About Me:
​
We all have a story. My story of my own mental health crisis is the one that lead me to my own healing journey over twenty years ago. That journey has now lead me to helping others as they struggle through mental health challenges and/or the challenges and struggles of life in general. I’ve been there myself and know the darkness, the loneliness, the hopelessness and pain. You are not alone in your struggle.
In my early twenties, I battled with severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, performance and social anxiety all of which lead me down the path in search of healing, self discovery, meaning and purpose. My own therapist during those times helped show me the light again and there’s nothing more than I can think of doing than being here for those that are struggling in the darkness as their companion back into the light.
​
As a therapist, I have worked in various locations and with many populations within the mental health field. Most recently, I have worked with those battling serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar, active psychosis, major depression, anxiety, and P.T.S.D. Some clients were actively suicidal and/or demonstrating suicidal ideation along with self-harm behaviors. I've worked with dual diagnosis clients who not only suffer from mental health challenges but also with substance use issues or other addictions. In addition to working with individual clients, I've worked with the families/spouses/children of those living with someone with mental health challenges offering additional counseling and support.
Prior to getting licensed as an M.F.T., I worked for over 8 years as a Massage Therapist that added Reiki and other energy work into my session. While working in this field, I began to encounter many clients who experienced intense emotional releases during our session together. I was used to this as my experience up to this point in my life mainly involved working with the body (or energy body) of someone whether through bodywork, teaching yoga, dance, and even being a personal trainer for a bit of time. I had myself witnessed and had experienced major healing and release through massage, strenuous physical activity, dance and yoga.
​
After working in the massage field for a number of years however, I felt stuck and restricted in what services I was able to provide. I wanted to be able to do more and really connect my knowledge of the body and spirit and bring it forward into the world of mental health. I then began my trek into becoming a licensed psychotherapist. Now my work involves looking at each individual in a holistic way addressing all areas of the individual, not just the mind.
​
Other than my enjoyment of helping others, I love anything and everything to do with animals. I have a dog of my own Eli, a foster failure of mine yet again.:) I love going to the beach, camping, salsa dancing, reading, horse back riding, boating and anything to do with being outside in the sunny San Diego weather. I also love to travel and explore the world and other cultures. Travel is what inspires me and rejuvenates me to continue doing the work that I love.
​
​
Education/Training:
​
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, (M.F.T.) /Argosy University, CA
​
Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion/Exercise Physiology/University of Cincinnati
Holistic Health Practitioner Program, H.H.P./Holistic Counseling /Body Mind College, (400 hours of training)
Massage Therapist Certification Training/Body Mind College- (500 hrs of training)
In practice for over 8 years in California
​
Shamanic Practitioner Program/JourneyQuest under the teachings of Mara Clear Spring Cook
​
Reiki Master- Level 3, Usui Lineage/Academy of Holistic Health, OH
Motivational Interviewing, (M.I.) Training (thru CRF) 2015
Dialectical Behavior Treatment (D.B.T.) Training (thru CRF) 2015
​
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (C.B.T.) Training (thru CRF) 2015
​
Strengths Based Case Management Workshop with Richard Goscha in June 2015, Co-Author of the book, “The Strengths Model.”
​
Intuitive Training MasterMind Classes for over 6 years taught by Cynthia Langston/Cincinnati, OH
​
Former Ashtanga Yoga Teacher- Completed Teacher Trainings under David Swenson, Tim Miller and Larry Schultz
​
​
Professional Organizations:
​
Member of the C.A.M.F.T. (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)
​
​
​
