Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Garden Grove, CA

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that therapy works best when you feel truly heard — not judged. I bring warmth, honesty, and a no-nonsense approach to our work together. My goal is for every client to leave each session feeling a little more understood and a little more equipped than when they walked in. I work with most major insurance plans, so getting quality care shouldn't have to break the bank.

I am dual board-certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with a passion for functional medicine. I believe mental health is best addressed by looking at the whole person—mind, body, and soul. I’ve been working in healthcare for over 20 years. Through my experience in mental health, I have the privilege of working with adults aged 21–60. I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and eating disorders, offering a safe and respectful space for growth and healing.

I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

I subscribe to cognitive behavioral therapy, emphasizing the rational behavioral therapy modality. I hold a doctorate (EdD) in counseling and educational psychology from the University of San Francisco, where I also earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I earned a Master's in Divinity from the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union. I have been practicing since 1987 and am a seasoned therapist.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have invested in clinical training as a graduate professor for the past 11 years, helping students move through their education into their careers. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, I also held the title of Lead Faculty and Faculty Advisor for the University of Phoenix, providing expertise in clinical supervision, assessment, and treatment planning.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and have spent more than six years working as a therapist and medical social worker in a variety of settings, including healthcare systems, schools, and community-based programs. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan, which has given me a broad understanding of the unique challenges people face at different stages of life.

I earned my Master’s Degree from California State University, East Bay, and specialize in supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, grief, and work or life stressors that impact overall well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with a focus on helping clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward healing and lasting growth.