Family therapy and counseling in Mission Viejo, CA

I have been described as a “down to earth” and “real” therapist. I like to believe these are accurate descriptors. I bring a plethora of experience to my therapy room; however, I recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the client being the expert on their life. I provide a safe environment which allows my clients to be transparent without judgment. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and it is definitely a risk. We need to remember there is no growth without risk!

Life can feel overwhelming — thoughts that won't quiet down, family tension that keeps building, or past experiences continue to dictate your present days. Whether you're an individual carrying something heavy, a couple trying to find your way back to each other, or a family navigating a moment that feels too big to face alone, you don't have to keep pushing through without support. I provide a safe space where your culture, your story, and your language are deeply valued. I bring a grounded, tenacious approach to my clinical work utilizing specialized, evidence- based tools to help with processing heavy burdens. Healing is possible and it can start here, so let's walk this path together.

I’m a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I believe true healing involves caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients and work together to create personalized treatment plans that promote growth, resilience, and long-term well-being

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

I have completed a MA in Counseling Psychology. I have worked with diverse populations covering many issues. My approach is client focused through active listening skills and empathic support.

As a Christian therapist, I walk with clients to strengthen and support them in learning self compassion, understanding their worth, finding insight and living wisely. I have studied psychology and marriage and family therapy for over 13 years and have been in practice as a therapist for 7 of those years. I have intentionally learned and applied principles and practices which help clients sustain growth from hurts, unprocessed feelings and lack of direction toward more energy, enjoyment and purposefulness in life again.

I look forward to consulting with you to see if our therapeutic work would fit with you!