Authentic Living Therapy

Everything about you makes sense and you are not broken

I believe that each person is on a unique journey through life, with every experience combining to influence the vital human being we become, whether these experiences are joyful or unpleasant, or all the possibilities in between. Many times the journey becomes a struggle to avoid the unpleasant experiences, the uncomfortable yet unavoidable parts of life. This can lead to suffering, a dimming of our own personal vibrancy, unworkable patterns in our relationships with ourselves and others, and feeling stuck in life in a way that may appear impossible to move from. I believe that no person is broken, no one needs to be “fixed,” and that everything a person does and feels makes sense given their individual life experiences. I regard a healthy, vibrant, and empowered existence as one in which each human is able to live with radical acceptance for whatever life brings, while continuing to move towards a values-based core of vitality and personal strength. This, in turn, can help reduce and limit pain and suffering. And I believe everyone has that power within them and would be honored to help you discover that for yourself.

Relationships are essential in finding our personal vibrancy. I view my role as one of a collaborative ally through whatever part of your journey you are on, illuminating possibilities and joining you in creativity, compassion, and occasional humor as you head toward the growth you desire, while helping you find the voice you may not know you have. My main ther**eutic approach is a mindfulness-based therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also have had experience and training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and have co-led DBT groups. I also utilize and have experience with client-centered approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and existential ther**eutic approaches. I have been providing counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, and adolescents since 2009, helping clients with a spectrum of issues, including, but not limited to, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, r**e and sexual trauma, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, suicidality, self-harm, relationship difficulties, and life transition issues. I hold a Masters of Arts degree with emphases on Clinical Psychology and Professional Clinical Counseling from San Jose State University, and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies from San Jose State University.