About

#4 I love supporting other therapists too.
As a mentor, consultant, and therapist for therapists, I help others grow and refine their practices. I also write and train others about IFS, attachment, and trauma, exploring how these areas shape who we are and our capacity for connection. Whether you’re starting out, sharpening your skills, or looking for your own therapy, I’m here to offer guidance and support.

#5 I’m a human too, and I know the importance of recharging.
To unwind and find balance, I run outdoors, play Super Mario and Legend of Zelda, laugh at clever Instagram memes, watch Drag Race clips, read graphic novels, and spend quality time with my husband and dog. I’m also in my own IFS therapy, which helps me stay centered, present, and fully available for my clients.

Master of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento       2014 – 2016
Emphasis: community mental health for adults & children;
Thesis Topic: Sexual Identity-Focused Therapy

Bachelor of Arts in Film & Media, University of California, Santa Barbara       2004 – 2008
Awarded outstanding graduate honors, voted upon by program faculty.

• Somatic IFS Step 2 Training – led by Susan McConnell, November 2024 to January 2025.
• PA for IFS Institute Level 1 training, LT Jory Agate, AT Jess Finney; July to October 2024.
• IFS Institute Level 1 LGBTQIA+ Affinity Training; August 2023 to January 2024.
• Somatic IFS Retreat – 7 day experiential training led by Somatic IFS founder Susan McConnell, January 2023.
• Self-led Grief – 2 day advanced intensive course on practicing IFS for grieving, run by IFSCA, June 2022.
• Stepping Out – 16 week, 48 hour intensive course for gay male therapists on practicing IFS run by IFSCA, September 2021 to December 2021.
  

About my approach

My main way of working, IFS, is more than just a therapy approach. Although it was first developed by a therapist, IFS has become for many a way of life, a spiritual practice, and a way of compassionately seeing the world and other people. I imagine this can sound very weird. However, there is a lot of flexibility in how people use the ideas of IFS in their lives and in therapy, and there is a strong emphasis on listening to your own inner wisdom to figure out where and how to use your energy in life. This means IFS is not like following strict rules. It’s more like an invitation.

IFS operates under the assumption that our  psyche is geared toward healing in the same way that our skin regenerates when we have been physically wounded. I see this work as accessing our psyche’s natural restorative abilities. Not only is it deep, powerful, and healing work, it is seen in the mental health community as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, attachment wounds, and childhood trauma. IFS can be used for practically any concern including anxiety, depression, panic, relationship issues, and physical health issues.

Qualifications

My comprehensive training in IFS includes multi-day live and in-person workshops on preverbal and complex trauma with Colleen West; foundational skills and competencies through IFSI Level 1 Training (lead trainers Jory Agate and Kim Paulus, assistant trainer Jess Finney); and the IFSCA Stepping Stones program with a gay male cohort led by Derek Scott. Additionally, I’ve trained in advanced skills and competencies (including the topics of guides, unattached burdens, Self essence, and legacy burdens) and Self-led grieving with Derek Scott, Self-like parts with Pam Krause, Legacy Burdens with Kay Gardner, embodying anti-racism while living in a white body with Jess Finney and Delta Larkey, and Somatic IFS, including an experiential week-long retreat and Step 2 training focused on Somatic IFS application, with Susan McConnell.

My work with clients has deepened my experience, skill, passion, and confidence especially in supporting gay and queer men, fellow therapists, and internal systems impacted by complex, developmental, attachment, and relational trauma.