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Childhood is a prime age in which our human brain forms vital connections that influence all areas of human development: physical, emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual. These connections can develop into lasting patterns, habits, and modes of relating to ourself and the world. Unfortunately, not all patterns we learn are healthy and some can become adverse, leading to an “arrest” in our development. This means that at some point in our life we may begin to feel stuck, or as if despite our efforts, we are unable to thrive and flourish in life. Therapy is one of the ways to explore this and make meaning of it. My clinical approach tends to be holistic, involving body, mind, and soul/spirit. I am versed in the integration of spirituality and psychology – exploring the client’s faith with the practice of psychology to achieve optimal levels of understanding, meaning making, and internal healing. My work draws largely from a relational psychodynamic orientation and trauma-informed care. I am also experienced in CBT, DBT, and EFT. My dissertation involved clergy burnout and well-being. Thus, I also enjoy fostering the well-being of clergy, their spouse, and their family through my clinical work.

My clinical approach involves an in-depth exploration of childhood and I primarily work with adults. Sometimes the sense of feeling stuck can come from the misconception that past experiences cannot be resolved and adults may find themselves wrestling with this through adulthood. I strive to instill hope in my clients that though the experiences cannot be washed away from their past, in therapy they can create a new meaning for their experiences and work toward mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual reconciliation between their past and present so that they can finally move towards the future!

I completed my doctoral training at Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, and completed an APA-accredited internship at the Biola Counseling Center. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California Riverside.

Areas of Expertise: Childhood, Trauma, Generational/Cultural Cycles, Faith and Spirituality, Clergy Burnout, and Well-Being