Counseling for parents, parents to be, co-parenting with an ex, and couples considering having children:

About Me: I have been with HOPE Counseling Center for 3 years and truly enjoy what I am doing. I do not consider this a “job”, but a fortunate place and position that I have been called to. It is such an honor for me to be able to help individuals, families, children, and couples meet the goals that they want in their lives and help them see what great worth they have now. You will encounter someone who has been said to be compassionate, humble, with a good sense of humor, and wisdom in many areas.

Credentials/Experience: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from UC Davis and a Master of Science degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Phoenix as an honor student. I am also a graduate of The River City School of Ministry. The schools and programs offered me such a great array of knowledge intellectually and personally, with hands on development for my career path to be a success. As a graduate, I continue my studies to further develop my knowledge and stay informed with the latest both statistical and theoretical information.

I have been in the counseling field for 10 years now, starting as a Residential and Non-public school counselor. I have had the opportunity throughout the years to work with children, teenagers, and adults in various settings and diverse circumstances. Before receiving my Masters degree in 2008, I was privileged to work in many positions due to my qualifications and experience.

Although it is not necessary for someone to have a certain life experience to help another person through theirs, some find it comforting to know that some of my personal life experiences include being currently married to my wonderful husband, having open heart surgery, living in the urban area of Los Angeles for several years, working through generational family challenges, having a good spiritual foundation, and having received personal counseling as well.

Areas that I can Help you Resolve: I have helped people resolve identity issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), not being able to attach to other people, grief and loss issues, teenage drug use and gang related problems, self-doubt, a sense of sadness or hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed or stressed, difficulty with motivation, concerns about relationships with friends, family, or a boyfriend/girlfriend, responses to being raped, sexually assaulted, or relationship violence, stress, or, even just feeling that something is wrong and not being able to define it.

I am motivated to help those in need receive their highest potential and I demonstrate this in my personal involvements outside of doing counseling as well.

Specialties: My specialties include couples counseling (Marriage, Pre-marital, Pre-engagement, and Relationship Readiness), Christian counseling (see more here), adults molested and/or abused as children, adult women and men in a domestic violence relationship in the past or present, and parenting challenges.

Type of Therapy: The type of therapy that you would encounter while seeing me is considered “responsible eclecticism”, which means that I use various types of interventions that I have been well trained in that are best suitable for you, your family, or your children. I find that having one type of intervention may not be beneficial for all individuals, families, couples, and children. Some interventions include me not just listening to your problem, but helping you problem solve different areas, using your strengths, while trying different exercises and techniques in session, and encouraging you to try other things outside of session that will help you get your goals met. You would not experience any type of "new age", "suggestive", "psycho-bable", or questionable therapy while having counseling with me.

What you will Encounter: Over the phone I would like to get a brief idea why you are coming in and this is the best time to ask me any initial questions. This usually takes only 5 minutes. During our first session I will have you read and sign an Agreement for Services form that goes over in more detail what you will encounter while in counseling. During our first session I like to get a more in depth understanding of what is going on and allow us this time to explore your goals for counseling, what has worked in the past, as well as what has not worked. I will always check in with you and ask you how our sessions are going to make sure that I am helping you get your needs met.

The environment: The environment is very safe, welcoming, clean, and private! You will find yourself in rooms and waiting areas like the ones below with complimentary tea, cold water, magazines, air conditioning, and heating. Our Roseville office is unfortunately not wheel chair accessible and we are located on the second floor.

Fees and Insurance: The fee is for every 50 minute session and is affordable compared to most standard rates. This fee does not change if it were for a couple or family and is therefore based on the length of session versus the amount of people in session. We accept credit cards, checks, and cash. The fee is due at the beginning of session and many of my clients find it useful to just use their credit card in order for us to not deal with payment every session. Additionally, some other clients like to pay for their months work of sessions in advance. I take Victim Witness Compensation Insurance and CHAMPVA (Veterans) Insurance. If there is another insurance that you have, I might be able to meet the price of your co-pay and you would not have to use your insurance at all. Please call for more details. I also offer 12 sessions of free counseling on Tuesday's at 1pm for those who need and qualify for this. Please call me for more details.

Length of Sessions: Each week we would meet for 50 minutes. The duration of sessions varies for each case and is therefore impossible to predict. The termination of counseling should be explored and decided between both the client and therapist. Your therapist should be someone who you can build a rapport with and who can help you make appropriate decisions in your life. For new clients starting counseling, I prefer to have weekly counseling sessions versus bi-weekly counseling sessions in order to make sure we are getting your goals met and presenting symptoms are considerably reduced. Typically, clients that are terminating switch to bi-weekly to monthly sessions as follow-up sessions.

What an Intern Means: An intern is someone who has obtained their masters degree, is now registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and is being supervised by a licensed therapist. This is very beneficial, because the intern meets with a clinical team weekly to problem solve each case. Your information is kept confidential under both legal and ethical obligations. Additionally, the intern is held responsible to deliver both quality work and to maintain a high level of professionalism by meeting each week with their supervisor. I am happy to say that I feel I have one of the best licensed supervisors and that together we can help you get your goals met.

Professional Affiliations and Achievements: I am member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), both state and chapter level. I am also a Board Member of the Sacramento Chapter of CAMFT. I received the 2010 Leadership of the Year Award from CAMFT. I am also a member of Psychology Today.