Over the past 18 years, I have honed my specialties in addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Additionally, I am one of the few therapists in California who is trained in CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which is an empirically supported individual treatment for the loved ones of people struggling with addiction. I conceptualize cases through a psychodynamic and humanistic lens. My approach is individualized and centered around where an individual is at on their journey.
For addiction treatment, I use an alternative to the 12-step model that involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and harm-reduction techniques. I believe in empowering people to create personal changes and I use current empirical research to inform treatment. I do not subscribe to the idea that I know what is best and instead use a collaborative approach. Humor also plays an important role in healing and I incorporate it as often as appropriate.
For 10 years I also worked at a local crisis center. The crisis centers are 24-hour facilities that are a step down from a hospital. As a result of my time there, I am well-versed in crisis management and have considerable experience treating the chronically mentally ill.
I hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. For the past eight years, I have been a SMART Recovery facilitator where I run a weekly Family and Friends meeting. In my free time, I enjoy being physically active, appreciating new experiences, and advocating for animals as well as anything psychology related.
Professional Organizations
San Diego Psychological Association:
Board Member for 2021-2025
Member and former Chair of the Early Career Professionals Committee
Member of the Government Affairs Committee
Member of the Addictive Disorders Committee
California Psychological Association:
Member
American Psychological Association:
Member
SMART Recovery San Diego:
Trained Facilitator 2014 – Present