Why I Became a Therapist

I became a social worker because I was drawn to easing emotional pain and helping people feel more connected to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. I care deeply about mental health because it's often invisible and misunderstood, yet it shapes so much of our lives—from our relationships to how we see ourselves and navigate the world.

Growing up in Los Angeles, surrounded by a rich mix of cultures, languages, and perspectives, shaped how I show up as a therapist. I value openness, respect, and curiosity, and I work to create a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

I want therapy to feel like a real conversation—one that's supportive but also willing to go somewhere challenging. My approach combines warmth and genuine connection with clinical expertise. That means noticing patterns, exploring what's underneath them, and offering direct, thoughtful feedback while honoring who you are and the experiences that have shaped you.

My Experience & Training

I earned bachelor's degrees in History and English from UC Davis before completing my Master of Social Work at USC. I've worked with young adults, adults, and older adults across a range of clinical settings, including UCLA's Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Today, alongside my private practice, I work in UCLA's Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program, providing specialized care for individuals navigating complex mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.

My clinical work is grounded in evidence-based treatments. I'm certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have completed extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech. I also hold the Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International, which includes specialized training in perinatal loss and complex reproductive experiences.

My additional training includes Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment for trauma, and Positive Affect Treatment (PAT), which focuses on helping people reconnect with pleasure, motivation, and positive experiences when those have become difficult to access.

I'm always learning, staying curious, and incorporating new research and approaches into my work. I believe effective therapy requires both a strong clinical foundation and the flexibility to recognize that no two people need exactly the same thing.

A Little More About Me

When I'm not working, I'm usually chasing my two young kids around, staying up too late reading (I'm in a book club!), or attempting to bake and cook—with mixed results.

I've been with my husband since our college days, and we still make each other laugh. Most of the time.