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Most of my clients would describe me as an empath who is warm, caring, and non-judgmental. I often hear, that speaking with me is like speaking with a best friend. I utilize my education, experience, training and education to support you, and the situations/issues you face. I have an ecumenical spiritual belief system, which can be brought into session at your request. As a member of the LGBT+ community, being sober, and over coming clinical depression have only contributed to my therapeutic approach. I look forward to getting to know you, and working with you for the best possible outcome. Please contact me should you have issue with finding an available time to accommodate your schedule. I will do what I can to help you find a mutually agreed appointment.

Hi! I am a board certified DNP-PMHNP-BC. I started my career in traditional health practices as a Fulbright Scholar in Sochi, Russia. I presented my research at the US Embassy in Moscow. Following the completion of my grant I attended New York University (NYU). From there I completed a residency at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Following this I entered and completed my doctorate at USD University of San Diego, California with a focus on digital telehealth treatment for psychiatric care. I have a passion for working with the veteran population and those seeking care outside the box. I recently completed my facilitation for psychadelic assisted therapy and have an additional practice in Denver, Colorado. I enjoy yoga, swimming and all the water sports!

I hold compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive space where you will feel welcome and safe to explore and access deeply-held feelings, release emotional blockages, experience shifts, and gain clarity. I provide warmth as well as direct and honest insight. I have nearly three decades of experience working in various healing and teaching capacities with highly diverse populations of adults, children and families. My approach to therapy is relational and interactive, creating a comforting environment where you feel seen, heard, and develop tools to guide your progress and growth.

I’m an experienced licensed mental health counselor and I believe that meaningful therapy starts with a genuine human connection. The relationship between client and therapist is at the heart of my work and I strive to create a space that feels warm, comfortable, and free of judgment. I bring curiosity, compassion, and humor into the room and I focus on attuning to each client’s unique needs so therapy feels personal, collaborative, and real.

While I aim to be supportive and affirming, I also believe growth often requires gentle challenge. I work to help clients notice patterns, stretch beyond what feels familiar, and engage honestly with themselves—always at a pace that feels respectful and manageable. My approach is integrative and tailored to each person or couple I work with. I’m trained in EMDR and also draw from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic approaches. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, with areas of focus that include trauma, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, substance use, self-esteem, and identity. Whether you’re looking to heal, gain insight, or make meaningful change, I’ll walk alongside you with warmth, honesty, and intention.

I am a psychiatrist with years of further training and experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I treat a wide array of issues, ranging from anxiety, depression, grief, problems in intimate relationships, and chronic dissatisfaction to a general sense of malaise. I also work with patients who are experiencing confusion about their feelings and an inability to make important decisions, and who thereby feel stuck and unable to move forward. In addition, I help patients going through a crisis or a life transition that may lead to an increased burden of demands requiring change.

I work with patients to help them recount and revisit their life's story and create a new narrative that works better for them. In that spirit, I don't give overt advice, instructions, or quick solutions, but instead encourage them to arrive at their own solutions after carefully exploring the roots of their current problems.

I have a judicious approach to prescribing medications when warranted to support the work of therapy.

Is your life stressful and overwhelming? Are you ready to break self-destructive patterns and addictions? If your answer is yes, then help is at hand. Goal Focus Counseling Services (GFPS) incorporates faith along with psychodynamic intervention to give you an effective plan of action. Individualized attention is given to address persistent personal, relationship and work concerns. You and your family can express your feelings privately with someone who is supportive and non-judgmental. Our objective is to focus on goals to maximize your therapeutic experience. With over 20 yers. experience, we now offer video/phone sessions.

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

I like to utilize different therapies such as psychodynamic, CBT, ACT, person centered, and mindfulness to help clients achieve their goals. I have experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety and OCD, adjustment disorders, sexual and domestic abuse, anger management and mood disorders, personality disorders, and family/relationship issues. I also consider myself to be a culturally competent therapist, and have experience working with the Hispanic/Latino Community.