I believe in the power of ritual and creative expression to change lives.
Not the kind of ritual you might be thinking of though. I mean the small, intentional practices that anchor us when everything else feels chaotic. My own rituals include weekly workout classes, creating art and exploring the city for new inspiration. These practices are how I stay connected to the creative energy I bring into therapy.
With a Master’s in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University, plus a psychology degree with a studio art minor from San Jose State, I’ve built my practice around one core belief: sometimes words aren’t enough. Sometimes you need a creative outlet to express what’s really happening inside.
I work with adolescents and adults (14+) who feel stuck in cycles they can’t seem to break. Maybe you’re repeating the same relationship patterns and don’t know why. Maybe anxiety has you trapped in endless loops. Maybe you’re navigating the breathtaking pain of grief or trauma that words can’t touch. Or maybe you just feel stuck in a rut with no clear path forward.
My approach combines traditional therapy with creative arts techniques.
We might use metaphor and meaning-making to identify the personal narratives keeping you stuck. We might explore different art mediums to express what you can’t say out loud. I help you identify negative core beliefs and relationship patterns through both talking and creating because sometimes your hands know truths your mind hasn’t recognized yet.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and self-esteem struggles. But really, I work with anyone dealing with relationships (to self and others), work stress, life transitions, grief, or searching for meaning and purpose. My style is collaborative meaning we work together to identify what’s blocking you and create goals that actually matter to you.
The creative process isn’t just something I use in therapy; it’s how I understand healing. There’s an inner capacity for growth in everyone, and sometimes we just need different tools to access it. Art doesn’t lie, it doesn’t intellectualize, and it doesn’t hide behind social niceties. It shows us what’s really there.
Taking that first step to reach out when you’re stuck takes courage. I’m here to meet you where you are and help guide you toward the change you’re seeking – gently but firmly, with both compassion and accountability.
