picture taken by me in Pitown / Nov. 2021

Welcome all!

I am a graduate student seeking a practicum position.

I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling through Adler Graduate School. I am looking for a practicum where I can provide grounded, compassionate support in both 1-on-1 sessions and group settings. I am a resident of Joshua Tree and love the rugged beauty and mountains of the Morongo Basin!

Professional headshot

About Me

Personal headshot

A few years ago, I decided to start graduate school with the goal of becoming a psychotherapist. This has been a radical change for me - I am currently a design engineer working in the aerospace industry. Engineering taught me how to look at complex systems and track down root causes beneath surface symptoms, which is exactly how I approach therapy. I finished my counseling classes at Adler Graduate School and am ready to help people become the best possible version of themselves!

Therapy Philosophy

I believe the ability to identify, skillfully express, and integrate emotional experience is the key to a fulfilling life for the individual and a more beautiful world for us all.

When we are in-session, we'll explore the whole life system, which includes family background, environment, and pressure is dealt with. I am primarily drawn to 4 approaches to therapy: Existential, Gestalt, Somatic, and Group.

Existential

Existential therapy encourages us to examine how we deal with the four truths of human existence: death, isolation, the meaning we give to life, and freedom.

Gestalt

Gestalt therapy can be summed up with the famous quote by the great Fritz Perls: "Lose your mind, and come to your senses." In other words: trust, feel, and validate feelings rather than intellectualizing them. Focusing on what's happening in the present moment is key. Awareness, in itself, can be healing.

Somatic

Somatic therapy prioritizes paying attention to one's body. Stress and anxiety show up physically - learning how to read those signals and calm your nervous system is essential. Remember: the body keeps the score.

Group Therapy

I also love group therapy. Just observing other people work through their emotions can have a powerful healing effect. An emotionally safe group environment can allow us all to see our common humanity.

Whether we're doing one-on-one work or group work, my job is to calmly hold space, maintain solid boundaries, and explore how you can reach your greatest potential, regardless of your past experiences.

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