I grew up in a home where alcohol dependency, conflict, and emotional chaos were the norm. My parents did the best they could, but the constant fighting and drinking left me lonely, anxious, frightened, struggling how to connect with others, and idealizing suicide at a young age.

As I got older, I struggled with anger, impulsive choices, deep emotional pain, and relational rejection and loss. Oh yeah, and a deep sense of shame – like something was broken in me and it wasn’t ever getting fixed.

I’d failed in my career and gone through chronic illness. I know what it’s like to feel depressed, lost, reactive, and stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand because I’ve lived through it.

After decades of struggling, there was this one night at Café La Scala in Walnut Creek. I was sitting there with my journal, and I finally committed to doing whatever it took to get my life back on track. Over time, I learned to recognize my triggers, take responsibility for my choices, and develop better and effective ways to calm myself and connect with others.

I didn’t just read about change, by the grace of God, I lived it. And now, I use that real-world experience to help others navigate their own storms. And I bring these unique insights and compassion into each session with you.

Whether you’re facing relationship breakdown, addiction, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm, or something else, you’ll be working with someone who’s not afraid to walk with you through the hard stuff - because I’ve walked it myself.

I’m not here to promise a life without challenges. No therapist can.

But I can help you learn how to ride the waves instead of getting wiped out by them. If you’re ready to do the work and want support from someone who’s seen both sides, the struggle and the transformation, I’m here for you. Let’s get started.