Before I became a psychotherapist, I spent years as a journalist and historian, diving deep into political trauma and memory for my PhD—an experience that continues to shape how I understand people’s stories today. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston. I then completed 3,000 hours of supervised training and went on to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My experience includes time at Harris Health’s Thomas Street Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Menninger Clinic, the J. Flowers Health Institute, and InnerSpace—before eventually opening my own private practice.
My experience and training revolve around the following areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, complex emotional needs, relationship issues, life transitions, and family conflict. Throughout my career, I have worked with homeless individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, oncology patients facing end-of-life issues, and young adults living with major depression, social anxiety, substance use, disordered eating, and sexual and relational trauma. I have also worked with high-net-worth individuals and successful professionals struggling with low self-esteem, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal problems.
During my sessions, I am curious about the ways in which emotions speak through our faces and body posture. I pay attention to your tone of voice, movements, gestures, and facial expressions. And I also pay attention to automatic thoughts and behavior patterns that rule our lives, whether we are aware or not. I will tell you when self-protection strategies, which you may have developed during your childhood, perpetuate suffering. Over time, therapy will allow you to develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills that can be translated into relationships (including how we soothe ourselves and others) and work and play environments.
My work is informed by the following approaches: attachment theory, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I have also completed training in internal family systems, accelerated resolution therapy, written exposure therapy, and collaborative assessment and management of suicidality. I believe that treatment is much more than symptom reduction – instead, it is a template for ongoing growth. The rewards include a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, less reactivity, more freedom to choose how we feel and respond to challenges and difficulties, more pleasure in life, and richer, happier relationships.
Ongoing professional development is an important aspect of my work. I regularly attend courses and workshops to support and further my knowledge. I believe in treating everyone with respect and embracing differences. My goal is to approach various aspects of diversity—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, ability, culture, and nationality—with an open and unbiased mindset. I abide by the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics, which maintains high standards of education, discipline, and practice.
I WILL ...
Help you understand your deeper thoughts, emotions, wishes, and fantasies
Shed light on the roots of your psychological suffering
Help you challenge the ways in which you might undermine yourself
Nurture your capacity to feel hope and trust (yourself and others)
Tell you that you can bounce back from traumatic experiences
I WILL NOT ...
Think you are broken or crazy
Be afraid of your emotions and thoughts
Impose my personal beliefs and values on you
Engage in a power struggle
Judge you