Philosophy & Therapeutic Approach
I collaborate with individuals, couples, and families to understand how gambling and substance addictions, along with emotions like fear and anger, are utilized to cope with traumatic stressors. By identifying how past internal emotional wounding influences present struggles across all relationships—including the relationship with self—I help clients achieve harmony and greater self-connection.
Using a variety of therapeutic modalities—including cognitive behavioral, relational, reality, attachment, and mindfulness approaches—I draw upon my own lived experience of recovering from life's challenges to help clients recognize and reinforce their inner strengths, resources, and capacity to heal.
Seeking Support
When to Seek Help: Therapy is typically pursued when tried-and-true coping interventions fail to effect desired change, or when personal and professional issues manifest in symptoms on most days for 30 days or more.
Client Readiness: Ideal engagement requires being open, curious, and motivated to participate actively during sessions, apply feedback, and utilize insights outside of therapy.
Benefits of Therapy: Enhanced self-awareness, deep insight, improved personal and professional relationships, elevated self-worth and confidence, constructive problem-solving, and improved communication and listening skills.
Education & Credentials
Degrees & Certificates
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco
M.A. in Organizational Management (Graduate School of Business), University of Phoenix
B.A. in History, San Francisco State University
Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Studies, City College of San Francisco
Certificate in Spanish Language Studies, Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, Mexico
Licenses & Certifications
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #5684) – State of California
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #111010) – State of California
Authorized Gambling Education and Treatment Services Psychotherapist – State of California
Licensed, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CCAPP #LR01330315)
International Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (ICAADC) – IC&RC
San Francisco Adult Probation Court Certified Batterer Intervention Program Treatment Provider – State of California
Clinical Experience
With years of experience across inpatient, outpatient, DUI, community mental health, hospital, and private practice settings, my background includes:
Senior Behavioral Health Clinician, San Francisco Department of Public Health (Chinatown North Beach Outpatient Clinic): Supports behavioral health clinicians and mental health workers serving adult community mental health clients presenting with multifaceted behavioral and clinical challenges.
Behavioral Health Clinician, Mental Health Rehabilitation Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital: Provided rehabilitation support to patients with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use, gambling addictions, history of homelessness, and legal challenges.
Batterers Intervention Therapist, John Hamel & Associates: Facilitated individual and group therapy for clients addressing intimate partner violence, anger, interpersonal relationship challenges, and substance dependency.
Behavioral Management Clinician, Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center: Provided psychotherapy to long-term care residents, including diagnostic evaluations, clinical impressions, behavioral interventions, and recommendations.
Dual Diagnosis Specialist, San Francisco Department of Public Health (Mission Mental Health Community Clinic): Facilitated individual and group sessions for clients managing co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges.
Private Practice Clinician, The Liberation Institute: Provided individual psychotherapy for community mental health clients dealing with diverse mental health and substance use issues.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Center for Open Recovery / NCADD-Bay Area: Facilitated individual and group sessions regarding substance use disorders.
Clinician, Daly City Youth Health Center: Provided short- and long-term individual, family, couples, and group counseling in partnership with Jefferson High School.
Workshop Trainer/Facilitator, Henry Ohlhoff Residential Program Recovery Center ("Awakening your Spirituality").
Discussion Issues & Topics
We collaborate to explore the unique topics you wish to bring to session, commonly including:
Avoidance & Phobias
Anger, Resentment, & Violent Behavior
Anxiety, Fear, & Worry
Depression & Sadness
Frustration & Irritation
Gambling & Substance Use
Trauma & Grief/Loss
Relationships, Family Dynamics, & Co-Dependency
Self-Esteem, Self-Identity, & Self-Care
Work Challenges & Professional Stress
Loneliness & Spirituality
Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior & Relapse Prevention
Divorce, Separation, Infidelity, & Marital Conflict
Psychosis, Mania, & Sleep Disturbances
Professional Affiliations
Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Member, San Francisco Chapter of CAMFT (SFCAMFT)
Member, Association of Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (ADVIP)
Member, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Member, California Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling (OPG)
Member, UCLA Gambling Studies Program (UGSP)
Understanding the Therapeutic Scope
What is Therapy? Learn more about the therapeutic process by reading What is Therapy?.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC): Focus on diagnosing mental health conditions (such as depression or substance abuse), getting to the root of issues, and helping clients develop more effective coping strategies, stress-reduction techniques, and decision-making skills.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Emphasize systems of interaction between family members, couples, and groups. Utilize a holistic wellness model to evaluate relationship problems, guide clients through transitional crises (such as divorce or loss), and replace dysfunctional patterns with healthy alternatives.
Contact me and let’s discuss how I may offer you some support for yourself, or on helping yourself in relationships.