My Approach to Therapy

Everyone deserves to be heard, feel understood, and have space for self-reflection. I aim to be a compassionate listening ear and a safe sounding board for my clients. I am knowledgeable and affirming of queer identities and neurodiversity and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming space for individuals of all identities and backgrounds.

I draw upon a number of therapeutic frameworks including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as culturally sensitive, existential, and collaborative approaches. I integrate these to develop a unique therapeutic style for each person I work with.

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I believe one key to psychological well-being is learning to find a balance between acceptance and change. I use compassion and curiosity to discover, alongside my clients, areas of their lives where they can influence change as well as areas that are outside of their control. I find that intentionality, connection with one's body, time outside, and contemplative practices - such as meditation - can be profoundly helpful in finding that balance.

I have been told that my presence is one of warmth and humor that puts others at ease. I value authenticity and I believe this comes through in my work with clients. Whether working with someone over a few sessions to address one or two key concerns or diving in longer-term to explore more deep-seated patterns, I strive to establish a relationship of trust and collaboration. From there, I can guide my clients in experimenting with new ways of approaching their challenges. I enjoy finding ways to translate words into action because what happens between appointments is just as important as what gets discussed in sessions.

Assessment & Evaluation Process

I approach psychological testing as a collaborative process of self-exploration, using tools that have been carefully developed and researched. Whether you are concerned about specific difficulties or are just seeking a deeper self-awareness, I can help you pinpoint your questions and will select psychological tests best suited to answer them. I believe in embracing and affirming neurodiversity and as such use a strengths-based approach to highlight ways my clients can work with, not against, their wiring.

My Background

I was raised in the Mountain West and grew up playing in snow and scrambling up desert rocks, which cultivated in me a deep love of the natural world. My other early passions in music, theatre, and dance all connected me with people and stories and taught me about the rich complexity of emotion.

I moved to the Pacific Northwest for college and eventually completed both my master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology at Pacific University in Oregon. My graduate research focused on the interplay between gender roles and mental health, and my clinical training was in outpatient anxiety and OCD care, justice-integrated recovery, and community college mental health. During my pre-doctoral internship at the University of San Francisco and postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, I fell in love with the unique alchemy of the Bay Area and decided to put down roots. After the birth of my first child, I left my position as an emergency department consultant with Kaiser and launched my own practice in 2017. Based in California, I am also licensed to practice via telehealth in Colorado and Wyoming.

Spending much of my life in a series privilege bubbles, my awakening to the true nature of systemic oppression took time. Over the years, and with the help of my family and community, I came to see the devastating impact of embedded marginalization around every corner. I feel it's crucial to confront the structural inequalities my ancestors helped create and take action where I can to foster inclusivity and cultural humility.

I practice what I preach when it comes to work-life balance, so I spend as much time as possible playing with my kiddos, developing my green-thumb, walking, and enjoying music and meals with family. I also enjoy getting lost in audiobooks, podcasts, TV shows, and the occasional video game, particularly those that appeal to my inner sci-fi fan and history nerd.

Licensure and Credentials:

Licensed Psychologist #27730, California Board of Psychology since 2015
Licensed Psychologist #0006775, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies since 2025
Licensed Psychologist #876, Wyoming Board of Psychology since 2025
Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) #19764, Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards since 2024
Certified Health Service Psychologist #77594, National Register of Health Service Psychologists since 2025

Professional Affiliations:

International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF)
Collaborative Assessment Association of the Bay Area (CAABA)
Therapeutic Assessment Institute