Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Vista, CA

I'm a therapist based in the Coachella Valley with a broad scope. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children navigating some of life's most difficult terrain: trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, substance use and addiction, family conflict, grief, anger, and the particular pressures that come with being a man in a culture that rarely teaches men how to ask for help.

I offer both in-person sessions in the valley and telehealth appointments throughout California. My approach is direct but never harsh, structured but never rigid. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, I meet you where you actually are.

The focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I help individuals focus on the Solution.

I have found my own personal healing to be intimately connected to nature, and it is here that I believe that we can all begin to rediscover our intrinsic humanity and let go of those things that distract us from our higher selves. In my spare time, I work as an outdoor educator and manage my own private practice and guide Outdoor Retreats

I believe it is helpful and important to translate what is discussed in session and in telehealth meetings into lived experience and real change.

Therapy with me is holistic, engaging, and client centered. I have an extensive background in working with adults, teens, and couples. Clients express they feel deeply listened to and met with an approach directly tailed to meet their needs.

Accepting short-term and intermittent-term clients who are open and ready for immediate positive emotional, mental, or relational shifts.

Who I Am: In my nursing career of over 25 years I have undergone extensive training in the specialized fields of neurology and psychiatry, which eventually led me to my true passion of becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply interested in the brain and its complexity. My path into mental health was shaped by a lifetime of witnessing the impact of mental illness on those around me. Helping others grow, improve their well-being, and experience a better quality of life has always been a central passion of mine, and it continues to guide the work I do today.

When a teen is struggling, the whole family can feel it. I work with teens and parents facing emotional overwhelm, behavior challenges, family conflict, and stress. Therapy with me is supportive, engaging, and focused on practical tools you can use in daily life. My goal is to help families feel more connected, understood, and hopeful.

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

I believe in going beyond the belief that all we can do is manage trauma and symptoms forever. I believe our mind, body, and spirit already has the power to overcome it, we just have to learn how to tap into it and put it to use

Your goals are most important to me, but I do recommend goals when needed. I accept you just as you are. I will work together with you to achieve an improved quality of life. I have over 30 years experience working in mental health counseling, and 10 1/2 years as a licensed provider. In that time, I have learned to use a variety of modalities. I tailor the type of therapy to my client and to his/her needs, so I might introduce more than one type during our work together. The issues I work with most include depression, anxiety, and trauma, I am also certified in addiction recovery, and neurodivergent issues.

I have a passion for coming alongside others and believe it's part of my DNA as a human being. I'm a mom, a Veteran, been married/divorced and I love my job! I specialize in trauma.. the big "T's" and the little ones. I have experience working with sexual assault, complex PTSD, moral injury, addictions, and grief.

I received a Masters from Sofia University and additional certifications in Psychedelic Integration, Somatic Therapy, and as a yoga teacher.

Historically, I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, group homes, and correctional settings.

I have experience working with clients of different ages, identities, races, and diagnosis.

Current focus is on adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and existential concerns.