Understanding what ‘home’ means to me necessitated leaving the familiar comforts of my Bay Area home in California. Immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures, I felt a deep urge to expand my horizons through studying abroad and exploring my identity beyond my background. In 2014, I took the daring step of moving to Scotland, where I dedicated nearly six years to studying and practising counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh. During this time, I worked as a therapist in various clinical settings and private practice, each experience enriching my understanding of the diversity of the human experience. In 2020, I embraced a new adventure by relocating to Spain, where I now live with my bicultural and bilingual family, further developing my understanding of different ways of living.

While I hold the professional titles of 'doctor' and 'therapist,' I prefer the term' fellow traveller,' as described by psychiatrist Ivan D. Yalom. This concept resonates with me because it reflects my philosophy of therapy: to meet you where you are, person to person. I am here to be alongside you in your experience, not only as a professional who is not above you but also as someone who understands the complexities and challenges of being human. 

As your therapist, I am here to be fully present with you, offering genuine care, understanding, and respect. I recognise there is no 'one size fits all' approach, and I will adapt my methods to suit your specific needs and goals. I aim for our time together to be engaging and worthwhile, encouraging collaborative exploration where your thoughts and feelings significantly guide our work. I want to empower you to take an active role in this process while guiding you toward deeper insights about yourself. My approach encourages a stronger connection with yourself, enabling you to pursue what truly matters to you with greater confidence and clarity.

Some of my personal interests are yoga, reading, writing, singing, and writing songs. I find solace in taking slow walks through the garden and savouring moments in cafés. I tend always to have special interests, and I am currently delving into personality types, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Enneagram. For those curious, I identify as an INFP and a 9W1.

People I Tend to Work With

I warmly welcome people from all cultures, identities, abilities, and backgrounds. As a queer, neurodivergent American immigrant, I am aware of how distinctive and multifaceted each person's story can be. I understand feeling out of place or misunderstood, having navigated similar challenges myself and supporting others through theirs. This experience has made inclusion and intersectionality central tenets of my work. I have a special passion for supporting fellow immigrants, expatriates, international students, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities.

I have worked with many people navigating significant life transitions. These transitions include moving to a new country, coping with the loss of a loved one, adjusting to job changes, or managing shifts in personal relationships. I have supported clients in untangling the complexities of their identities, whether they involve cultural, sexual, or gender identity, and in discovering where they fit within the larger context of the world. I also specialise in addiction and recovery, closely collaborating with people affected by their own substance use or that of someone close to them. 

My practice addresses a wide range of emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, self-criticism, and trauma. I have guided many individuals who are in or are emerging from abusive relationships, assisting them in reconnecting with their inner trust, autonomy, and self-worth. In couples therapy, I work with partners to address a variety of issues, including infidelity, intimacy challenges, communication barriers, and the emotional complexities that often arise during times of separation or divorce. A complete list of the issues I have experience with can be found below.

  • Pluralistic Approach

    My approach to therapy is pluralistic. ‘Pluralistic’ means that I draw from many schools of thought on growth and healing, including person-centred therapy, experiential therapy, psychodynamic therapy, Systems Theory therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. This means I can combine the appropriate ideas and tools to suit you. Learn more here.

  • Themes/Issues

    I have experience working with a wide range of issues which I have listed here.

  • Associations

    I am registered with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP 377377), meaning that I have been approved for gaining appropriate training and experience. My work is deeply grounded in the ethics of care, respect, safety, and confidentiality, which is embedded within the code of ethics and conduct of the BACP. My practice is also insured and regularly supervised per the BACP requirements, so you can be confident about the help I provide.

  • Continued Professional Development (CPD)

    As a life-long learner in my profession, I regularly attend workshops, trainings, conferences, and other CPD courses. I am also an avid reader and research themes and socio-cultural contexts to deepen my understanding and support my clients therapeutically. You may find a list of my CPD here.

  • Education and Training

    Certificate in Introduction to Cognitive Analytic Therapy (2022): Sussex Mindfulness Centre, Online Training

    Certificate in Transactional Analysis 101 (2021): Physis Scotland, Online Training

    Certificate in Couples Counselling (2020): Relationship Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

    Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (2019): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland

    PG Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2016): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland

    Counselling Children and Young People Introductory course (2015): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland

    Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation BA (2014): San Jose State University, San Jose, USA

    Associate Degree of Arts (AA) (emphasis in social sciences) 2011, San Jose City College, San Jose, USA

  • Brave Notes Blog

    I curate a blog where I reflect on topics that arise from my work, share information about therapy, and feature people’s therapy experiences. Click here to visit.