My Values and Identity

Gay, Lesbian, Queer

I am a queer-identified therapist focused on helping LGBTQ+ people with religious trauma and those coming out later in life, as I did. I also sometimes say I am a late-blooming lesbian. I am a cisgender woman.

Compassion

A good deal of psychological and emotional suffering comes from a lack of compassion for one’s self. We also usually benefit when we find compassion for others. We are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got, at any given time.

Integrity

I strive to be honest and clear in my communication, ethical in my actions and a person of my word. 

EXvangelical 

Like many therapists who work with religious trauma, I was raised in a religious environment. I grew up in the evangelical Christian church, sang in a worship band and went on mission trips. I deconstructed while in my early 20s (we didn’t have that term yet, at the time). I understand that being a born-again Christian is an entire mindset, culture and way of life, as are many fundamentalist religions. 

Connection

Humans need other humans, not just for safety and survival, but to generally feel okay. Attaching to others is normal, as is the pain we experience when those relationships change or end. Relationships are imperfect and complicated, but essential. 

Systemic Perspective

I recognize the systemic power structures that negatively impact many people for the benefit of specific others. I understand that not all problems are individual problems. I humbly acknowledge my privileges and strive to always remain curious and continue learning.

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My Style & Approach

Conversational

My style in sessions is, in many ways, like talking to anyone else. (If we decide together to use the EMDR therapy approach, therapy will take a different shape and be more structured at times.)

Authenticity

I do not work as a “blank slate.” I find it is easiest to connect when we are just being ourselves. However, the boundaries I keep are important, to keep the focus on you. Talk therapy involves an intentionally lopsided relationship, since it’s my job to take care of you and not the other way around.

Collaborative

After over two decades of being a mental health professional, I know a lot of stuff, but so do you. I will ask questions, make suggestions and observations, and point our work in certain directions, but you’ll help guide our work as well. You may have occasional “homework” between our sessions, which we will generate together. I value your feedback, and respect your unique experience and perspective. 

Experience and Orientation

  • BA, Psychology, UC San Diego
  • MS, Counseling (MFT Specialization), San Diego State University
  • CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: CA MFT52963
  • Professional member, AAMFT
  • Member of Queer and Trans Action Network (subgroup of AAMFT)
  • EMDR Trained
  • Trained in Gender Affirming Care
  • Professional directories include Psychology Today, TherapyDen, Secular Therapy Project, Reclamation Collective, Monarch, ProChoiceTherapists and BestTherapists.
  • Broad spectrum of experience including bereavement counseling, gender affirming care, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), senior mental health counseling, DBT skills teaching, and counseling military active duty and spouses. 
  • I practice from a client-centered lens, but draw from a variety of approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR therapy, and motivational interviewing to name a few.