Therapy Style: Collaborative, curious, understanding, educational and non-judgmental.

Who I Work With: I work one-on-one with adults ages 18-65 who are experiencing a formal mental health concern (i.e., Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Insomnia, etc.), a significant life event (i.e., retirement, divorce, loss of a loved one, etc.), as well as those looking to learn more about themselves and to acquire skills to help them best respond to inevitable future stressful or painful events (aka- preventative mental health).

Therapeutic Approach: My primary approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am also formally educated, trained and experienced in providing: Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapies and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, allowing me the flexibility to customize treatment to each individual I work with based on research informed indicators and the specific situation and attributes of the individual. Because of my extensive testing background, I also utilize psychological testing to inform treatment when helpful.

Background: After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, I began volunteering on the Veterans National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is where I was inspired to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I applied for a United States Navy graduate school scholarship and was one of five recipients that year. Shortly after, I commissioned as a Naval Officer. I earned both my Masters and Doctorate degrees from the American Psychological Association (APA) Accredited California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. My graduate work experience focused on crisis, trauma, veterans and psychological testing. I completed an APA Accredited Internship through the USN Bureau of Medicine and Surgery at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). I also completed my Post-Doctoral Fellowship at NMCSD. During my time in military service, I collaborated cross-organizationally to create a novel resiliency skills training program which was ultimately dispersed throughout Navy Medicine West as part of a fleet-wide effort to increase preventative mental health resources for active-duty service members and their families. After honorably completing my military service, I began working in private practice. I founded Anchor Center for Mental Health and Wellness in 2019 because I wanted to work in a practice that aligned with my personal and professional values; just as I encourage others to live their values in order to achieve their most meaningful life.