Special Interests
Approach
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
Therapy Style
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.
Education
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
License Number and State
CA 120453
Pronouns
she/her
What are your interests outside of work?
Getting outside in nature, hiking, walks on the beach, collecting record albums and exploring places I've never been to.
What is one thing you do daily that supports your mental and emotional well-being?
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!
What book have you read more than once?
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.
How do you recharge?
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!
Do you have any pets?
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!
