Who I am?

My name is Colleen (She/They). I have over 7 years of ongoing education from ELAC, UCLA, USC, and LLU, as well as clinical experience in community mental health, the justice system, and more. My journey in this field began in biological neuroscience, where I studied the mechanisms by which we develop and adapt. What I have gathered is that the brain is wired for connection and healing. In other words, the patterns we find ourselves in, for better or worse, are a function of our brains and nervous systems trying to heal themselves through familiar people and places. Unfortunately, our society does not invest in helping its people cultivate the skills to navigate individual and collective traumas. This is the impasse at which systems fail and our work begins.

My Philosophy

I believe the therapeutic relationship is a sacred one. The etymology of the word “psychotherapy” refers to “tending to the deepest part of the human spirit.” My clinical experience has taught me that the indispensable prerequisite to healing is human connection. In our work together, the therapeutic relationship becomes a microcosm of connection where emotions are named, felt, and grieved. Thus, rather than operating from the westernized model of symptom reduction, I am committed to working with my clients to sustain long-term growth and transformation.

Therapeutic Approach

I am a registered AMFT trained in evidence-based practices like EMDR, and I work through the lenses of Relational-Gestalt and Psychodynamic therapies. This is to say that although we will be rooted in the here-and-now dynamics of the session, we will periodically revisit past experiences and unconscious survival strategies to build insight and awareness around how the past inevitably informs the present.

If any part of my bio resonates with you, I invite you to begin the process of healing and transformation together. I look forward to working with you.