more effectively, or how to influence the emotional tone in the home.

In order to address communication breakdowns and family distress, I will ask questions and provide guidance that will help generate flexibility, curiosity, and open-mindedness between you and your teen.

I decided to become a therapist through my own journey as a client.

My first experience training in the field was invigorating. I drove over an hour and a half away to help in a high school. I came early and stayed late. It didn’t feel like work.

It felt easy to connect with the teens. I enjoyed witnessing their breakthroughs and helping them find freedom, creativity and joy.

I knew at that point, that I wanted to dedicate my career to working with teens. I felt there was no better time in someone’s life to ask the right questions.

I knew I had to be prepared, so I committed to my own personal development work. I am a firm believer that I can only take my clients as far as I’ve gone myself, and continue this work today.

I joined my own therapy process group and found all sorts of avenues that kept me energized outside of work.

After working in the school, I decided I was ready to serve in an even greater capacity. I took a job at an 80-bed residential facility for foster kids. It was the most heart-breaking and touching experience of my life. It was very hard leaving those kids, but I knew I would become a foster parent someday. That had been decided.

From there, I learned about a group private practice down the street in Pasadena.

In working at the Institute for Girls Development, I had the opportunity to work among a multi-disciplinary team, serving adolescents and parents. I have the utmost gratitude for the families that entrusted me, to be a guide in their teens lives.

So here I am now. After 15 years in LA, I’ve moved back to my hometown of Orange County to be closer to my family and to find out how I can help teens in this community. I will always love Los Angeles, but this is where my family is at and this is home. I’m excited and determined for what's next.

While so much of the past few years have felt uncertain, one thing is for sure. I will have more and more opportunities to build memories helping shape this generation of teens.

I’d love the opportunity to meet with your family and see how I can help. Feel free to reach out on my Contact page to set up your first appointment.