The double edged sword of claiming specialities: I see all types of clients with varying challenges. Therapists, by definition, have expertise in helping people in most of the more common issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, ADHD, PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, just to name a few. Claiming a "specialty" can be misleading in that it may be interpreted by you (the client) that I only focus on these areas... which could not be further from the truth. I have clients that fall into all categories and I see them in a variety of settings, such as: individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, etc. So, with that said, I do have some areas in which I have extensive experience.

Adoption: Whether you decide to adopt due to infertility or just because you want to adopt, it's a life impacting decision! Not only on your life but also the life of a child. I've worked with adoptees, adoptive families, foster families, and birth families to provide education, support, and therapy in order to cope and thrive throughout this process. The adoption process itself can be quite grueling at times, as well as scary, exciting, joyful, etc. It can be a roller coaster. If you have already adopted and are now experiencing some challenges related to your adopted child, you are not alone. Adoption can bring about several issues: Identity (especially if you adopted trans-racially), talking to your child about his/her adoption, attachments, etc. If you are an adoptee, you may likely feel that you're "different" or may have longing or conflicted feelings about your birth parents or may be feeling confused and misunderstood. These are just a few challenges that adoptees face.

Infertility brings about a whole host of feelings and frustrations. Physical stress, emotional stress, financial stress, relational stress, sadness, anger, and on and on. Often times others don't understand the tremendous level of loss and grief you are experiencing. Therapy can help you work through the stages of grief necessary to bring about healing and restoration for both of you.

Young Adults (18-26): The transition from teen to adulthood can be exciting but also very scary! During this stage of your life it is not uncommon to experience anxiety, confusion, frustration, and depression. Talking to a professional can help you sort through all the thoughts and fears running around in your head.

I have many young adult clients and feel that I am able to establish rapport and provide support and assistance. While I am a parent to a child in this age bracket, I'm not YOUR parent so don't worry, I won't judge or nag!

LGBT: Being gay or transgender is filled with all kinds of challenges and feelings: confusion, fear, judgment, rejection, ridicule, love relationships and family acceptance. It's hard enough being LGBT in our culture let alone in South Orange County! Your population is severely underserved in this area. Whether you are unsure of your sexuality, are considering coming out of the closet, or are already out, I have the utmost respect for your fears and frustrations. Let me support you through this process. Maybe you are in a same-sex relationship and need some couples counseling but can't find a therapist in the area that has any experience with your unique challenges. Maybe you and your partner/spouse are parents and are experiencing challenges with your children relating to discrimination or maybe your child(ren) is having difficulty with his/her peers explaining having 2 moms or 2 dads. Whatever it is, I am confident that I can provide you with the support you are seeking.