Plants can grow in some of the most unexpected places.

On sidewalks, through concrete, on buildings. Even when the odds seem stacked against it, the desire to thrive can find a way. When a person comes to therapy, they are choosing to find their own way to grow, no matter where they’ve been planted. One of the tools of plants are tendrils; those delicate, sensitive shoots of courage that reach out for support and connection. With some nurturance and guidance, we here at Tendril Therapy welcome you to break the barriers of what seems improbable, to grow, to thrive, to climb.
 

Having a good connection with your therapist is one the most important aspects of therapy. I come into the therapy space with an open and authentic mindset. I am passionate about helping my clients feel seen, understood and valuable. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than to have my clients building a better relationship with themselves through the healthy model of the therapeutic relationship. I work with clients in the intersection of understanding their trauma, exploration of identity, and working toward healthy ideas regarding sex and sexual relationships.

My style of therapy is a blend of the psychological theories I feel most drawn to. I approach my clients from the Humanistic/Existential perspective. I focus a lot of my work on helping my clients to be free from unhealthy shame and negative self-beliefs. The health of our primary relationship, the one with ourselves, often dictates the health of our relationships with others. Using attachment theory and a narrative style, I help you explore how that which you struggle with in the present is often connected to what we feel was unmet in our past. To better understand my philosophy on therapy, read this article here.  My frame for integrating our Light and Shadow sides, the acceptance of our old negative beliefs and our new insights, is about embracing the full spectrum of ourselves as we continue to work toward being our best selves. As David Richo writes, "We are complete now and all along the path."
 
I began in private practice in 2012, but my journey started long before that. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and began my work in psychotherapy helping veterans who were dealing with issues of homelessness, substance abuse and trauma. I have also worked at Palomar College providing psychotherapy services to one of the largest veteran student populations in the state of California. When I began in private practice I was working with individuals, couples and families. While my work in private practice now primarily focuses on working with individual clients, I help my clients to realize their potential to affect positive change in their own relationships. My consultancy work has allowed me to provide in-home support services across Southern California to families who need guidance with addressing behavior issues.
 
I am privileged to parent my two children with a loving and caring partner by my side. I love to travel and explore outside. When I'm not working you can probably find me on a road trip to another National Park (I've crossed 21 off my list so far), hiking, or watching professional soccer.