LGBT therapists in Monrovia, CA

Thank you for reading this. Having a background in grassroots and non-profit work as well as teaching, I am fiercely passionate about equity, social justice and liberation for all people. The therapeutic relationship is unique and radical --- your words have exquisite power and we get to think together about what they mean.

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016. I have been providing therapy since 2011.

Check out my YouTube, for short helpful videos:

www.youtube.com/@softenup

Congratulations for taking the hardest step in therapy, reaching out for help. Past traumas, grief, chronic pain and illness, failed relationships, poor self-esteem, or mental illnesses impacts each of us at difference times in our lives. These moments can make us questions ourselves, traps us into feeling hopeless, with no motivation or energy to believe in a better tomorrow. I will not promise that therapy will be easy or that I have a magic cure so you will no longer have Tragedy, illness or loss. I can promise to provide a safe space, using best practices to move forward. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience.

I am a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience working with anxiety, depression and complicated relationships among many other concerns. I tend to use a more logic-driven, analytical structured approach with my clients where together we try to understand and analyze patterns of behavior that are causing problems and getting in the way of their lives. As a result, neurodivergents and people who work in the hard sciences, technology fields, or are business executives tend to respond very positively to my style and approach. I also work with mood disorders, unconventional or complicated relationships, historical spiritual abuse and military veterans.

Specialty in AI and technology:

I also specialize in the psychology of AI, technology and how it affects society and relationships. For 7 months last year, I spent extensive time within AI-user online communities to learn about their firsthand experiences involving AI-related harm and parasocial relationships. I was featured in the 2026 title How to Talk to AI (And How Not To) by BBC journalist and author Jamie Bartlett, where I discussed parasocial relationships in AI use.

Hobbies:

I love the outdoors, backpacking and going on road trips with my dog. I teach outdoor skills in a wilderness class each winter. I also love California native plants and am a trained naturalist.

Are you feeling dissatisfied in your daily life? Things are okay, but something doesn’t feel quite right. You’re employed, maybe in a relationship, and can socialize with friends, but you wonder if you’re truly happy. I would love to speak with you to see if therapy with me can help you better understand yourself and improve your life.

I am a dedicated therapist specializing in emerging adults (ages 18–25), adults in their 20s and 30s, and career, passion, and purpose. I love what I do and am here to serve.

If you are struggling with ADHD and/or symptoms of anxiety or depression or are dealing with difficult relationship issues or life transitions, I could be the therapist for you.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

I've been told I'm easy to connect with, in particular by folks who haven't found the right fit.

I work with adults experiencing high-functioning anxiety, depression, stress and adjustment to life changes.

I have a BA in Psychology, an MSW in Social Work, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, an advocate for social justice, and have a lifelong commitment to examining the systems that create and maintain inequity and oppression.