Qualifications & Experience

I am in the process of obtaining a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. I also have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity College of Graduate Studies (now Hope International), a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an emphasis in Sociology from San Diego State University, and an Associate of Arts in Journalism from Palomar College. In addition, I hold certificates in Trauma Care, DBT Coping Skills, Motivational Interviewing, and Writing for Children.

My Call to Christian Counseling

Through pain and healing, God called me into the ministry of counseling. As the fourth of six kids in a Marine family, we didn’t grow up understanding the language of emotions. Both of my parents were from homes where neglect, physical fights, and alcohol were the norm. As a young couple, they worked hard to give us the best solid foundation they knew how, helped in large part by an invitation to church, where they put down roots and started growing spiritually when I was in first grade. Yet, as I entered adolescence my stewing emotions didn’t have an outlet, and I became anxious, depressed, and suicidal. Thankfully, in college God guided me to a therapist where I could learn to identify, process, and express my emotions. Now, I am passionate about helping others – from children to senior adults, individuals to whole families and groups – become their authentic, peace-filled selves, to best live out their unique, God-given callings on their lives.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Life Transitions
• Marriage Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Parenting
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Trauma and PTSD

The more we try to ignore traumatic memories, the bigger they grow and ooze into other areas of our lives, negatively impacting our health, our relationships, and our peace. In my work with those who have experienced the horrors of trauma and abuse, I have witnessed God bring healing to the hurting as we gently explore together the thoughts and feelings birthed from the trauma of the past.

Beginning this restorative journey can feel scary and overwhelming. That’s why, as a trauma care professional, I’ll work with you using evidence-based practices to provide a safe, gentle process that can lead to healing and integration that allows you to become the best version of yourself.

Anxiety

Does fear grip your heart? Are you overwhelmed with worries? Do your racing thoughts make it hard to sleep? Let’s work together to quiet the anxiety and allow the peace of God to flow through your body, mind, and spirit. While we process and uproot the thoughts behind the anxiety, you’ll learn and practice coping skills to help reduce the anxious thoughts wreaking havoc in your life. Lurking under the anxiety is often an avalanche of emotions. We’ll look at each emotion, identify it, process it, and work to let it go, releasing the shame and anxiety that can hold our hearts hostage.

Counseling for Children and Teens

Being a parent is hard work. I firmly believe that each child is created on purpose for a good purpose, and I love working with families to discover and embrace each one’s unique traits and abilities. I use a strength-based approach to help children, teens, and their parents appreciate their giftings and how that can lead to joy, peace, and unity within the family.

Kids need a safe place to share the weight of their thoughts and feelings as they navigate our sometimes scary world. I offer that opportunity to help them talk through their struggles and learn communication skills and the language of emotion. This might include drawing, play, movement, roleplay, or conversation, depending on the unique needs of the child or teen. At the end of the session, we’ll typically discuss together what the child or teen wants to share with their parent(s) to continue to practice good mental and emotional health throughout the week.

Couples and Family Counseling

God created each person unique, which can be both exciting and frustrating as we try to live together as a family. Because there are no two identical people, learning to communicate our thoughts and feelings to each other is an important part of connecting as a family, whether it be a family of two or ten.

Having worked in the field of communications before becoming a therapist, I love helping couples and families see the beauty in each other and learn to communicate in ways that allow each person to grow and flourish. I use a strength-based, interactive format that can provide both fun and healing tailored to the needs of each couple or family.

Women’s Issues

Do you find yourself stuck in a stage of life that feels frustrating and confining? Do you feel trapped by other people’s opinions of you, and you want to escape that box and find freedom? I would love to help you find your unique identity in Christ and experience the peace that comes from knowing that the Creator of the universe delights in you – just for being you. Whether you have been hurt by a toxic relationship, restricting stereotypes, or traumatic experiences, or you just feel like each day is a chore and you’re not sure how to get unstuck, we can work together to bring joy, peace, and hope to your life. Let’s uncover your unique giftings, beauty, and strength, so that you can live out your dreams according to God’s plan for your life.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Carlsbad – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
• Online Counseling – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, families, and groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction will be added for credit card payments.