My Approach

Growing up, my Grandmother would tell me that my Great-Grandfather used to say: "If you can help someone, you should." That ethic drew me to pursue an MSW at UC Berkeley in Community Mental Health, where I learned to confront individual and social issues in a collaborative way. My interest in working with adults with severe mental illness involved in the criminal justice system led me to pursue post-Master's training in Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapies. 

Drawing on these therapeutic modalities, I work with individuals and families to discuss changes they would like to make,  identify their inherent strengths to do so, and provide psycho-education, skills coaching, and reflective listening to help guide them toward their goals. I understand that individual and interpersonal issues often result from social and organizational problems, so try to intervene at multiple levels. I believe therapy can be short or long-term depending on need, and is most effective when it includes creative, experiential interventions relevant to a person's interests. When clients require resource linkage and case management to augment therapy, I can help with this as well.

In addition to my clinical work, I lecture for organizations on topics including: Community Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, Social Work in the Criminal Justice System, and Creativity in Recovery. I can design lectures based on audience interest, or work from one of my existing presentations.

I also enjoy providing consultation to other Social Workers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.