Therapists in Pasadena, CA

"The best way out is always through." This famous Robert Frost quote is at the core of my approach. When we get stuck -- in a rut at work, in a stormy relationship, in a lukewarm marriage, with our children -- we suffer but are often unwilling to go to the heart of the trouble. Sometimes, we're not even aware of what the true issue is. All we can do is try to avoid the pain, skirt problems, even pretend we are fine. We are blocked by fear -- another word for anxiety. Together, we can walk slowly through that fear, and get to the other side.

My approach to therapy is one of active, yet gentle collaboration between therapist and client. My practice as a psychotherapist is to help cut through outdated narratives that often prevent us from creating the changes to live a satisfying and enriching life. I draw from my experiences working with individuals, couples, families and kids at a community mental health center, as well as at an elementary school. Additionally, I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and am a Prepare/Enright Premarital and Marriage Assessment Facilitator.

I possess a passion for helping others along their life's journey. In my work, I arrive with sincerity, humility, optimism, and professionalism. My purpose is to hold a safe space--- removed of judgment and bias--- in order to facilitate healing, growth and transformation, so one can fulfill their life's purpose. I serve infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations through an intersectional approach to client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally-attuned, evidence-based, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapeutic interventions. Individual, couples, and family therapy available.

I am very effective with children who have behavioral challenges due to trauma, pressures, family troubles, or unknowns. I easily connect with teens who struggle to fit in or feel understood so they can open up and allow me to help them. I empower young adults who are feeling anxious and/or depressed. I can guide couples to rekindle their passion and commitment for each other as two separate grounded individuals who choose each other on a regular basis. I guide adult individuals who are going through break ups to have major breakthroughs in their journey. Let's get you to wherever you want to be.