Education

Master of Social Work, Southern Adventist University

Bachelor of Social Work, Pacific Union College 

Certifications and Additional Training

I have completed the following trainings and certifications that have allowed me to approach couples counseling through a more diverse and holistic lens: Gottman Level 1, 2, 3, and in process of becoming Gottman Certified, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Clinical Mindfulness (certified).

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic training is an amalgamation of Gottman Level 1-3, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy that compliment my therapeutic philosophy: each couple possesses invaluable expertise and strengths that serve as an asset to the clinical process. As your clinician, I will provide a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental setting plus efficacious tools to help rediscover your togetherness and rebuild your connection and intimacy. During sessions, you will learn to address and repair unattended emotional injuries, regulate ongoing distress and flooding, effectively manage conflict, strengthen the couple's friendship, and create shared meaning allowing you to profoundly navigate life as a couple. I look forward to working with you as you commit to creating and sustaining healthy connections with your partner.

Treatment Issues

I primarily treat couples in any phase of their courtship and/or partnership who are struggling with friendship, communication, intimacy, affairs, addictions, and major external or internal transitions in the relationship.

Treatment Population

Couples. I provide 50-minute, 90-minute, and marathon sessions.

My Journey

Transition is ubiquitous to the human experience and can be a source of growth or paralysis. As someone who has traveled to and/or lived in over 30 countries, I can attest to the matrix of challenges that come with adjusting to “new normals.” However, I have learned both personally and professionally the key to healthy assimilation is to challenge antiquated biases, build curiosity about ourselves and others, and repair deep wounds/pains that keep us stuck and suspended. My hope is to help others increase their cognitive and emotional mobility so that they can effectively navigate through their life transitions.

Favorite Quotes

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor Frankl

“Couples who laugh together last together.” -John Gottman

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis

Recommended Reading

Eight Dates by John Gottmann

The Relationship Cure by John Gottmann