We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.
― Anaïs Nin

Growth is not linear.

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Personal growth is rarely a straight path—it’s a winding journey with steps forward, steps back, and pauses along the way.

What may feel like setbacks are often opportunities to revisit old patterns with new awareness and strength. Change takes time, but it is always possible.

No matter how deeply rooted certain behaviors may feel, we have the capacity to shift, to release what no longer serves us, and to create new ways of being that honor who we are becoming.

Each choice, each moment of awareness, opens the door to growth, healing, and greater freedom.

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Whom can I help?

I am especially drawn to working with individuals who feel stuck between who they think they should be and who they truly are. In our work, I support clients in reclaiming their inner voice, strengthening their sense of agency, and building relationships that feel more authentic and sustainable. Therapy is not just about insight, but also about practicing and embodying new ways of relating—learning to say no without guilt, to rest without shame, and to cultivate connections that allow for reciprocity and depth.

My approach is grounded in research and guided by an awareness of how trauma impacts the mind, body, and relationships. At the same time, I bring warmth, empathy, and collaboration into the therapeutic space. The relationship we build together becomes the foundation for healing—one where you can safely explore your story, develop greater self-awareness, and experiment with new ways of relating that feel more authentic and sustainable.

I also work with couples. When couples come to therapy, it is often because they feel stuck—caught in patterns of miscommunication, distance, or conflict that leave them feeling unheard and disconnected from one another. These struggles can be painful, especially when the love and care are still present but hard to access through the tension.

In our work together, I help couples slow down and make space for both partners’ voices, feelings, and needs to be understood. Often, beneath the arguments or silence are unspoken longings—for closeness, safety, and reassurance. By exploring these dynamics in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment, couples can begin to recognize the patterns that keep them apart and experiment with new ways of relating that foster understanding and intimacy.

My approach with couples is collaborative, relational, and grounded in the belief that every relationship has the capacity to grow and heal. With guidance and practice, couples can learn to communicate more openly, listen with empathy, and reconnect with the sense of partnership that brought them together in the first place.

I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese (Brazilian).

At the heart of my work as a psychodynamic therapist is the belief that our earliest relationships shape not only how we see ourselves but also how we move through the world and connect with others. Many of the individuals I work with have learned, often very early in life, that their value lies in putting others first—through people-pleasing, overextending, or sacrificing their own needs to maintain harmony. While these strategies may once have offered safety or belonging, over time they can lead to exhaustion, disconnection, and a deep sense of being unseen.

My therapeutic approach is relational at its core. I offer a collaborative space where clients can safely explore patterns of relating—both with others and with themselves. By attending to the dynamics that emerge between us in therapy, we can uncover the unconscious beliefs and emotional experiences that keep cycles of burnout, boundary difficulties, and self-neglect in place. Together, we create room for clients to notice their own needs and desires, and to experiment with new ways of honoring them in real time.

Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in curiosity, compassion, and trust. My role is not to give quick fixes, but to walk alongside clients as they uncover their inner wisdom, heal old wounds, and reconnect with the parts of themselves that have long been silenced.

My Approach

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FAQ

  • I have a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley in Comparative Literature and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. 

    For 6 years I worked as an immigration interpreter in Spanish and Portuguese for the public defender, asylum applicants, and clients with other immigration concerns.

    During my training, I provided brief psychodynamically-oriented integrative therapy to patients at California Pacific Medical Center, Davies Campus.

    My training continued at Access Institute for Psychological Services where I completed a one-year postgraduate fellowship and was trained in psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy. 

    I gained experience working with children and adolescents during my training as in-school therapist at Glen Park Elementary School, SFUSD and George Washington High School, SFUSD.

    In order to stay engaged in the psychoanalytic community, I participate in professional consultation groups as well as ongoing psychoanalytic trainings, and I am a member of Bay Area Psychology Group.

  • Individual sessions are 50-minutes long and $200.

    Couples sessions are 60-minutes long and $275.

    I reserve a limited number of hours for clients in need of a sliding scale fee. If these appointments are full, I can provide you with a referral.

    I do not currently accept insurance but can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance.

    Those covered by an insurance company with out-of-network benefits can receive substantial reimbursement for treatment, depending on the insurance company. Prior to your appointment, please inquire with your insurance company to see what your out-of-network coverage for mental/behavioral health services is. Call your insurance company and ask them the following questions:

    • Do I have out-of-network coverage for outpatient psychotherapy (CPT code 90834)?

    • What is my deductible, and have I met it yet?

    • What is my coinsurance (% that your insurance company will pay after your deductible has been met)?

    CANCELLATION POLICY:

    The effectiveness of treatment is dependent upon consistent attendance. I do my best to offer a consistent meeting time each week. Since your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, my cancellation policy is one week. In other words, if you cancel within one week of the appointment time, you will be charged for the full fee of your session. However, if we are able to reschedule a session for another time within the same week, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. I understand that sometimes unforeseeable events occur, so you may reach out to reschedule a session with as little as 24-hours notice. Be aware that rescheduling a session depends on my availability, and if I am not available, you will be liable for the cost.

    Teletherapy/Telehealth: I do offer video and phone sessions. These platforms are fully secure and HIPAA-compliant. I conduct all sessions from a confidential space. In order for telehealth to be an appropriate choice for treatment, you must be able to meet in a safe, private space with a secure internet connection, and your presenting problem(s) must be appropriate for telehealth sessions. This will be determined during our initial consultation.

    Verify My License: If you would like to verify my license, you may do so here. My license number is LMFT 150520

    File a Complaint: If you believe there is a serious ethical or legal violation on my part or on the part of any therapist, including sexual conduct between therapist and patient, you may file a complaint here.

  • I offer weekly psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples who are based in California. They are 50-minutes long and can be attended in-person or remotely. 

    I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese (Brazilian).

    I also offer psychological evaluations for asylum seekers working with a legal representative.

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Let’s connect.

Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation with me to see if we might be a good fit.

Book Consultation
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