In additional to internal family systems I also integrate the following modalities in therapy:

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic modality aimed at assisting clients in recognizing and uncovering their own values, beliefs and goals. As your therapist I will ask specific, guided, intentional questions to assist you in uncovering your own values, beliefs and goals and begin to create space between what others want for you and your family and what you yourself actually want for yourself and your family. I believe this technique is critical in helping clients strengthen self esteem, feel more confident about decision making and gain a greater sense of self compassion. Clients are often deeply changed when they begin to recognize unhealthy thought patterns and examine the extent external pressures (including family, social media, society) has impacted their decisions and goals. Motivational interviewing is key to allowing clients to identify their own goals and increase confidence, self compassion and clarity.

Sometimes, pregnancy sucks. As a mom and a therapist, I often see how the journey to parenthood is a mix of intense excitement, stress, and crippling overwhelm.

From intense physical changes, including relentless morning sickness to exhausting fatigue to increased strain on your relationship with your partner. It’s not just about the baby bump—your entire system is adjusting, which is especially challenging if you are also struggling with depression and anxiety.

The pressure to “do it all perfectly” and to “enjoy every moment” is bullshit and sets us up for failure. I am here to help you shift through all the toxic positivity and find your way back to yourself.

Seeking support is a sign of strength. Embracing pregnancy with self compassion will make this transition more manageable, meaningful and empowering. I am here to support you and to empower you to make your own decisions that are best for you and your family.

Therapy provides a space to explore these emotions, gain clarity, and develop coping strategies.

Embracing self-compassion and seeking help when needed can make this transformative time a bit smoother.

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy is as important as caring for your physical health. You’re not alone in this journey, and I am here to help you navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy with confidence and support.

The Best Spots in North San Diego County To Take Your Baby, Toddler or Preschooler.

I have been so impressed by all of the incredible places to take my young kids here in North San Diego County. Since my partner and I find that weekends are when parenting is at its hardest I have been on the hunt for the most enjoyable places for both my kids and for me. Below are some of my favorites:

1. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido, CA

My kids and I really love this charming children’s museum in Escondido, CA. Typically we will get breakfast or lunch (and dessert) at EscoGelato (a short walk from the museum) and then spend a few hours at this museum. There are lots of things to see and do and this museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits. I appreciate that it is pretty contained and there is a separate area for kids 2 and younger. I have found that this is one of the few places I feel confident taking my 4 year old and my 1 year old by myself. It is also really helpful that because this is a children’s museum no one bats an eye if my kids are running around, talking loudly, or arguing over toys. :)

Motherhood is Tough, Especially Without Your Own Mom to Help

In my practice, I help moms who feel disconnected, judged or detached from their own moms find confidence and peace in motherhood while working through deep rooted painful familial relationships. My clients often feel shame and sadness. Having their own child is leading to increased feelings of resentment and disappointment in their own families. Despite being successful, empathic, and well prepared for motherhood, my clients all have a similar frustration - parenting is hard, especially without the support they need from their own parents and siblings.

My clients struggle with the relationships they have with their own families and recognize the huge impact this has on them and their partners during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. 

When they first come in, my clients feel unsupported, alone and judged for mothering in the way they want, which looks a lot different than how they were parented. They feel like they can’t relate to others in their own families and that their skills as a parent are not consistent with their own high standards they meet in other areas of their lives. They don’t know who to turn to for support and guidance when their own families don’t feel in alignment with their values and parenting style. They know they should not compare themselves to what they see on instagram, but they find it impossible not to. Their feelings of being the black sheep as a daughter, partner and mother get in the way of the life they want.

Parenting a baby and a toddler and feeling like you’re drowning?

Let’s work together to help reduce the chaos, manage the overstimulation, and create a game plan to help you get your head above water! (No sunscreen needed!)

I specialize in working with Moms who are parenting 2 kids under 2.

You are considering having another child, you’re pregnant with your second or third child, or you are postpartum. Feelings of overwhelm, guilt, shame, and self-doubt are surfacing.

• You feel guilty for not being able to provide the same level of attention and energy to your first after you have your second

• You find yourself only wanting to bond with your new baby and feel less connected and patient with your older child

• You are having difficulty bonding with your baby and want to focus on your older child

• You are struggling with managing pregnancy or postpartum with both a baby and an older child

• You are having trouble navigating the relationship with your partner as you are both burnt out and exhausted