Personal Experience
I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to show up to therapy, whether it’s the first time, or the twentieth time. It is my goal for therapy to feel like a supportive and safe place for each of my clients. I remember the first time I met with a therapist as a teenager—I was terrified at the thought of being vulnerable with a new person. Like many young people, I struggled with my mental health and family relationships. Over time, with the help of my therapist, I was able to create closer and more supportive relationships with both family and friends. Through these experiences, I discovered the healing power of healthy relationships and became inspired to become a marriage and family therapist (MFT).
Supporting Couples & Families
Couples and family therapy is at the center of what I do as a marriage and family therapist. I often work with couples and families navigating life transitions, such as preparing for marriage, parenthood, or divorce. Poor communication can cause conflict and emotional distance, so improving communication and repairing hurts is often part of this process. I am particularly attentive to the disharmony that cultural differences can contribute to relationship tensions and the need to re-attune to each other to build a stronger connection. My expertise is supported by training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2), Prepare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Assessment, Culturally Informed Care and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Supporting Individual Adults
While I work with adults struggling with a variety of issues, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals dealing with trauma, life transitions, women’s issues, and mood/anxiety disorders. My approach is informed by training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which I use to help clients manage emotions, develop coping strategies, and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. I also incorporate Person-Centered Recovery Planning to create individualized care plans that align with each person’s unique goals and values. Additionally, my training in Applying Harm Reduction to Drug Use and Family Therapy allows me to approach issues of substance use and family dynamics with compassion and flexibility, ensuring that each client receives care that honors their cultural background and personal experiences.
Supporting Teens
My work with teens (16+), often focuses on learning healthy ways to navigate conflict and boundaries within relationships. Sometimes this means supporting mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and accompanying emotions. This can also mean working to balance a growing desire for independence with the need for supportive family relationships. My training in Monte Nido DBT Skills, Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth, and Creating Emotionally Safe Environments in Therapy allows me to provide teens with the tools they need to thrive.
Treatment Approach
As a licensed marriage and family therapist my approach is rooted in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and social justice, enriched by my training in Cultural Practices in Healing, and Creating Emotionally Safe Environments in Therapy. In our sessions, every win, big or small, is celebrated. I use various therapeutic approaches, including systems theory, attachment theory, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), tailored to fit your needs. My work is grounded in evidence-based modalities, ensuring that therapy is a collaborative, empowering process. My training in couples counseling and culturally informed care allows me to create a safe, supportive environment where healing and growth can flourish.
Ready to Get Started?
I would be honored to spend some time getting to know you or your family, hearing about what you are experiencing, and how I might be able to support you. I know that reaching out takes bravery, and I will meet you with compassion, professionalism, and understanding as we navigate this together. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.
Please note that I am only available via telehealth.
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Bio
Training & Certification
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Levels 1 & 2
- Prepare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Assessment
- LGBTQ Safe Zone Training
- Monte Nido DBT Skills Training
- Psychological First Aid
- Motivational Interviewing
- The Power of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Cultural Practices in Healing
- Person-Centered Recovery Planning
- Creating Emotionally Safe Environments in Therapy
- Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
- Decolonizing and Harm Reduction Therapy
- Suicide Bereavement: What Helps? What Hurts?
- Applying Harm Reduction to Drug Use and Family Therapy
- The spirit of Harm Reduction
- Culturally Informed Care & Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Innovations in Couples Counseling
- Child Abuse and Neglect: A Comprehensive Approach to Trauma-Informed Care
- Inviting Responsibility: Standing Up Against Violence in Relationships
- Working Systemically With Parents and Caregivers of Trans, Nonbinary, and/or Gender Expansive Youth
- Improving Desire in Long Term Relationships
Internship & Employment
- Graduate Student Therapist, Northern Illinois University Couple & Family Therapy Clinic – DeKalb, IL
- Graduate Student Therapist, Wellington Counseling Group – Chicago, IL
- Registered Behavior Technician, BASES Autism Services – Eugene, OR
- Recovery Coach, Monte Nido & Affiliates Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Eugene, OR
- Substance Abuse Prevention Peer Educator, U of Oregon Office of the Dean of Students – Eugene, OR
- Student Advisory Board Chair, University of Oregon Counseling Services – Eugene, OR
Education & Degrees
- Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Northern Illinois University
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Trauma-Informed Counseling, Northern Illinois University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, University of Oregon
Professional Memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)
License
- WA DOH Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate MG61570533