Associate Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #135201
Supervised by Monica Valdivia Aguilar, Licensed Marriage + Family Therapist (LMFT 41352)
"The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy." ~ Pema Chödrön
My work at Flourish focuses on the following areas: coaching parents – including parents whose children are developing their gender and sexual identities, working with women who are launching their children into the world and out of the home, supporting young adults as they make transitions, and helping those who are juggling the complex issues of caring for their own children and their aging parents (“the Sandwich Generation”).
As a mother raising two teens, one who is in college and one who is transgender, I am acutely aware of how complex and disorienting it can be for parents today, and I am passionate about helping parents be better parents.
By getting in touch with our inner worlds, we can explore faulty ways of thinking and potentially unhealthy belief systems. And through this process, we can deepen our connections with family members, friends, and most importantly – ourselves. I subscribe to a culture of empathy and believe that when clients feel seen, heard, and validated, they are empowered to actively participate on their journeys of growth. These are challenging times, and we don’t have to do it alone. Together, we will develop the skills and strategies to manage the stress of the multiple demands in our lives and restore our sense of purpose.
Drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches that are client-centered and humanistic, I use research-based techniques to challenge unproductive and unhealthy thinking. I provide the space for individuals to feel safe and to process overwhelming feelings that get in the way of being our authentic selves. I lean on the growing body of knowledge around neuroscience and the role that chronic stress has on our emotional, social, and physical well-being.
In addition to a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, I hold a Master of Science in Gerontology and a Master of Health Administration, giving me the education and professional experience to support adults dealing with a variety of issues.