Begin your healing journey today!

Many of us go through life never feeling connected, understood or accepted- truly accepted- and seen for who we really are and what we honestly feel. It is my passion and goal in life to help others feel truly embraced, respected, understood, seen and heard from a nonjudgmental place. It is from this place that we gain the strength to grow and flourish- to tap into our inner strengths and wisdom that ultimately leads us to true happiness, health and success.

Integrative & Holistic

I am an Integrative & Holistic Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, Author and Mental Health Expert. I am also a Certified Massage Therapist, and while I am no longer a practicing clinician of massage, my many years of experience has proven to be invaluable to the work that I currently do. I created the Mind-Body Wellness Center because wellness cannot exist if we are out of balance in either our mind or body. Many times it is our body that gives us the first clue that something is wrong with us emotionally. In fact, I have had several clients over the years that have been referred to me by their medical doctor after discovering that their health issue may be related to stress. This may come in the form of stomach aches, chest pain, headaches, body pain, etc. The list can go on and on. It is also true that stress can make a pre-existing health issue worse. Unfortunately our culture has taught us to bypass our emotions and to push on with-out acknowledging what we authentically feel. This creates great dis-ease in the body and the mind. Our body has amazing ways of communicating pain to us- so if you don’t acknowledge the emotional pain you will end up feeling it physically one way or another!

I use the term “holistic” and “integrative” to describe the type of work that I do because the therapy and life coaching that I provide encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and emotions as well as physical health, nutrition and interpersonal relationships of everyone that I work with. I also use many different psychological theories, tools and techniques to meet my clients where they are because there is no “one-size fits all” method to therapy. I am always growing and seeking to learn more both in my personal and professional life. I feel that life is a journey and it is important for us to continually be growing and learning more, for ourselves and others.

Passion and Training

My passion lies in working with individual adults, children and teens. I provide a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore their deep feelings of fear, anger and sadness and teach them how to express these emotions without hurting themselves or others. Several modalities that I often use with my clients to help accomplish this is art therapy, play therapy, mindfulness and meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy as well as Psychodynamic, Experiential and Narrative therapies. As I described earlier there is not one type of therapy that works for everyone so I strive to meet my clients where they are at and provide them with the tools necessary to overcome their challenges and struggles and find the peace, happiness and health they are searching for.

I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and several certificate trainings in the areas of Integrative Medicine for Mental Health, Mindfulness and Meditation and Compassion Fatigue. I also hold a certificate in Art & Creativity for Healing from Chapman University. I am the author of Angel Baby, Getting it Right: A Guide to Healthy Relationships, Raising Healthy Children and Teenagers, and Creating and Maintaining a Healthy Living Environment. My experience has led me to work with the media as a mental health expert, informing the public about various psychological, parenting and relationship issues.

I have been affiliated with Long Beach Veterans Hospital, Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center, A Light in the Window, STAR View Community Services, Providence Community Services, Pepperdine Community Counseling Center, F.A.M.I.L.Y. Rules, and Pacific Child & Family Associates. I am also bilingual, speaking Spanish and English, and have worked extensively with the Hispanic community.

Faith Based Counseling

As my own personal journey in faith has changed and grown over the years I feel blessed and honored to offer faith based services to the clients I work with.  I realize not every client will share the same spiritual beliefs as I do but for those who are open and wanting to bring their relationship with God into the room for discussion, I have a deep passion and heart for helping you on your spiritual journey towards healing.  I find that when we are able to talk about spirituality and your relationship with God this has tremendous impact on your healing and recovery.  As a Christian my heart and commitment is to meet you where you are at without judgment or condemnation but rather with love, acceptance and kindness. That being said, I have also worked with many clients from various spiritual and religious backgrounds and provide a safe, compassionate environment for anyone I work with regardless of their spiritual beliefs.

Pet Therapy

For all you animal lovers, I have an adorable assistant named Sunny. He provides love and lots of kisses and helps to ease anxiety and sadness. He brings joy to everyone he meets!

My areas of expertise

If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, self-harm, addictive or behavioral issues, getting the right help is so important for recovery.

I use a holistic approach with my clients and utilize an array of treatment modalities to help them achieve the changes they are searching for to enjoy life again. Working with clients from 3-93 I have a passion for helping others bring joy and light to their life again.

From art therapy to EMDR and mindfulness meditation I teach my clients the tools they need to thrive and find happiness and success. Don’t struggle alone and endure the pain and darkness without support. There is help and hope for you. I look forward to helping you on your journey towards health, happiness and balance.  Here is a list of the most common areas of concern that I work with:

ADHD

Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Issues

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Adults

Anger Management

Anxiety Disorders/Phobias

Anxiety/ Panic

Asperger’s Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Child and Adolescent

Coaching

Codependency

Codependency Disorders

Couples Counseling

Crisis Counseling

Depression

Divorce Counseling

Dual Diagnosis

Eating Disorders

Enuresis 

Families

Grief/ Loss

Individuals

Life Transitions

Marital Counseling

Meditation

OCD

Pain Disorders

Pain Management

Parenting

Pre-Marital Counseling

PTSD

Reconciliation

Relationship Issues

Self-esteem/ Growth

Step/ Blended Families

Stress reduction

Women’s Issues

Looking for a day to unwind and restore?  Look no further!  I have finely tuned and crafted half day retreats to help you get centered and help you on your healing journey. I bring over 20 years of experience, education and training to a day that is all about you!  Sound baths, meditation and mindfulness, art therapy, yoga, breath work, movement exercises.  Come unravel from life's stressors and give back to yourself.  Click the link below for more info and to be added to my waitlist for upcoming retreats.

Retreats are also available for small businesses, groups and corporations.  Please contact me for more information or to schedule a consultation to discuss options for your personalized retreat experience.

Consultation

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, so you can get a sense of whether we are a good match.

Rates

My rate is $300 per session. A session is typically 55 minutes.

If you cannot afford my fee, please let me know as I can connect you with another counselor to serve your needs.

Payment

Cash, Zelle or check accepted for payment at the time of service.

Insurance

I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept any insurance directly. Payment is due at the time of service and I can provide all the necessary paperwork for my clients to be reimbursed by their insurance provider. The majority of my clients receive some form of reimbursement from their insurance. Please call your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not attend your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.

Just like pieces of a puzzle that fit together, at times it takes a team to come together in collaboration to help us on our healing journey. Therapy alone can help you to make great changes in your life. But true change, happiness, balance and healing come from examining all areas of your life and making the appropriate changes as needed. When I speak of holistic health I am meaning exactly this. We need all areas of your life to be addressed.

While I am able to help my clients with a great deal of difficulties they are facing, there are some things I am not trained in treating. I am always seeking to grow personally but I am also very passionate about finding ways to help my clients heal and find health and happiness. It is through that seeking I have come to find many of the resources I have included.  Click below for more information.