I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFC #43442). As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), I am, by definition, a psychotherapist / healing arts practitioner who is licensed by the State of California. I joyfully opened the doors of my private practice in 2006. In the beginning of my career, I worked in the school system as a School Guidance Counselor. It was through this work that I developed a deep understanding about children, adolescents and family systems. This experience honed my knowledge of child development, which allowed me to help parents better understand their children’s and adolescent’s behaviors and how to parent more effectively. I became more understanding of the need for parents to communicate well with each other and to their children. It is paramount that families find a way to navigate conflict without fear, shame, or anger.  Over time I became more savvy to the importance of couple and marriage counseling. Strong communication skills that are respectfully clear and direct, paired with compassionate listening skills, help create bonds that cultivate long lasting and healthy relationships.  However, in order for a person to participate well in therapy, an individual needs to be aware of and understanding of their own inner dynamics so they can represent themselves effectively when communicating. Individual work is about self awareness work! Through the years my work with clients has given me much satisfaction. I consider myself honored to be with them as they transform themselves into more authentically contented individuals.