Relational Therapists in Pasadena, CA

Experiences shape and form us in significant ways. We may be left with unresolved pain, feeling stuck, and with symptoms we cannot explain, such as depression, anxiety, bodily discomfort, etc. I would like to help you get unstuck and support you in living life more fully. Research in the areas of attachment/ neurobiology support making meaning of what has happened to us and the importance of doing so in a safe relational experience, such as therapy. In my training and professional work, I have come to believe that trauma and wounding experiences can take many forms, and also that healing and relief are possible.

For many of us, the challenges we face in our daily lives can be overwhelming, no matter what form they take. We find ourselves repeating the same unhealthy patterns, yet struggle to understand why. After a while we begin to lose trust in our judgement and grow distant from our intuition, finding it difficult to identify our own guiding voice. So we learn to cope through any means possible, which often emulate ways we have learned to protect ourselves. We find ways to run from the pain and our internal shame through substance use, unhealthy relationships, and other self-destructive behaviors.

Are anxiety and stress keeping you from living your life to your fullest potential? Are you feeling stress weighing on you internally or causing you to feel exhausted and hopeless? Together we will explore ways to grow, further develop self-acceptance and unearth traumatic experiences and daily stressors that are hindering you from achieving this potential. I will be available to provide an unbiased listening ear and warm spirit as you reimagine the life you want for yourself. In this safe and accepting environment, we will develop an action plan to better manage your unique symptoms and your life.

I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and relational issues. My training also includes working with the LGBTQ2s+ community I am a part of and those with nontraditional relationships. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am excited to meet with you. I am committed to collaborating with you on developing a treatment plan that fits your needs and therapy goals. I will hold a safe space in our sessions to allow you to work through your issues. Let me help you navigate life so you can live it to your fullest potential.

My clients are high-functioning adults and couples who privately struggle with injured self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and resentment in their relationships. When, as children, we experience mistreatment or dysfunctional family dynamics, our nervous system gets impaired - making it harder for us to feel good about ourselves and harder to have fulfilling relationships. My job is to help your nervous system heal from the burdensome hurts of childhood injustices, so we can reduce any chronic feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and dissatisfaction. My work aims to promote emotional healing and relational transformation for my clients.

If you are thinking about coming to therapy, chances are there is something going on that is prompting you to do so. Perhaps it is a stressful job or relationship; or you may be struggling with anxiety or depression. And, what may seem to be the "problem" on the surface could actually be related to something on a deeper level. As your therapist, I will work with you to try and understand what this deeper level is all about--all the thoughts, feelings and memories and the relationship they have to your current problem or situation.

I like working with Adults and Couples and use RLT (Relational Life Therapy) tools to help you find healthier ways to communicate. In addition, becoming aware of how your family of origin formed you can help provide self-understanding. My goal is to help you cultivate healthy relationships that will support you in the ups and downs of life. We all experience stressors and are juggling many demands that drain or overwhelm us. As a therapist I take an active and practical approach to guide you in finding the tools that help you grow in your path forward.

While trauma, chronic stress, and hardship can have a huge toll on our mood and functioning, they also provide a unique opportunity for exponential growth and building long-term resilience. Whether it is working through obstacles that often hold us back or detangling old patterns that keep us “stuck”, I work with clients at their own pace to create a compassionate space for self-understanding, healing, and meaningful change. My goal is to empower my clients to discover and live out the best versions of themselves as they define it.

I offer a warm and conversational approach to support individuals and couples in the process of exploration, reflection, and healing. Working collaboratively, I will help you bring awareness to the patterns of thinking or engaging with others that may no longer be serving you. By deepening your understanding of the roots and impact of these patterns and extending compassion towards the parts of yourself that developed them initially, you can begin to cultivate some space and freedom from their hold on you and live with more ease and clarity.

I assist individuals in overcoming their inner pain, and learning to face the challenges of life from a place of strength, compassion, and connection. As your ally in healing, I can help you process the emotions, memories and experiences that may underly your current suffering, so that you’re free to feel connected with yourself, with others, and with life. Sometimes past traumas become trapped in our bodies and minds, and we need help to feel safe in ourself and our relationships. My approach is based on these principles: Efficacy (I use Evidence Based modalities), collaboration, individualized care, and warm relational connection.

Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.

Whether you are seeking therapy for creative challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, or perinatal mental health concerns, in my work with clients, I bring a warm, intuitive, empathetic and connected presence. My goal is to empower clients to embark on a healing journey, discover their authentic selves, and challenge negative self-talk through self-awareness and community support. Using a strengths-based and relational dynamic approach, I strive to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to develop a more intimate relationship with their "inner selves."

Did you wake up this morning, feeling sad or with untold anxiety about starting your day? A day fraught with dealing with relational issues child(ren), your significant other, family members or others individuals? This be the day you pick up the phone to garner the support you deserve in making some much needed changes in your life. Help is but a phone call away.

Seeking therapy is a courageous starting point for pursuing more fulfilling relationships and life experiences. Your past and present circumstances do not have to define your identity. It is normal to experience uncertainty as you begin this process but I am committed to providing a safe space to explore your unique needs at your own pace. I am confident that we can collaborate to identify goals, clarify obstacles, and develop effective skills to promote change and improve your quality of life. My approach is best described as warm, empowering, and non-judgmental, but active and direct. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions.

When you’re experiencing the full chaos of living, it can be hard to find ways to meaningfully show up for yourself. As an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, my goal is to open a space for you to pause, take a breath, and feel understood as you connect with who you are and where you are in the moment. I work across the lifespan with children (ages 5+), adolescents, and adults looking for a safe and nurturing environment to explore their multifaceted identities, relationships, and past/current/future lived experiences.

I specialize in supporting successful professionals (particularly those in the helping and creative fields) navigating cycles of worry, perfectionism, and prioritizing others over themselves. Many of my clients deeply value harmony and connection, yet struggle to balance these with their own well-being. Together, we work to ease self-doubt, foster self-compassion, and embrace authenticity, aiming for greater ease and joy in their journey while honoring their personal needs and aspirations.

Healing is possible. No matter who you are, or what happened to you, you deserve to feel safe and at home in your body. You can create a life that is worth living.

Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, grief, or stress. Familial patterns or difficult relationships have you grasping for how to set and hold boundaries. You're an artist but are struggling with your chosen industry or considering a career change. You call yourself a "perfectionist" or "people-pleaser" and want to learn how to build self-compassion, let go, or increase your sense of agency. You're a couple wanting a change in your dynamic or looking to grow your communication skills. Regardless of what's bringing you to therapy, I commend you for showing up for yourself by taking this step.

Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.