I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Orange County. My passion & focus is within relational dynamics and couples therapy. I am fascinated by the data that shows lower stress levels & longer lasting lives correlated with positive relationships. Inversely, data shows that dysfunctional relationships cause more or even chronic stress and thus medical problems that may shorten lifespan.
 
In my multiple couples therapy & trauma informed trainings & investment in couples therapy research, as well as first hand experiences in couples counseling, I’ve cultivated a structured and research based way of aiding couples in working through blockages in their relationships, & into growth.
 
I tailor my practice to meet the needs of each unique couple with therapeutic orientations in EFT, Attachment, & Gottman Method Therapy. My experience ranges from couples & families from diverse socioeconomic statuses, to traditional & non-traditional gender roles, to household invisible/ mental load issues & parenting.
 

What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
 
I would say genuine curiosity and caring. I was born curious, and am ever-curious – this makes me an especially (or “super”) attuned listener. Listening is one of the most underrated superpowers of all time, but one of the key components of great therapy!
 
What is one thing that you have learned through your own therapy?
 
I’ve been in therapy since I was a teen. It has helped me understand myself in ways that equipped me with insight and tools to deal with the stressors and challenges. Life is a constant state of disillusionment and therapy is a tool that can help cope through times of reinvention and acceptance of challenges. In terms of relationships, my own therapy and couples therapy experiences have taught me that when words match action you can build trust in your partner.
 
What does a typical session with you look like?
 
In the beginning of therapy, understanding the reason clients have shown up is key. Understanding coping skills, attachment styles, family of origin concerns, and interests and clients as unique individuals, holistically, brings insight to my practice. I use the skills and tools I’ve learned in my practice to meet the couple or individual needs based on presenting concerns. Insight is very important for clients to have in order to be able to work towards creating desired changes and meeting goals. The action of meeting those goals means that my clients will be given relevant tools and skills that they can use in every day life to move closer to their desired outcomes.
 
Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
 
Only every day with my husband, step-daughter, and toddler! It sure does take a lot to manage a house, a career, 2 kids, and a relationship, but I try as much as humanly possible to utilize the therapeutic skills I’ve absorbed in order to make my life as enjoyable and wholesome as possible. That’s the point right?!
 
Practicing self-care where I can get it/ fit it in is important for my emotional and mental wellbeing in wearing all of those hats. My list of self-care activities includes hot yoga, playing my drums (I have some very patient neighbors :)), swimming in the ocean, drawing, watching docu’s and true crime, reading for enjoyment, and taking walks outside. If I can’t get to one of those things, I choose something I can get to.
 
If you could pick one or two books that influenced your approach to therapy what would they be and why?
 
WELL I’d love to share all the books I’ve read that have helped to influence my approach but I’ll pick two classics.

1. Hold Me Tight – by Sue Johnson – this book outlines how couples dynamics in terms of attachment and trauma can influence relationships. It also normalizes inter-dependence and vulnerability. Sue Johnson is responsible for one of the most research backed modalities of therapy called EFT (emotionally focused therapy). I utilize the art and process of EFT in my practice with couples. It helps for couples to gain insight into their relational dynamics and patterns, and also helps couples communicate in a more intentional way to create functional dynamics.

2. What Makes Love Last? – by The Gottmans (this is just one of the many books I’ve read of theirs – I’ve nearly read all of them) John and Julie Gottman are famous for their deep and rich research into couples dynamics and relationships. Their methods are also backed by longitudinal research studies and outline palpable ways in which couples can have a safe and happy relationship through working on improving communication, and deepening connection in a multitude of ways. They are my personal couples therapy heroes.
 
I am a certified Facilitator for The Gottman’s & Principles of Love and Marriage Training, and have completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman track method training. I have had the pleasure of meeting Julie Gottman for coffee in person and it was such a thrill.