How I got started in therapy…
In my twenties, I began dreaming of becoming a therapist-an art therapist, specifically. I still remember the moment I realized that was what I was meant to do. It was one of those rare, unmistakable moments of clarity.
I've always been an artist at heart. I love creativity, learning, personal growth, and understanding what makes people who they are. I am endlessly fascinated by the human experience-how we suffer, how we heal, and how we make meaning of our lives.
That fascination is personal, too.
There was a time in my life when I struggled deeply with my relationship to food. I know what it feels like to be trapped in patterns that don't make sense, to feel disconnected from yourself, and to desperately want relief from the pain. I wanted to understand why I was suffering and what it would take to heal.
Through years of learning, self-discovery, and support, I was able to recover from binge eating. I continue to feel grateful for the freedom that healing has brought into my life.
That experience profoundly shaped who I am as a therapist. I know how painful it can be to feel stuck in a difficult relationship with food, body image, or yourself. I also know that healing is possible.
My passion for helping others recover from eating disorders and build more compassionate relationships with themselves was born from both my professional training and my own lived experience. It is truly an honor to walk alongside clients as they move toward healing, freedom, and a deeper sense of self-acceptance.
Education
MA, Counseling Psychology/Expressive Arts Focus, California Institute of Integral Studies
BA, Cultural and Environmental Art, Bowling Green State University
Trainings and Specialties
Eating Disorder Treatment. Specialized training through multi-year employment at one of the nation’s leading treatment centers, Center For Discovery
Certified Body Image Coach
Professional Certificate in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy — Fluence Training / Journey Clinical
Expressive Arts therapy. Include specialties in drama, music, art, and dance therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindful Self Compassion
200hr yoga teacher training.
A little more about me. ♥︎
I currently live and practice in Berkeley, California, and I truly love calling Berkeley home.
When I'm not working, you'll often find me enjoying all that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. I love spending time in nature-whether that's camping, swimming, gardening, hiking, exploring local beaches, or simply being outside. I also enjoy reading, creating art, discovering great food spots, and spending time with people I care about.
Some of my greatest joys are meaningful friendships, time with family, and cheering from the sidelines at my son’s baseball games. I live with my two young sons, who continuously fill my heart with joy and remind me daily of the importance of curiosity, connection, and play.
First Steps:
The first step of starting therapy is a big one. I full heartedly understand.
Here is what I can say. Therapy makes a difference. Therapy can reduce that challenge, bring more peace, more joy, and gosh darn it a little more ease.
So even if it’s not me, I strongly encourage starting up therapy.
Please feel free to reach out if you want to get that started with me.
