Counseling for teens, young adults and their families

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and enjoy working with a variety of clients. My primary background is helping with the issues of addiction, anxiety, stress, anger, parenting and trauma.

Addiction

I believe that addiction issues can be symptoms of underlying mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression,OCD, mood disorders and/or trauma.

Whether a person is using drugs, alcohol or food, or engaging in addictive behaviors, they are doing their best to cope with their symptoms. All those who are struggling with addiction issues deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. In order to get well, a safe supportive environment is essential to begin to heal and move forward in life.

I have worked as a therapist and life skills educator in both residential and intensive out-patient treatment programs.

I am currently work part-time in the Gracer Medical Group outpatient opiate and alcohol Detox Treatment Program.

Adolescents and Substance Abuse Issues

I have extensive experience supporting teens and their families as they navigate through the challenges of substance abuse and addiction. I believe that when an adolescent is struggling with substance use/abuse issues, the whole family is dramatically affected, and the whole family needs and deserves support.

Parenting

I have a State of California Adult Education Parent Education Teaching Credential. My experience includes working in the Mt.Diablo Unified School District as a parent educator as well as Parent Education Coordinator. As a parent educator, I  have supported families confronted with difficult and trying issues. I enjoy supporting parents on their parenting journey.

Education

B.S. Environmental Health Science, University of California, Berkeley
M.A. Counseling Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, Pleasant Hill

Additional Training/Certificates

Emotional Freedom Technique
Motivational Interviewing Certificate
Anger Management Certificate
Dialectical Behavior Certificate
Smoking Cessation Certificate, American Lung Association
Smoking Cessation Certificate, American Cancer Society
Certified Bradley Childbirth Educator

On Staff

Gracer Medical Group www.gracermedicalgroup.com
Casa Serena Eating Disorders Program www.casaserenaedp.com