My Approach & Path
I’ve always been curious about the inner world: how our thoughts, feelings, and stories shape the way we move through life. My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line. After college, I worked in film, music, and tech, navigating the fast-paced, high-stakes environments of the creative and corporate sectors. What I discovered along the way was a deep interest in people: how we grow, what we fear, and how we find meaning when life feels uncertain.
I am a licensed psychotherapist based in Santa Monica, California, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and OCD. My approach blends evidence-based therapies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices, with a grounded, collaborative, and deeply human style.
I see therapy as more than symptom reduction; it’s about building psychological flexibility, strengthening self-compassion, and creating a life guided by what matters most. Alongside traditional office and telehealth sessions, I offer nature-based therapy, including surf therapy.
Mindfulness & The Ocean
For over 15 years, mindfulness and meditation have been integral to my personal life and clinical work. Having completed advanced teacher training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, alongside extensive silent retreat practice, I integrate these principles into therapy in a down-to-earth, actionable way. They serve as practical tools to help you develop a more skillful relationship with your thoughts and feelings, expand your tolerance for uncertainty, and cultivate genuine presence.
Surfing is another thread woven through my worldview. Growing up in Southern California, I spent a lot of time in the ocean. You can’t control the waves, but you can learn how to surf them with awareness, patience, and adaptability. That same principle underlies my approach to therapy: learning to work with life’s conditions rather than fighting against them
Specialized Training & Clinical Background
My clinical foundation is rooted in specialized, high-volume exposure and trauma work:
OCD & Anxiety Subspecialty: Specialized training at Anxiety Therapy LA.
Advanced Modalities: Advanced ACT training through Praxis and extensive training in the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM).
Complex Care & Dual Diagnosis: Clinical experience at UCLA’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Who I Work With Best
Clients often describe me as calm, nonjudgmental, and thoughtful. I work best with people who feel stuck in loops of overthinking, self-doubt, or emotional suppression; individuals who want to understand themselves on a deeper level and move toward a life that feels grounded, intentional, and alive.
Together, we’ll clarify your values, soften your inner critic, and build the skills needed to navigate life’s inevitable waves with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the FAQ page for a full list of frequently asked questions.
-
My standard fee for individual psychotherapy is $250 per session (50 minutes). Payment is due at the time of service via major credit cards, debit cards, or HSA/FSA cards.
In-Network Coverage (via Alma):
To make specialized care more accessible, I am in-network with select insurance panels through Alma, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum / UnitedHealthcare, and Carelon (Anthem Blue Cross). If you plan to use one of these providers, I can check your benefits and verify your coverage before our first session.
Out-of-Network Benefits (PPO):
For all other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement for outpatient mental health. If you'd like to use out-of-network benefits, I can provide a monthly superbill (a detailed receipt with clinical codes) for you to submit directly to your insurance company.
Questions to ask your insurance provider:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health (CPT codes 90834 and 90837)?
What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?
What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed once my deductible is met?
Private Pay Option:
Some clients choose to pay out-of-pocket directly rather than use insurance benefits. Paying privately allows for complete privacy (no mandatory clinical diagnosis on your medical record) and full control over the frequency and duration of our work together.
-
I see clients in person at my Santa Monica office (720 Wilshire Blvd) and virtually via HIPAA-compliant telehealth across the state of California. In-person office availability in Santa Monica is limited, while telehealth offers flexible scheduling statewide.
-
Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person sessions at my Santa Monica office and telehealth sessions across California.
How to Get Started:
Initial Consultation: We begin with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what you’re experiencing, answer any questions, and ensure we’re a great fit.
Intake Session: During our first official 50-minute session, we’ll dive deeper into your history, clarify your goals, and map out a tailored treatment plan.
Session Format & Structure:
Standard Sessions: Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes, typically scheduled on a weekly basis to build momentum and consistency.
Evidence-Based Approach: Sessions are collaborative, active, and focused on practical outcomes—combining Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness.
Specialty Offerings: For clients interested in deeper experiential work, I also offer extended sessions and surf and nature-based therapy by request.
-
If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations or missed appointments with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee.
My work is grounded in the belief that healing comes from greater intimacy with our own experience, not by avoiding pain, but by learning to hold it wisely.