About

I began my training as a therapist working in community mental health at a non profit providing behavioral support therapy for adolescents living in group homes and shelters. I stayed working at this agency for 6 years and during that time held many clinical roles. I became a licensed clinician, launched a private practice, and started spending summers near Yosemite as a summer camp therapist. After 6 years at that non profit, I transitioned and worked at another agency providing school based IEP mandated services for youth for 3 years. I've maintained my private practice ongoing since 2011.

My healing journey began when I was 10 years old struggling with severe illness. After multiple misdiagnosis and several doctors I eventually was diagnosed with kidney disease and lupus. This was the beginning of my education about the relationship between the body and mind, the allopathic medical system, and having a disability. Having an auto immune condition would shape so much of my life to follow as it impacted my sense of self, all of my relationships, my mental health, and of course, my daily functioning.

Prior to this I was a creative sensitive child who loved reading, arts and crafts, dance and being in the water. As my development continued these interests remained and expanded. I was drawn towards philosophy and history, curious about culture and religion, and specifically interested in nature based spirituality. These natural inclinations were then woven into my experience managing chronic illness. I sought out holistic and traditional medicine when allopathic medicine did not have answers. This led me towards Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic which really opened my mind as a young person to holistic models of health and shifted my health paradigm. I benefited greatly from the eastern wisdom traditions. Parallel to this I started to engage in a variety of energy work practices and seeing shamanic healers. All of this while in high school.

When it came time for college I chose to pursue a degree in Anthropology with a focus in medical anthropology and holistic health. Concurrently I was metal smithing and making jewelry. My fascination with disease, culture and spirituality continued as I worked as an artist with a small business and bartender to pay bills. Eventually I decided I wanted to work in deeper service with people and decided to further my education. When I discovered both Transpersonal and Somatic psychology I felt I’d found the confluence of all of my interests and life experience coming together. I enrolled in a holistic MA program to study both and get my masters in Counseling Psychology. Within my degree I took a special group of courses focused on Buddhist and existential psychology. I thoroughly enjoyed this education and began my work as a therapist while in school.

My first job was as a therapeutic behavioral services provider working with teens and over the course of 9 years in non profit mental health worked a variety of jobs. When I became in licensed 2011 I started a private practice and for some time did both. I’ve kept my private practice running since. Additionally I started doing contract work in summer camp communities and other space where folks gathered for growth and healing. This allowed for me to incorporate my love of nature and being out of doors with the healing arts.

One thing I cherish about being a therapist is how dynamic and growthful the work is. I’ve sought a variety of education with body work, energy healing, sound therapy and many more over the years that inform how I care for myself and how I provide care for others. I’m grateful to have been born and raised in the Bay Area and how much is available to learn from formally and informally.

MA in Counseling Psychology, Specialization in Transpersonal and Somatic Therapy 2004-2008

Completed Linda Thai Somatic Embodiment course

Trained in Acutonic Sound Therapy, Levels 1-5

Trained in Tua Na Fundamentals (Chinese Energetic Massage Bodywork)

Trained in Tua Na for the Chakras

Trained in Chi Ne Stang, Level 1 (Chinese Abdominal Organ Massage)

Completed Body Keeps The Score online training

Completed Body Keeps The Score in person training

IFS level 1 online training

Holistic Life Navigation 6 week course online with Luis Monica

Dedicated Practitioner of yoga and meditation for 30 years

Completed 4 week Flower Essences for Trauma Healing training

Qualified to provide supervision to MFT and LSW trainees and interns

Qualified to provide mental health first aid/crisis response

I love opportunities to incorporate mental health support in the wilderness. Additionally, I have been a practitioner of sound therapy and vibrational healing for the past 14 years, providing sessions for individuals and groups. For psychotherapy clients that are interested in adding sound healing as a complimentary treatment to therapy sessions, it can be incredibly soothing and helpful for nervous system regulation, and for integrating material processed in therapy session.