What a session with me is like:
I am a real, warm-blooded, warm-hearted person first. I want to meet and connect with you, right where you are, human to human. Building safety and trust is the foundation of deep healing work. My life experiences and my clinical training have prepared me to be with my clients in a way that is present, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
I don’t pretend to know it all or have all the answers to your life’s challenges. I believe that with support, the right answers, and the next steps in your life will emerge from within. I’m here to actively guide and be with you through this process. Therapeutic touch, body awareness, and your relationship to yourself can be key components of our work together.
I’ve been told that people sense my warm presence right away. They feel comfortable being themselves, feel seen for who they really are, and are reminded of what's great about them.
Education:
I have earned a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica in 2008 and a second master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 2019. My areas of specialization are spiritual, holistic, and somatic psychology. This means that I acknowledge that the mind, body, and spirit are impacted by our life experiences and that all of these aspects of ourselves must be engaged in the healing process. In addition to private therapy sessions, I’m also a teacher of a therapeutic healing modality called Relational Somatic Healing.
Therapeutic Modalities/Training:
University of Santa Monica - M.A. - Spiritual Psychology specialization
John F. Kennedy University - M.A. - Somatic Psychology specialization
Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy
Hakomi with Couples
Emotional Focused Therapy for Couples
Relational Somatic Healing/Therapeutic Touch
My Journey:
My early childhood and teen years were filled with trauma. I know what it’s like to not feel safe in my own home, to loose loved ones suddenly, and feel as fragile as glass believing that one more strong wind would completely shatter me.
My past trauma haunted me as an adult and showed up in my bodily symptoms and my relationships. For years, I found myself in one unhealthy relationship after another and had difficulty finding my place in the world.
I knew something had to change, and that change would have to come from the inside out. My journey toward becoming a somatic therapist began with me finding my own way through trauma. Something inside me knew that my body held wisdom and that relationships could be healing.
I have spent the last 20 years focused on my own emotional healing and personal development, which has enabled me to now thrive in my life. Deep self-inquiry, self-compassion, and the willingness to interrupt old patterns has been fundamental to my healing process.
Over time, I have accepted that although I cannot change the past, with awareness I can create a better life for myself than what I had known as a child. Now I live a life that includes wellness, a sense of safety, loving relationships, and creative expression.
If you can relate to any of this and are ready to really thrive in your life, let’s talk.
A Little More About Me:
I identify as a Black woman, lesbian, artist, holistic therapist, faith-keeper, wife, friend, and lover of life. I am passionate about authentic connection, dancing, cooking, and supporting others in the areas of personal growth and creative expression.