Grief counselors and therapists in Bakersfield, CA

My focus

I specialize in working with adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, occupational stress, relationship conflicts, cultural and identity issues, and survivors of abuse. I help clients build understanding and chart a path forward using evidence-based approaches.

My communication style

My style is nurturing, accepting, empathic, and personable. I use unconditional positive regard to help you feel safe without judgment. I validate how you feel and normalize your situation so you can feel comfortable and at ease in our work together.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist because I have always accepted others, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe in advocating for those who may not otherwise have a voice.

I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.

I graduated from UCLA's Social Welfare program and developed a specialty working with adolescents, teens, parents, teachers and school administrators via the LAUSD public school system. Over the course of 15 years, I have developed an expertise in utilizing a trauma-informed lens and attachment theory to address treatment areas such as trauma, depression, parenting, parent-child relationships, behavioral issues and anxiety.

I work with adults and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, past hurts, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming to carry alone. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to offer a supportive, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood as we work toward greater peace, confidence, and connection in your life.

You may have held doubts about talk therapy and perhaps are thinking therapy may not work at all for what you are dealing with. Psychotherapy like all science is continually changing. Both new and long held approaches to well-being are vast. I invite you to consider Brainspotting before you rule out therapy entirely. My role as a Brainspotting clinician is to offer you support, as you discover your innate capacity for positive self change. I specialize in trauma focused therapy, specializing in treating anxiety disorders. I focus on various forms of addiction, OCD, behavioral issues, depression, bi-polar and mood disorders.

I am a masters level trained Brainspotting clinician and a U.S. Army veteran. I believe in facilitating change in a supportive environment, following and observing your amazing capacity to heal from trauma in your therapeutic work. I work with veterans, first-responders, and other populations struggling with unresolved trauma and anxiety disorders.

Your unique circumstances are to be understood, honored respected and explored in a judgement free, supportive and caring environment. The issues that you bring into therapy remain entirely up to you. I will listen to your wants and needs; joining you on the journey towards your desired sense of well-being.