California Psychotherapy
Welcome.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) specializing in depth-oriented somatic therapy for adults and teens. I practice in-person therapy in Ojai and Telehealth throughout California.
"We don’t heal in isolation; we heal in connection."
ESTHER PEREL
ABOUT
MY APPROACH
My practice is grounded in a compassionate understanding of the complexities of life. My perspective is that we are all doing our best with what we have; the patterns that bring you to therapy are not evidence that something is wrong with you; they often began as intelligent ways of adapting, protecting yourself, or staying connected. And so, my job is not to fix problems; it is to be emotionally present with you while you navigate life's seasons and the patterns you are ready to outgrow.
Our work begins with a close listening and paying attention what you are experiencing in mind and body. Together, we explore the roots of your concerns; particularly the attachments, relationships, and personal narratives that continue to shape how you understand yourself.
Therapy with me is warm, honest, intuitive, and often includes humor. Rather than taking a blank-slate role, I show up as a real person and an engaged collaborator. Through my doctorate in Depth Psychology and Somatic studies, I am specialized in working with unconscious material through awareness of the body, dreams, images, myths, ritual, and personal narratives. Because I tend to recognize underlying patterns and move toward meaningful material quickly, this approach may especially suit those who are curious about themselves and ready to engage deeply.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
I specialize in culturally responsive therapy for multicultural clients, immigrants, and children of immigrants, and I provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples.
Issues I specialize in:
- Attachment
- Anxiety and depression
- Biracial identity
- Burnout
- Creativity
- Dreams
- Family issues
- Infertility
- Life transitions and personal growth
- New parents & postpartum
- Perfectionism
- Relationships
- Trauma PTSD/CPTSD
EDUCATION & TRAINING
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PhD in Depth Psychology with an Emphasis in Somatic Studies
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MA in Counseling Psychology
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BA in Psychology, Specialization in Developmental Psychology
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BA in Fine Arts
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Clinical Training at UCSB Counseling and Psychological Services and Ojai Unified School District
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Council training levels 1 & 2, Dyadic Council at Topa Insititute (The Ojai Foundation)
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Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference by Dan Siegel through UCLA Extension
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Non-Violent Commnication
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Infant EduCarers
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
My professional background spans nearly two decades of work with children, adults, and families in private homes, schools, universities, community organizations, and clinical settings. Early in my career, I supported families with newborns and young children in the United States and abroad. That work offered a close view of family life in many forms and taught me to approach parents and children with patience, flexibility, and respect.
My community work has included creating arts-based programs for young people, developing a summer-school initiative for at-risk adolescents, and supporting children and families in transitional housing and family-court settings. As a psychology and inclusive-language consultant, I have conducted linguistic analyses for school districts, academic publishers, and government agencies, translating complex psychological and cultural ideas into clear, accessible language.
Clinically, I have provided psychotherapy in a university counseling center, public schools, and group-practice settings. My experience includes working with adolescents, college students, adults, couples, survivors of interpersonal violence, high achievers, and people in creative professions. As an artist, former dancer, and high-achiever myself, I understand the creativity, vulnerability, perfectionism, and pressure that can accompany an ambitious life. My background formed my perspective to see clients not as diagnoses, but as whole people shaped by their relationships, cultures, histories, imaginations, and aspirations.
FEES
You are entitled to a good faith estimate of therapy costs. I provide one before we begin working together.
GET IN TOUCH
Finding a therapist to work with is personal. Reach out for a complimentary 20-minute consultation to explore whether we may be a good fit.
