About Me

I received my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. I gained therapeutic experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families while working at Mariposa Women & Family Center, Illumination Foundation and Pathways Community Services.  

My theoretical orientation includes Child Center Play Therapy, Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I incorporate flexibility as I may integrate other modalities that best match the needs of my clients. My approach is warm, thoughtful and non-judgmental while focusing on improving clients' emotional distress, communication, relationship building and conflict resolution. My goal is to provide a safe place where clients can explore concerns, work through challenges, feel empowered and on a journey towards well-being.  

I have received additional training in Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I continue to focus on advancing my clinical skills through various seminars and trainings. 

Prior to completing my M.S., I served two years in Cabo Verde, West Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer where I worked with children, adolescents and families in educational & community development.  I enjoy working with diverse groups and incorporate cultural and linguistic interventions.  

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT100262 & Registered Play Therapist, RPT3515

 

Special Training & Ongoing Learning

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Certificate of Proficiency (TF-CBT)
  • 4 Day Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT English) - Rebecca Jorgensen - Las Vegas, NV
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals: Creating Security Within & Between - Yolanda von Hockauf
  • 4 Day Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (T.F.E. Spanish) - Samuel Jinich, PhD - Berkeley, CA
  • Developmental Screening using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3) - Help Me Grow Orange County
  • Developmental Screening using the Ages & Stages Social Emotional Questionnaire (ASQ:SE) -Help Me Grow Orange County
  • Parent's Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) - Help Me Grow Orange County 
  • 40 Hrs. Domestic Violence Training Certificate - Human Options Orange County 
  • Bereavement (Grief & Loss) Certification
  • Play Therapy Certificate - University of California San Diego Extension
  • Registered Play Therapist (RPT) - Association for Play Therapy

Professional Affiliations 

  • Association for Play Therapy (APT)
  • California Association for Play Therapy (CalAPT)
  • California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
  • Orange County California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OCCAMFT)

 

You may verify my license here. 

  • “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Time spent playing with children is never wasted.” - Dawn Iantero
  • “Play is the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords.” - Erik Erikson
  • “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw
  • “Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein