Therapy for Therapists

We therapists spend our days witnessing pain, validating others, and treating the tender issues affecting our clients. It is unquestionably rewarding work, but it can also be challenging and confusing.

CONTACT ME

It is truly a privilege to work with other therapists in my practice. I genuinely love what I do and feel fortunate to help people in the ways I can. My gratitude for having this career transcends words, and I am appreciative for everything I have learned (and continue to learn) from my clients.

My theoretical approach is rooted in psychodynamic, attachment-based, and AEDP-oriented frameworks. I engage in trauma-focused and depth-oriented care that prioritizes unconditional compassion and safety above all else. Together, we form our own unique relationship- it is ours, and it can never be replicated. This can be your container for developing insight, feeling supported, and making transformational changes.

Career Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is complex and can feel deliberating for new therapists. At the beginning of our careers, we care so much about doing well. And yet, we often feel overwhelmed with what to do and how to do it. Imposter syndrome can also be amplified by low self-esteem, high caseloads, unsupportive supervision, and perfectionism. 

I embrace helping therapists understand their imposter syndrome and achieve more compassion for themselves. Together, we’ll explore your triggers and patterns and develop new ways to cope with the challenges of this career. 

Complex Trauma

So many therapists have histories of complex, developmental trauma. I very much believe that harnessing our lived experience can make us better therapists, as it can foster greater empathy and understanding of other's pain. And yet, unresolved trauma has such a deep and insidious way of pulling at us when we work with clients.

I embrace a non-pathological, safety-first approach to treating trauma. At the core, it's all about going slow to go fast. I am well-versed in psychodynamic and attachment-based interventions to treat trauma. I also embrace using the structural dissociation model for clients who experience dissociation symptoms or other feelings related to “feeling fragmented” professionally and personally.

Substance Use

Substance use often overlaps with themes of shame, stress, and anxiety. It can come in many shapes and forms, but it can certainly progress without effective intervention. 

Before working in my own practice, I spent several years working in treating all levels of acute substance use, including detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care. With that, I deeply understand the intersection between substance use and mental health, and I am continuously involved in advocacy that destigmatizes addiction. 

Unfortunately, substance use represents a relatively taboo concern among therapists. Disclosure can be tricky, as you may not feel safe opening up to others, and you might fear ruining your professional reputation. 

I do not subscribe to any one-size-fits-all model in substance use recovery. Whether you’re curious about harm reduction, abstinence, medication management, or something else, we will explore which solutions feel most effective for your emotional well-being. 

Family Issues

Breaking generational patterns can be so hard. Many of us find that we help clients with boundaries and family limits, but then we struggle to implement these guidelines in our personal lives. Family issues come in many variations, including developmental trauma, differentiating from your family of origin, creating a new family via marriage or children, and wanting to build healthier relationships with your family members.

In therapy, we focus on expanding the awareness of how past dynamics affect current functioning. It's important that you have space to talk about how your personal life affects you as a whole, unique being, and we'll take time to unpack the role your family plays in your everyday well-being.

Existential Concerns

Most of us therapists can relate to existential anxiety or existential dread. The work we do with clients can certainly call the meaning of life into question- multiple times a day.

I've always said that "the best therapists tend to be the most intense people." Our own issues, fears, and fascination with philosophy often pave a meaningful path for support and empathy. With that, it's also important to avoid getting so lost in existentialism that we lose objectivity or lose hope for ourselves or our clients.

If you're struggling with reconciling "the point of life," my goal is to help you find greater acceptance for not knowing and have a safe place to process these complex emotions.

Group Therapy for Therapists

 

I offer ongoing groups for therapists residing in California. Our process groups provide safety, support, and connection for therapists. Although topics vary from week to week, we often discuss pertinent issues related to imposter syndrome, work-related stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, self-of-therapist, and interpersonal struggles.

If you are interested in learning more about these intimate groups, please fill out the form below for upcoming offerings.

 

Areas of Clinical Expertise

Before working in private practice, I was fortunate to work in a variety of clinical settings, including schools, nonprofit clinics, community mental health, and residential care.

I also have the following certifications:

  • Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

  • Level 2 Certified Clinical Trauma 

  • Level I Trauma-Informed Stabilization (TIST)

Frequently Asked

Still have questions?

Transparency is an important part of therapy. If you are curious about my approach or work, my hope is that these answers will give you more insight into my therapeutic process.

 
  • I started seeing clients as an intern in 2013 and worked in numerous settings, including hospitals, community mental health, schools, and inpatient treatment before opening my practice.

  • Yes, I do. Many therapists really struggle to find the right provider for themselves. I completely understand the hesitation or frustration associated with just trying to find a therapist.

    Some of my own experiences have led me to specialize in working with other therapists. I relate to the challenges of finding the right fit. I didn't want to "talk shop" or receive supervision- I wanted personal therapy, and I wanted good, depth-oriented therapy where I was respectfully treated as a client needing support and care.

    As early as my initial intake paperwork, I directly inquire about what you have found beneficial for you with therapists in the past. I also ask what was NOT beneficial. This creates a starting point for helping me understand what you might need and how I can ideally offer you a different experience. Feedback can be an important part of our work- at any point, you are welcome to tell me when something isn't working. I will always do my best to repair and accommodate in ways that may be helpful to you.

  • As a therapist, I aim to be compassionate, warm, and approachable.

    I very much believe good therapy can be one of the best investments a therapist can make for their personal and professional growth. I take my work quite seriously and will do my best to listen to you closely and be attuned to what you need. My goal is to help you think differently about yourself or others and feel supported as you share.

  • My clients generally experience one or more of the following concerns:

    • Complex PTSD

    • Self-Harming Behaviors

    • Suicidal Ideation

    • Life Transitions

    • Family Stress

    • Existential Anxiety

    • Career Stress/Burnout

    • Substance Use

  • My standard session fee is $200. My practice always leaves some room for sliding scale and pay-what-you-can slots. If this is something you need, please reach out to see if I have availability.

    I do not accept insurance. I can provide you with superbills if you have out-of-network benefits.

  • If it's important to you, most likely. Self-disclosure is a delicate thing in therapy, but I understand the desire to know more about the person you're sharing your life story with! So, with that, I believe that if you are curious about something about me or my life, my answer matters, and that alone can be a good cause for sharing it!

  • Absolutely, it's a vital part of my own practice and personal well-being.

  • My standard sessions are between about 58-60 minutes long. I also offer 90-minute sessions, which can be a great option for clients who want to meet biweekly. This longer time gives us more space to build rapport and engage in depth-oriented work, and it is a more cost-effective approach than weekly therapy.

  • Yes, absolutely.

  • I no longer have a cancellation policy. I respect my clients will reach out to me and cancel/reschedule in a timely manner, and I do not think it is in your best interest to attend a session feeling unwell or otherwise compromised to avoid paying a fee. If late cancellations or no-shows become an ongoing pattern, I trust we will work it out together.

  • It truly varies. Please reach out to inquire if I have availability.

  • Most clients see me for long-term treatment. Ultimately, the length of treatment depends on you and your goals. There is no predetermined timeline, and you always have the right to end therapy at any point. With that, I very firmly believe in the concept of once a client, always a client, so if you are a former client who'd like to resume services again, you are always welcome to reach out to me.

  • I am a Southern California native. I am married to a therapist. Sunflowers are my favorite flower. I have two children. Rock climbing is one of my favorite hobbies. I like to be outside. I am perpetually learning how to cook. In a past life, I had a business making succulent planters. I also like to joke around a lot on social media (hence my meme page!) My job as a therapist is truly the privilege of a lifetime.