Here's a little bit about my history as a therapist...
It's been nearly 15 years since I first became interested in studying therapy. I began practicing the scientific approaches to psychotherapy in 1997 and I was hooked from then on. I earned my Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2004 and I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#47653) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). I focus my practice upon the empirically-based and proven research methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I've seen these techniques consistently get results and I truly believe they are the most effective at creating positive long-term change.
How my therapy career began...
As a teen, I found myself reaching out to others and helping my friends navigate through difficult times in their lives. Connecting with people was very natural for me and I enjoyed understanding how people interact and behave. I knew from an early age that counseling was the direction I wanted to take my career in.
In 1997, I began my education in psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University with a major in General Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Two years into my bachelor’s degree, I decided to go an adventure and live in Spain for a semester to solidify my Spanish. I went to school full-time at Bilbao University and also interned at a center called "Tximeleta" (meaning butterfly in the Basque language). I was completely out of my element--I was traveling alone, living in an unfamiliar culture, and trying to establish myself without family and friends. I ended up learning so much while I was in Spain, both personally and professionally. It was an incredible experience whose lessons--developing relationships in a challenging environment, keeping a strong sense of self and growing personal confidence--I still draw on today and try to teach to my clients.
After receiving my undergraduate degree, I attended Alliant International University (also known as California School of Professional Psychology) in 2004. My graduate work was completed with a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, an in-depth education on all aspects of relationships. Through my undergraduate and graduate work, I spent over 3,000 hours with clients and attended weekly clinical supervision trainings. All of my education focused heavily on relationships to help prepare me for my career as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that education should be ongoing and even though my formal schooling is complete, I regularly attend trainings and seminars to ensure I have the newest, most effective techniques to share with my clients.
My dream has always been to work with clients in my own private practice. After graduating in 2004, I achieved my dream and currently work full-time at my private practice in San Diego, CA (centrally located in Mission Valley). I love what I do and would love to share my passion for therapy and commitment to results with you.
