Training and Education

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Before becoming a therapist, I was a yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. These eastern traditions showed me that both the physical and energetic body play an important role in wellbeing. Inspired by these body based practices, I decided to complete a two-year professional training in the Hakomi method — a mindfulness based psychotherapy practice that incorporates body awareness and movement.

To better understand trauma treatment, I was trained in EMDR, which uses bilateral stimulation to help desensitize clients to overwhelming and traumatic experiences. Additionally, I have completed the certificate program in Somatic Experiencing® (SE), which focuses on bringing awareness to nervous system patterns and renegotiating traumatic experiences through the body.

I was privileged to be able to observe parent and baby groups during my clinical internship at The Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center (Secure Beginnings) to understand secure connection and development. During this internship I received training in modern attachment theory and learned how early relationships with parents and caretakers impact future relationships. In my personal and therapeutic experience I have discovered that bringing awareness to how past relationships impact current relationships is a powerful tool towards growth and change in interpersonal relationships.