Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA

I create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to heal and share your pain. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I have 18 years of experience (pre-licensure & licensed) working in various crisis facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and telehealth settings, serving a diverse range of teens, adults, and couples. I’m comfortable dealing with people experiencing crisis, addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship problems.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in navigating life's challenges and fostering emotional well-being. With specialized expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively with adult clients to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor and have worked in the mental health field for over 25 years. I would love the opportunity to work with you in achieving your personal growth goals. I like to think of my work with clients like sitting down with an old friend over a cup of coffee and having a conversation. Most of my previous clients have found me very easy to talk with and to form a connection with. With my life experiences and varied work settings, I can generally connect with most people from many walks of life.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 28 years. I have worked in a Foster Care agency, as a Clinical Supervisor at a Children's Clinic in East LA and at a Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Facility. I also provided therapy for our military.