My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and relational and I view therapy as a co-created relationship between therapist and client.

Our sessions are a non-judgmental space for self exploration, internal growth, and healing. Our sessions are also a safe space to ask questions, take risks, experiment, and find joy. My approach is always flexible to reflect the unique needs of each client and how I might support them best. I love to hear feedback on how our work is going for you and I encourage you to share your experience with me. In our work together, my greatest hope is that you find deep acceptance and love for the person you are at your core and experience joy in your life.

I believe in a holistic approach to therapy and healing – healing both the mind and the body. While we can gain much information about ourselves from analysis and a safe space for exploration, if we are not taking care of and tuning into our physical bodies, we can miss an important piece of the puzzle. I have a strong personal background in mindfulness and meditation and often use meditation for grounding in sessions and to help you connect with your body.

Individual Therapy in South Pasadena, CA

My therapeutic work is grounded in a combination of Psychodynamic Therapy, in which we make sense of how unresolved issues from your past can impact your present mindset or experience, Gestalt Therapy, focusing on your present experience in the here and now, and Relational Therapy, meaning that the therapeutic relationship we create together can be a catalyst for individual change and growth in and of itself. I find that these modalities complement each other and work well together. I am also Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed.

I am also a trained EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). EMDR is a psychotherapy technique designed to relieve distress and symptoms associated with disturbing memories.

Some of the common issues that I regularly see in my individual practice are:

  • ADHD

  • Motherhood

  • Relationship issues

  • Codependency

  • Parenting stress

  • Postpartum depression and anxiety

  • Climate crisis anxiety/grief

  • Trauma

  • People pleasing behaviors

  • Building self esteem

  • Self esteem

  • Burnout

Couples Therapy in South Pasadena, CA

Sometimes life gets complicated and we hit roadblocks in our romantic relationships. Life transitions such as moving in together or becoming a parent, while ultimately positive, can also be a source of stress causing constant bickering, fighting or shutting down. The very person we want to turn to in times of conflict becomes the person causing us pain and we can get locked into negative cycles of ineffective communication and loneliness. Maybe you’re tired of having the same fight over and over again or maybe you find yourself yearning for a deeper connection with your partner. Couples therapy can help.

As humans we are hardwired to seek connection and security in our relationships. My goal for the couples I work with is to create a safe container where you can repair broken bonds and deepen empathy, connection, and a sense of security between you and your partner. It can feel really scary to take the risk to begin couples therapy, a decision I understand on a personal level, but it can also lead to an incredible transformation in your relationship from feeling hopeless and stuck to thriving and secure. Let me help you and your partner feel like you’re on the same team again.

Some common issues that I regularly see in my couples practice are:

  • Communication issues

  • Lack of emotional connection

  • Premarital counseling

  • Frequent conflicts

  • Difficulty resolving issues together

  • Sex and intimacy

  • Parenting stress

  • Codependency/enmeshment

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transition

  • Infidelity/betrayal

  • ADHD affecting one or both partners

I have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and completed both the Externship as well as Core Skills Training for LA therapists.

Additionally I am a member of a bi-weekly couples consultation group for couples therapy in Los Angeles run by Sharon Thompson Wilson LMFT, a long-time mentee of Esther Perel.

FAQ

  • In the first session we will get to know each other and I will gather information about your background and explore the main issues you would like for us to focus on in therapy. This is also a great time to ask any questions you might have.

  • Individual sessions are 50 minutes long and it is recommended to meet on a weekly basis in the beginning to allow for us to build connection and to gain momentum.

    Some clients prefer longer sessions or bi-weekly sessions, which we can explore if this works best for you and your treatment needs. For clients with schedules that don’t allow for weekly sessions on the same day/time, we can discuss ways to schedule week by week.

  • Couples sessions are 50-75 minutes long and it is recommended to meet on a weekly basis in the beginning while you work on building emotional safety and security in your relationship. As you and your partner feel more secure you may want to switch to bi-monthly or as-needed sessions.

  • This depends on what you are trying to accomplish in therapy. For some clients who may have shorter term goals of working through one particular issue, this could look like a few months or a year. For clients who may have longer term goals, more than one goal and/or are hoping to engage in deeper work such as making sense of trauma, working on relationship issues or self exploration, this timeline may be longer. Ultimately it is your decision when you feel it is the right time for you to end.

    I invite you to bring it up as often as you’d like so that we can explore how you’re feeling about therapy, what you’ve accomplished and what you are still hoping to work on in our sessions.

  • Cancellations are required at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee. Once we have decided to work together on a regular basis, I hold the appointment time for you and I cannot give it away to another client. If you are able to give me notice, I will make every effort to offer you another time during the week so as to maintain the continuity of care.