Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Harm reduction, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Motivational interviewing (MI), Solution-focused, Strengths-based
I specialize in treating survivors! So many of us have endured abuse, trauma or self-induced addictions. Many of us are haunted by our past or stuck in our current situations. How do we balance our hectic lives emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually? How do we find peace, happiness and fulfillment, or at least the absence of anxiety and depression? If you are not happy with your life, sometimes a little help is all it takes. Let me assist you in doing more than just surviving, but in thriving and finding your best life!
My experience includes: addiction counseling, intervention, veterans with PTSD, same-sex couples, families. Also I have facilitated groups with the following issues: Anger Management, Parenting, Domestic Violence, sexual trauma survivors, various mental health disorders and health issues.
My own experiences have shaped me into the compassionate, caring therapist I am today. From growing up in an alcoholic family, to two adult children that are multicultural and one in a same-sex relationship. I experienced two long-term marriages, lost two sons; one at birth and an accident took the other. Most recently I have survived breast cancer.
AS - Human Services, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
BA - Liberal Studies, Antioch University, Santa Barbara
MA - Clinical Psychology, Antioch University, Santa Barbara
Certificate, Addiction Counseling, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
Certificate, Domestic Violence Counseling, Domestic Violence Solutions, Santa Maria, CA
Internship, Elements Counseling Group, Inc., Santa Maria, CA
Internship, Santa Barbara Crisis Mental Health Residential
CA 120453
she/her
Getting outside in nature, hiking, walks on the beach, collecting record albums and exploring places I've never been to.
Meditation, talking to my adult kids on the phone and playing with my puppies is very helpful for me! I can't help but be happy when my fur babies jump on me with their unconditional love!
One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant. This book helps me review myself at different stages of my growth and keep learning things about myself.
Reading, thrift store shopping for record albums and walking in my neighborhood, which includes the ocean and the beach about two miles from my home. Just the sound of the waves helps me feel serene and grateful!
My puppies are my joy! I would take them everywhere with me if I could! My oldest all white long hair chihuahua is Angel Baby. I got her when my youngest left for college, and she's also been there for me as I went through cancer treatment. She's such an incredible source of unconditional love and healing!
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