About the Counselor

Oliver’s story:

When I decided to open my private practice, I hired a lovely photographer to come and take some professional photos. She fell in love my with cat , Oliver and had to have him in a few shots. Naturally, those were the ones I liked best too. He is quite photogenic.

Professional Background:

I graduated from CSUS in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and in 2007 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. My thesis focused on the link between spirituality and client well-being, and I have a special interest in diverse spiritual perspectives. I was fortunate to have training in mental health and addiction medicine through Sacramento County and with Kaiser Permanente as a student learner.

My supervised work as a therapist began in an adult psychiatry clinic. I spent five years working in an intensive outpatient program, and the majority of my career was spent providing individual and group psychotherapy. In this role, I discovered my love for working with issues of Codependency, Anxiety, and Gender Dysphoria. I also received specialized training in DBT, MI, and Gender Therapy. I have a Certification in Mindfulness in Recovery from the Mindful Life Program, and have been trained to use mindfulness principles to assist my clients with a variety of concerns. EMDR-Trained via EMDR Institute.

Personal Life:

My personal life includes regular meditation and yoga practice. As I move through the lifespan, I need to use it, or I will lose it. I have been divorced, a single parent, and am a breast cancer survivor. My children are all adults, and I am happily married. I am a pet owner, and understand the importance pets play in our lives. My hobbies include knitting, crocheting, gardening, and hiking. I believe that laughter is curative, and that every human has intrinsic worth.