About Me

My path to become a therapist began as many do, with my own healing. I was raised in a single parent home with 5 siblings. My father died in a car accident which left my mother to survive with myself and my siblings. Being raised in a single parent Hispanic home was not easy but I was able and determined to make something of myself. In my early teen years I came to the realization that the only way I could make it out of poverty was to do well in school. Even though I wasn't the best student due to my learning disabilities I worked really hard on my education. I committed myself to my own personal therapy my freshman year in High School. After years of psychoanalysis and other modalities, I was called to start my journey to becoming a psychotherapist. ​ I have a bachelors degree from Cal-State Bakersfield in Psychology, with an emphasis in Child development. I've worked for Child protective services in the Kern County area, then started working for a prison helping inmates heal from their childhood traumas, while I was healing on my own trauma. I spent 7 years working in a prison. I oversaw their infirmary and their segregation housing unit mostly referred to as the "SHU". I was able to observe and help inmates manage their psychological disorders. I saw severe, complex cases and was able to enhance my knowledge with attachment theory and trauma work. ​ In 2006 I started my masters degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology at National University in Bakersfield, California. My emphasis was in Marriage family therapy. I was able to learn from the best handpicked professors. I learned the skills needed to become one of the only young interns working in the prison system. ​ In 2013, I left the prison and started working in the medical field at Kaiser Permanente. A little over two years ago I observed that talk therapy was not conducive in helping patients that have endured trauma. Which I feel, all patients have dealt with some form of trauma. So, advanced my studies and worked on my journey of being certified EMDR clinician (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) . I was curious to learn everything about this therapy Modality. I was amazed and have seen first hand how working on your trauma using EMDR can heal and resolve the trauma in your body. To my surprise the research was impeccable. Supporting this modality as the most effective in treating trauma, accidents, addiction, anxiety, negative beliefs, and loss. There is not one patient that I've helped that hasn't received healing through this modality. ​ The demand for EMDR grew substantially and In 2020 (yes, in the middle of a pandemic), I opened my private practice in Ventura, California. I am convinced that their are many people out there that are wanting to heal and not live in emotional pain. I want to help be apart of your healing journey. ​ I am a certified EMDR therapist. I know this approach can help you relate to and find meaning in your suffering. Through this process, my hope is that you gain personal insight into your inner world and your life. I use an interactive, direct yet compassionate approach to help clients gain more self-awareness. ​ If you have any questions about me, my experience, or the way I work, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you! ​ ​ ​