My approach to providing therapy is one of genuineness, compassion and curiosity that enables a safe connection to embark on a journey of healing together.

I place great value on the therapeutic relationship and will strive to earn your trust while fostering a relaxed, empathetic and supportive environment. My goal is to create a place of safety for clients that allows them to objectively look at and identify their defenses and to understand the underlying emotions Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed or just feeling stuck in your life or in your relationships, I will seek to better understand your unique challenges first, and then work with you to gain balance and obtain happiness in your life and health in your relationships.

My work with individuals is heavily influenced by the theory of AEDP, or Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. From this framework, I seek to create a secure space where my clients can feel safe and share all parts of themselves, knowing I will be there with them to help “undo their aloneness” in the face of trauma, loss and painful emotions. AEDP holds that we are all wired for healing and have an innate capacity for recovery and resiliency. For more information on AEDP, check out my FAQ’s page.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of California. I was born and raised in Ireland and received my undergraduate degree from the University of Galway in Physiology in 1992 and then embarked on my journey to the US in 1993. I always had a curiosity and passion in learning about the mind and body connection and decided to apply for a Masters in Counseling Psychology at National University and graduated in San Diego in 2000. My clinical training began at Community research foundation at the START programs- Short Term Acute Residential Treatment programs- where I provided individual and group treatment to adults with chronic mental health and addiction issues.

Following graduation, I continued at the START program and expanded my experience to work with Adolescents at the Breaking cycles program at SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) San Diego Inc. My work at SAY San Diego Inc. included group supervision of BA level individuals in addition to developing and managing mentoring programs for both adults and teens.

I was fortunate to be a part of the startup of The Families forward program at Mental Health Systems. Providing WRAP around services in the form of home visits and working with a multidisciplinary team. Rounding up my experience I did spend a stint in the insurance side of this field which has provided invaluable knowledge on best practice guidelines within the field not to mention get an inside look at how to navigate this part of the field.

I then broadened my scope at Kaiser Permanente where I currently work in a collaborative environment conducting diagnostic intakes and providing individual therapy with Adults for over 8 years. While there, I also facilitated several groups; Intensive Outpatient program, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Codependency.

Most recently, I began actively pursuing certification in the model of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). I believe strongly in continued education, and I strive to further my clinical skills by frequently attending seminars and trainings so that I can provide the best possible therapeutic service to you.