Relationships help us to understand ourselves.
Who do you want to be in the context of your relationships?
There are different types of family units with varying needs and goals.
Families and support systems can be complex. Our work together will include whomever you define as part of your family or support system.
Families seek therapy for a variety of reasons:
- A crisis such as a death, divorce, an ending or a traumatic event
- Increased conflict or not seeing eye to eye
- A tune up such as improving communication skills or learning to navigate a situation differently
- Parenting support for new or ongoing family challenges or dynamics
Your goals for your family are not unreasonable.
- You want to feel more connected
- You want to have meals together without screen time
- You want to feel validated and understood
- You want to experience more trust with your family members
Families function as a system. There are also relationships within the system that might need special attention and support.
Navigating adolescence and young adulthood within a family system can be a stressful time.
The mood swings are bigger, the tension is higher, decision-making is different. Conflict will arise and communication will need modifications.
Adolescence can include changes with:
- Mood swings including irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep and eating habits
- Task completion including procrastination and avoidance
- Motivation and focus
The years of young adulthood and adolescence can be challenging to navigate. Simultaneously, they can be years during which you can develop more clarity, a growing awareness, and your voice and identity.
In working with teenagers, I understand the ups and downs that can occur during these times. I also understand how the ups and downs can impact the individual, the family unit and outside relationships as well.
We are social beings and our relationships can help or hinder who we are in the world.
Wondering what it might look like to work together?
Strengthening communication and connection is at the heart of my work. Developing these skills will be something we do together.
Your individual and family strengths will be identified. Your goals as individuals and as a family will be discussed and prioritized. Our work will include curiosity, humor and warmth.
I will teach you various tools to better navigate your family relationships. We can work to repair each relationship within your system as well. I want to support your family unit in functioning more smoothly as a whole.
Let me support and guide you in improving your way of relating.
Reach out today and let’s talk.
Learn More About How I Can Help You
You are worthy of living your best life. You deserve guidance and support. Allow me to walk alongside you, as you navigate this next path.
Individuals
Create a life that includes increased self compassion, meaning, and self awareness
Young Adults
Navigate your relationships and life choices with new tools, awareness, and purpose.
Families
Develop better communication as a path to creating more understanding and peace.
FAQs
In my opinion, there isn’t a bad time to start therapy. If you are considering therapy, it is probably a great time to see a therapist.
My bias is that it is best to start therapy before a crisis, but therapy can be helpful during challenging times. You can learn to navigate the situation differently and learn new coping skills to get through the ups and downs.
Finding the right therapist for you is important. There is evidence that the relationship you have with your therapist has a large impact on the effectiveness and outcome of therapy.
You might need to talk to a few therapists before finding one that works for you. It is important to feel supported, guided and also challenged. It can be helpful to ask questions of a potential therapist, including about their training and their approach to working with you.
As a therapist, I will look at your situation objectively. I will offer a safe and confidential space for you to process and explore issues and goals.
There are professional boundaries and ethical guidelines I will follow regarding confidentiality that a friend or family member is not bound by.
In addition to meeting with a therapist, support from family and friends can be incredibly helpful when safe and warranted.
We would determine the frequency of your sessions together. Some people attend therapy weekly, while others attend bi-weekly. We can always reevaluate and modify the frequency based on your needs and how you are doing.
I am considered an out of network provider. This means that I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide you with a monthly super-bill to submit to your insurance company.
Many insurance companies reimburse for out of network sessions. I would encourage you to ask your insurance company about reimbursement rates to see what your options are.
License:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker — LCSW #71329
Education:
- Masters Degree in Social Work — San Jose State University
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology — University of California, Santa Cruz
Training and Experience:
- Certified Trauma Professional Training
- Sleep Coach Training – UC Berkeley
- CBT for Psychosis – Felton Institute
- CBT for Eating Disorders – Stanford University
- Maudsley Method / Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders – Stanford
- DBT training and group facilitator
- Field Instructor for MSW Interns – San Jose State University
Get in touch with me
