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specialty areas
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perinatal mental health and parenthood

Parenthood brings profound change—emotionally, mentally, and physically. For many, infertility, becoming a parent, or caring for young children can stir up new challenges or intensify existing mental health concerns.

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As a psychologist and a parent of young children myself, I am passionate about normalizing realities of parenthood so my clients feel less alone. Much of my time is devoted to working with parents navigating shifting roles, identity changes, and the weight of the responsibility of parenthood. This is not a journey that you need to bare alone.

 

I am well suited to support you on your journey. In addition to my clinical experience, I am the current President of Postpartum Health Alliance, a San Diego non-profit dedicated to increasing the capacity of San Diego’s perinatal health service providers to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to the mental health needs of perinatal (pregnant and postpartum) individuals and their families. In this role, I lead PHA's programming, including our online referral directory and the county's free, 24/7 Warmline for perinatal clients who need support.

 

I have advanced training in perinatal mental health conditions -- I hold a certificate in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders from Postpartum Support International and work with clients experiencing anxiety, OCD, reproductive trauma/PTSD, and depression.

reproductive trauma, loss, PTSD

Sometimes painful experiences stay with us—shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world. After a traumatic birth or other distressing event, it’s natural to avoid painful memories. But over time, avoidance and unhelpful thought patterns can keep the trauma response active.

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I’m trained in evidence-based trauma therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE)—both strongly recommended treatments by APA.​ I have extensive experience with trauma assessment and have seen meaningful, lasting progress in clients navigating complex trauma.

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Image by Abby Anaday

health concerns

A health diagnosis can bring up a range of emotions—anxiety, grief, frustration, or uncertainty. I have extensive experience in behavioral health, including training in three primary care clinics. I’ve worked on a diabetes intensive case management team and led support groups for individuals living with chronic illness. 

 

With a focus on women’s health, I bring particular expertise in PCOS, PMDD, perimenopause, and menopause. I collaborate with medical providers to support clients in managing emotional distress, medication and HRT adherence, and lifestyle changes related to physical health.

insomnia and sleep

Stress and environmental factors can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested. Insomnia can take a toll on your mood, focus, and overall well-being. Sleep really is the foundation of good mental health! 

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I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the gold standard in insomnia treatment. This evidence-based, medication-free approach targets unhelpful sleep habits and thought patterns that keep insomnia going—helping you build a healthier, more restorative relationship with sleep. I take a tailored approach to target your personal sleep concerns, going beyond generic sleep hygiene tips, to help increase your tiredness and allow you to rest easy.

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attention and focus

Maybe you’ve always struggled with focus but didn’t know why. A later-in-life ADHD diagnosis can bring clarity—but also questions. You may have already developed creative strategies to cope, yet still sense there’s a better way to function with more ease and less overwhelm.

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With experience supporting high achieving professionals and college and graduate students, I have a special interest in helping adults navigate attention and focus challenges. In therapy, we’ll work together on time management, prioritization, and practical tools to boost efficiency and reduce stress. 

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