“I try to take a very comprehensive approach in addressing all aspects of mental health; I like to focus on everything from one's past, present struggles, and physical health issues (including sleep and diet).”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
I began with an undergraduate degree in psychology because I have wanted to be a therapist/counselor since I was a child. I was very research-oriented at the university level and I started practicing at an addiction clinic as an intern. Eventually, I moved over to community mental health so I could serve underprivileged populations and address all mental health issues. I have managed to work my way up to a supervisor role where I oversee other clinicians.
What should someone know about working with you?
I try to take a very comprehensive approach in addressing all aspects of mental health; I like to focus on everything from one's past, present struggles, and physical health issues (including sleep and diet). I firmly believe that these are all pieces of each individual’s mental health puzzle.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I am constantly reading psychotherapy and psychology-related books.
How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?
I like to work collaboratively with my clients to address their mental health issues. They are the experts on themselves and are in full control of how therapy proceeds. I use my training and background as a way to help my clients become the version of themselves that they want to be.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I'm excited about how open the general population is becoming to recognizing and addressing mental health issues.
Have you done any research-based work that you found particularly exciting? How does it inform your practice today?
I have done research on how depression can affect the content of one's dreams and how social media can negatively impact one's mental health.
“If someone doesn't feel well physically, it is also likely that they are not happy.”