Values

My understanding of therapy is inextricably bound to my understanding of social justice. I believe that change happens in relationship, whether that’s on an individual or societal level

I believe that together we can recognize how systems of oppression have made us sick while allowing ourselves to claim our own growth and healing. I hope to wade with you through the messiness of your complex reality and help facilitate movement towards liberation, as you define it.

My therapeutic stance is driven by values of anti-oppression, feminism, community, and respect. I may be an especially good fit if you are on a personal journey with your identities and/or unlearning internalized oppression (e.g. transphobia, homophobia, racism, ableism). For many folks, that can look like exploring substance use, trauma, relationship patterns, body image, mood concerns, anxiety, or stress.

Approach

My style is relational, flexible, person-centered, and humorous. I believe in your inherent capacity and aspire to be radically present with you as you manifest the life that you want to lead.

I specialize in depth-oriented psychotherapy with folks on the margins (e.g. trans/gender-expansive, queer, BIPOC, chronically ill and/or disabled, immigrants) and flexibly apply evidence-based techniques that I have cultivated over years of training across a range of medical and mental health settings.  

For those of you who love the jargon – I have training in and integrate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and others. While I value what I have learned, none of it outweighs the expertise you have on your own experience.

Experience

I received my Masters of Science and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium and completed my predoctoral internship at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School with a focus on Adult Outpatient and Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration. I also completed a postdoctoral fellowship specializing in the Continuum of Care for Addiction and Trauma at the Palo Alto VA Healthcare System where I founded a multi-tier multicultural program in Addiction Treatment Services.

The focus of my clinical career has been on marginalized populations who experience chronic disease, trauma, addiction, and suffering in the context of intersecting systems of oppression. That has resulted in experience in a variety of settings including community mental health specialty clinics (e.g. Gender and Sexuality, Latine Mental Health), integrated hospital settings (e.g. Infectious Disease, Liver, Primary Care), as well as general outpatient mental health clinics and an eating disorder enhanced outpatient program.

Lastly, I have co-authored book chapters, facilitated workshops, and provided trainings on race and gender in the therapeutic space as well served as Chair of American Psychological Association’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (CSOGD).