The therapy process

Therapy unfolds in stages. Safety, thoughtful pacing, and trust form the foundation of therapy. Early conversations focus on understanding what has been difficult and what has brought you to therapy, while also noticing the strengths, instincts, and ways of coping that have helped you so far. Together we begin to understand patterns and contexts that may be keeping certain problems in place and what you would most hope to be different.

As therapy progresses, we begin experimenting with new ways of responding to difficult situations, emotions, and relationships so that different outcomes become possible. At regular points we reflect on progress to ensure the work remains helpful and aligned with what matters most to you. This may include discussing changes in daily life, revisiting priorities, adjusting the pace or focus of therapy, and using brief questionnaires or other tools to help track progress over time.

We also consider when the work may be nearing completion, reflecting on the changes that have occurred and planning how those gains can continue and grow after therapy.

Structured flexibility
in treatment

I am certified in Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), a system that helps clinicians integrate evidence-based practices across therapeutic models. It allows therapy to remain grounded in research while adapting to the complexity of people’s lives.

Within this framework, my work draws from several evidence-based treatments that can be adapted depending on the areas of focus and goals that emerge in therapy.

Evidence-based treatments:

  • Focuses on understanding patterns of conflict and emotional disconnection while helping partners develop more constructive ways of responding to one another.

    Often used when couples feel stuck in recurring cycles of conflict, distance, or difficulty repairing after disagreements.

    My training in IBCT included a two-year practicum and intensive supervision with one of the model’s co-developers, Dr. Andrew Christensen.

  • Developed specifically for when depression has been present for many years. It is often used when traditional treatments (e.g., CBT) have not been effective.

    I completed advanced training in CBASP at the UCLA Psychology Clinic, including intensive supervision and video review.

  • Designed for young children and their caregivers that focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship and supporting children’s emotional development. Often used when families are working through stress or trauma.

    I am currently completing certification in CPP (expected April 2026) at UCLA TIES for Families.

  • A structured approach that helps caregivers respond more effectively to children’s emotional and behavioral needs while strengthening positive parent-child interactions.

    I completed certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) through the UCLA PCIT Clinic.

  • Designed to support adoptive families as children and parents navigate questions related to identity, belonging, and family relationships.

    My training in ADAPT included direct instruction with one of the model’s co-developers, Dr. Jill Waterman.

  • Helps people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while building lives aligned with their values.

    Often incorporated when working with burnout, perfectionism, and stress associated with demanding professional roles or caregiving responsibilities.

    I completed advanced training in ACT at the UCLA Psychology Clinic, including intensive supervision and video review.

  • PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is designed to help young children, adolescents and adults develop practical social skills, including initiating conversations, building friendships, and navigating peer relationships.

    I am certified in the UCLA PEERS® program.

  • CBT helps us understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another so we can respond to challenges in more helpful and flexible ways

    When working with children, CBT strategies are best adapted through play, drawing, storytelling, and structured activities so that skills feel accessible and engaging. Through these creative approaches, children explore emotions, practice problem-solving, and build skills for managing feelings, relationships, and everyday challenges.

    I have extensive training in integrating creative approaches through my work with the Arts & Healing Initiative, including certification in Medical Social Emotional Arts and directing the Creative Minds Project, a social-emotional arts program that integrated mental health practices with the creative process.

Across these approaches, therapy focuses on relationships — with partners, children, and ourselves — as the context in which both understanding and meaningful change occur.

Ready to begin?

If you're considering therapy, I invite you to schedule a brief introductory call to see whether working together might be a good fit.

Begin with a brief call