Education/Experience
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 20 years experience in the therapy field. I have a Master of Arts in Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. I also have an additional year of study in Clinical Psychology beyond my Master’s Degree. I graduated from Biola University in three years with my Bachelor’s Degree. I majored in psychology and minored in theology. I was, at the time, the youngest student ever admitted to my graduate program at the age of 20.
My professional experience has been comprised of many different settings including: working for foster family agencies, school based mental health programs, providing psychological assessments to children and adults, providing therapy for intensive outpatient programs for at risk youth, play therapy for at risk elementary school children, depth therapy at a University Counseling Center for students who were struggling with depression, trauma, grief, sexual abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety, and providing individual, couples, and family therapy in private practice in Brea.
In addition, I have supervised beginning graduate students who were learning basic therapy skills, guest lectured on group therapy, served as the director of MOSAIC (a mother’s of school aged children support group) at my church, and been a featured author on motherhood for mental health awareness.
My life’s ambition has been to be a psychotherapist, and I am so fortunate that my job is my calling. I have a passion for working with teens, college students, and moms. I enjoy helping my clients heal from the painful effects of trauma, sexual abuse, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
About Me
I am passionate, driven, fiercely loyal, analytical, and sensitive. I have been married to my husband for eighteen years and am the mom of three girls (elementary age, preteen, and a teenager). I work out religiously as it helps keep my mood in check, and I swim on a master’s swim team. For this reason, I have something to add when working with competitive athletes. I also love my morning coffee, bird watching, my 5 cats, long talks with my girls, cooking, baking, reading, hiking, camping with my family, jogging, gardening, hilly walks with my Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland, and the beach. Helping others, as well as being outdoors makes my soul happy. I attend Fullerton Free Church, and have been the director of MOSAIC (a support group for mothers of school aged children),a discussion group leader for MOPS and Women’s Ministry coordinator for a large adult fellowship group.
I am available for public speaking, professional writing, consultation, and am certified to supervise associates.
Trainings/Workshops
My training has always been devoted to depth psychology. I have been trained to utilize psychodynamic and object relations theory. I also utilize cognitive behavioral techniques and narrative therapy from time to time when working with teens.
I have attended various seminars and trainings on supervision, cultural issues in therapy, gender identity, dream analysis, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, self-harm behaviors, eating disorders, grief/loss, teen therapy, group therapy with teens, couples therapy, family therapy, and play therapy. I have also participated in my own psychotherapy, which I feel is invaluable to my growth and development as a psychotherapist.
Want to discuss your needs?
Consider contacting me for an initial consultation.