Therapeutic Approach. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy and psychodynamic therapy. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, as I want to ensure that you are getting what you need out of your therapy experience. I realize that many therapeutic approaches/treatments were not created with diverse populations in mind, so I work to tailor therapy to fit your unique cultural lens, values, and identities. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space to help you identify and process emotions while creating healthier thought patterns and behaviors, which will ultimately lead to a healthier and more rewarding life.

In-Person vs. Online Therapy. I provide both in-person and virtual therapy. My office is located in the Mission Valley area of San Diego (near Fashion Valley Mall). Both modes of therapy have been proven to be effective. Given your symptoms, concerns, and scheduling, we can discuss which mode of therapy is right for you.

Duration of Treatment. I typically begin with weekly 45-60 minute psychotherapy sessions. Once you have reached some of your goals and are feeling better we can taper down to biweekly and monthly sessions. Life gets in the way sometimes, so I don’t require people to attend weekly appointments. However, weekly sessions do allow for more focused care. I tend to work with individuals who have significant histories of trauma and are looking to process these traumas. This type of work requires a strong relationship where you feel safe with me and have the coping skills to begin this work. Therefore, I typically work with people long-term (6+months). I do not require everyone to do long-term work. We can discuss the duration of treatment in more detail when we identify treatment goals.

Scope of Practice. Although I am trained to work with children and couples, I do not work with children or couples. Since I am an independent psychologist, I am not able to treat severe mental illnesses, such as individuals experiencing acute suicidal ideation, psychosis, mania, have an elevated risk of violence, or are incapacitated due to a mental health disorder. I do not prescribe psychiatric medication. If any of these become an issue while we work together, I will refer you to the appropriate setting.