My goal in counseling is to provide a safe environment to discuss some of life's most painful issues without fear of judgment. I believe that the most important indicator of change is the counseling relationship. Because of this I strive to form a trusting relationship with every client, and view the counseling relationship as one of partners in the healing process. I also believe that our relationship with God is a critical aspect of how we define ourselves. I provide Christian Counseling for those interested. Because every situation is unique, I use various types of therapy to assist in process of healing and restoration.

You are capable of great love, healing, and growth within your relationships. Sometimes though, relationships are the source of our pain and problems. It doesn’t need to be this way–we can move through the pain to peace, connection and fulfillment. Are you looking to improve a relationship with a loved one? Grieving the loss of an important person? Hoping to heal from past trauma or abuse? Wanting to build a better relationship with yourself? You have come to the right place. I would be honored to support you in the significant ways relationships affect our lives. I provide compassionate, effective and affordable couples counseling and individual therapy in Sacramento, CA. I specialize in: COUPLES THERAPY to improve your connection, intimacy and communication; PREMARITAL COUNSELING to build a strong foundation for your future; GRIEF COUNSELING AND TRAUMA THERAPY to find healing from past abuse, trauma and loss; and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY with a focus on improving your relationship with yourself. Therapy can help us improve our relationships with others as well as with ourselves. Often when we take the time and space to explore our experiences, we find increased understanding for ourselves and others. This helps us heal, grow, love, and live fulfilling, meaningful lives.

It can be very difficult to take steps towards positive change or to seek support when facing challenge in your life. Therefore, my primary goal when working with a new client is to create a comfortable environment. I strive to get to know you and to understand what you want from our work. I believe that each person's needs will be different, so I draw from a wide range of techniques to tailor therapy to your specific goals. These tools can help you reduce symptoms, understand patterns in your life, improve relationships and accomplish your personal or professional goals. I practice a variety of research supported therapies, often drawing from cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and humanistic techniques. While I work with most client concerns, I received specialized training with young adult populations, multicultural issues and social anxiety or shyness. My research has focused on concerns of multiracial or multicultural people. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with clients towards healing, change and growth. I strive to honor my client's concerns by providing a safe space where all aspects of life can be discussed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

I believe deeply that the foundation of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist, which is really just one person helping another. We all experience times in our lives when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to move forward. Therapy offers a place where we can receive caring and support, while learning new skills for how to manage the difficulties we are facing. Therapy means that you don't have to face these challenges alone and that you don't have to continue repeating the same mistakes. I believe the most effective therapy is a co-creation between client and therapist that assists you in reaching your goals and in creating the life you've imagined for yourself. Please call today for a free phone consultation, and let's talk about how we can begin this journey together. I specialize in three areas: 1.) I love counseling children and teens, especially those struggling with divorce, trauma, or school difficulties. 2.) I am passionate about working with adults to address depression and anxiety, increase their self-esteem, improve their communication skills, and empower them to take charge of their feelings and needs. 3.) I really enjoying working with MFT Trainees and Interns to assist in their self-discovery on their journey to licensure. I offer a limited number of sliding fee slots for therapy, which means the fee you pay is based on your average monthly income, and I offer reduced rates for MFT students and interns. I also accept Victims of Crime compensation, and I am happy to bill your insurance as an Out-of-Network provider, if your insurance reimburses for that. I provide morning, afternoon, and evening appointments to match your schedule. Please feel free to call or email to further discuss your fee, as well as your needs and availability for therapy.

As an experienced licensed therapist, I can work with you to identify the problem areas in your life. Together, we can create a plan for change, develop new skills for stronger connections, and create healthier interactions in your daily living. Yes, I know counseling can be costly. However, therapy is an investment. The investment is in improving your emotional well-being. In an attempt to ease the stress of the expense, I offer sliding scale fees depending on one’s ability to pay. Now that you are here, you have taken the first step in building healthier more satisfying life. If you would like to get a better sense of who I am and how I can help you, I offer A Free ½ Hour Initial Phone Consultation.

I have a general adult out-patient practice. A good part of my practice is consulting for primary care physicians and other therapists about psychotropic medications and alternatives to medication if there is one. I see a lot of people with sleep problems, anxiety and Bi-Polar Disorder. I've also developed a specialty with young people who have failed to launch. These are often young men who are having a hard time finding their way in the world, are often living with their parents, can't keep jobs, not doing well in school, don't know what they want to do with their lives, or experience relationship failures. Often it is some small thing that has gotten off track that, once discovered, gets the person going again. That can be something like a small learning disability or minor ADHD, lack internal discipline, fears, discouragement, or lack of self-knowing.

Looking for therapy that's caring, practical, effective, and goal-oriented? I have 25 years experience in counseling adults, teens, and children. And, if you wish, we can also integrate neurofeedback training into our work together. Neurofeedback uses the EEG (which neurologists also use) to teach you to change problematic brainwave patterns. I've written three books, including a new one on enhancing brain function, and taught biofeedback at San Francisco State University. Specialties include: anxiety, depression, ADD, addictions, PTSD/trauma, OCD, couples and family issues,concussion and brain injury, stroke, memory/cognitive issues, and sleep problems. I love my work and genuinely respect my clients. I've also consulted for over 120 organizations throughout the U.S. My book, Mastering the Winds of Change, was published by HarperCollins. My children's book, The Little Sailboat and the Big Storm, was published by Coming of Age Press. What is different about what we do? Many therapists use the "uh huh, go on" approach. I'm a good listener, but I also help you to set goals and achieve them. How? Through using proven, effective tools for change that you can learn.