Individual, Child, Teen, and Family Counseling and Coaching
Treatment for:
anxiety
depression
school related issues
grief and loss
life adjustments
tantrums
defiance
trauma
PTSD
improving self-esteem
Special Needs /IEP support
COVID-19 related challenges
Welcome!
I focus on creating a warm and friendly environment while working with parents, children, teens, young adults, and families. Therapy involves practical strategies from research-based counseling approaches. My aim is to help individuals and families, identify their strengths, improve their lives, and meet their goals.
During these unprecedented circumstances, I offer personalized strategies, troubleshooting, and emotional support for parenting stresses created by Covid. Common challenges during this time might include: establishing realistic learning plans, creating routines, facilitating safe and independent play, screen time limits, discipline, sibling challenges, and negotiating marital conflict. Please reach out if you want assistance and ask about the six session Covid support package.
I also offer therapy for teachers, administrators, families, and first responders that are coping with stress, trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. The modalities used in this therapy practice are very helpful for individuals in these professions because they teach self-regulation, coping tools, and communication skills. Additionally, due to my prior professional experience I bring empathy for individuals in these roles, and some understand the pressures they face.
The research-based therapeutic approaches that will be used in session are outlined below with video demonstrations
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
This method helps adults, children, and teens move forward from traumatic experiences by practicing coping skills while creating new narratives about their trauma.
This video is about Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Play Therapy
This modality uses interactive activities to foster appropriate expression, self exploration, healing and growth. Play and art can allow children (as well as adolescents and adults) to express themselves more fully. It can help to expose and untangle their emotional landscape and behavioral patterns in order to help them process and make sense of their lives.
Here is a video about Play Therapy.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
This program address defiance in children by strengthening the parent-child relationship and giving parents research-based parenting strategies that help children follow directions.
Here is a video about PCIT.
About Me
As a wife, and mother of two, I understand how challenging modern life can be. I truly enjoy working with individuals and families, helping them find practical solutions when navigating life's challenges. Parents, teachers, and other specialists, are partners as we work together in supporting a individual or family's needs.
I have worked with children and families of Santa Cruz County in various capacities since 2003. Prior to becoming an AMFT, my professional experience involved teaching elementary school for nearly a decade. I have been earning hours towards MFT licensure as a school counselor in elementary, and alternative high school settings. Since 2019, I have had the pleasure to be a clinician in private practice under the supervision of Aaron Williams.
Services I Offer
* Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, sessions are being held via phone or video conference.