My Experience & Training
My Approach to Therapy
Before we get into my credentials, I want to share something important: good therapy isn’t having the 'right' techniques or theories. A massive indicator for success is our ability to connect and ensure that you feel seen and understood. This is why I spend a lot of time sharing myself on this website, so that you can get a sense of our similarities, and your ability to trust me, before we even get started together. As far as my experience goes, as this page focuses on it, I’ve worked my entire career with people who have felt drained, stuck, or like they were constantly falling short—often because they were taught to prioritize everyone else over themselves. As I’ve learned more, I’ve been able to see how the patterns that caused them the most pain almost always started as a way to survive.
My role as a therapist isn’t to 'fix' you (because you were never broken). It’s to help you recognize the many ways you’ve been protecting yourself, even when those ways no longer serve you. Together, we’ll untangle old wounds by approaching them with care, curiosity, appreciation, and emotional honesty to finally shift them. I aim to create a space with you where we can explore what you truly need—without the guilt from all of life’s demands. And more importantly, I help you see that the life you actually want is possible, that you aren’t stuck with a life that makes you doubt whether or not it is even worth living.
My Professional Experience
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a myriad of people navigating trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions—whether that’s adults healing from difficult experiences, parents trying to better support their children, or teens struggling with self-worth and overwhelming emotions.
I have extensive experience supporting adults as they work through past wounds, relationship challenges, and patterns that no longer serve them. I’ve also led groups about domestic violence, parenting, and substance use, encouraging reflection on their experiences and take meaningful steps toward change.
At the same time, I have a long background working with children, teens, and families. I’ve helped young people process trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and feel more secure in who they are. I’ve also worked closely with parents—helping them navigate their child’s struggles, strengthen their relationships, and create a more connected family dynamic.
No matter your age or what brings you to therapy, my focus remains the same: to offer a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported in your healing journey, and then making sure you actually get there.
Education & Training
Formal Education
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Northcentral University (now part of National University), 2018
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Arizona State University, 2014
Licensure
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT-16080) in the state of Arizona
Relevant Trainings and Certifications
Below are some of the key trainings and certifications I’ve completed that inform my work with clients. These trainings reflect my commitment to staying current with best practices, ensuring I provide you with the highest quality care.
Trauma-Focused Therapeutic Modalities and Interventions
EMDR Basic Training, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) approved training through Scaling Up, August 2025
Master ART Certified, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), The Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery, September 2024
Basic Training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, The Rosenzweig Center, August 2022
Utilizing Sandtray in Therapy, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, October 2023
Body-Based Self-Regulation: Introduction to Somatic Techniques in Trauma Therapy, Arizona Trauma Institute, March 2022
EFT and IFS: Healing Together, AZEFT and ICEEFT Certified Supervisor Lori Marchak, May 2021
IFS Skills and Competencies Intensive, Internal Family Systems Counseling Association, May 2021
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTS-I), Arizona Trauma Institute, August 2017
Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship, Lisa Palmer-Olsen, PhD, June 2017
LGBTQ+ and Cultural Competency
Apply Queer History, Knowledge, and Theory in Clinical Practice, Aaron Testard, LMFT, LPCC, November 2023
Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Care for Trans and Trans BIPOC Clients, Rizi Timane, LCSW, PhD, DSW, November 2023
The Gay Reality, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, March 2024
Asexuality: Clinical Practice and Implications, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, May 2022
Youth and Family Work
Supporting LGBTQ Youth, Families, and Communities, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, February 2022
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training, National Council for Behavioral Health, November 2019
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, National Council for Behavioral Health, November 2015
Professional Involvement & Community Work
Panel Speaker, AZ Foster Cooperative
February 2025 – Participated as a panel speaker in the “School & The Critical Role Guardians Play” discussion, sharing insights on how caregivers can support their children’s educational journeys and collaborate with schools.Volunteer, Diabetes Network of Arizona
March 2025 – Volunteered to create and facilitate sibling activities for their first Family Camp hosted by the Diabetes Network of Arizona, supporting families navigating chronic illness and promoting healthy family dynamics.Guest, Fostering Voices Podcast
April 2025 – Invited to be a guest twice on the Fostering Voices Podcast, focusing on “What is Happening with Our Teens?” to discuss the challenges teens face and ways caregivers can support them (listen here: https://fosteringvoices.libsyn.com/episode-207-what-is-happening-with-our-teens#) , as well as an episode sharing my “Top 5 Tips for Parenting” (listen here: https://fosteringvoices.libsyn.com/episode-206-top-5-tips-for-parenting).Event Guest Speaker, AZ Foster Cooperative
August 2025 – Created and presented an hour-long workshop on “Practicing De-Escalation: Making Hard Moments Easier” to a group of 50-60 caregivers, inviting them to connect their understanding of how trauma affects the nervous system with strategies for de-escalating themselves in times of crisis with their children and teens, offering a safe space for co-regulation and reducing future moments from spiraling out of control.
Discounted Services for Uninsured/Underinsured Clients
Ongoing – Offering therapy services at a discounted rate through the Open Path Collective, making mental health care more accessible for those who are uninsured or underinsured.Member, International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Ongoing – Active member of the International Society of ART, staying connected to a network of professionals dedicated to the continued development and utilization of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
What This Means for You
I’ve worked with many different people, from teens to parents to adults, and so I am keenly aware that therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. I don’t expect you to fit into any specific mold or follow a set path, and my growth through the years as a professional has been learning how to adapt different methods of healing to meet you where you are at. My work is about supporting you as you work through whatever feels heavy or challenging—no matter how complex.
Luckily, therapy doesn’t need us to have all the answers right away. In fact, we often don’t. That’s what we are discovering together! Over time, we figure out what it is going to take to help you actually show up for yourself, know who you are and understand your needs better, set boundaries, and process those past experiences that are still holding you back.
Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to take that journey with you. Even if you are scared, I’ll hold onto the courage you need to move forward until you are ready to embody it yourself.