About Me

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I have a passion for addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues - this includes being an ally and advocate  for those who are 2SLGBTQIA+. My specialized training in health and DEI issues, combined with training across the lifespan, helps to consider development, culture and systems, health/medical issues, and life transitions while using evidenced-based treatments (EBT) in therapy. 

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My approach to therapy integrates parts of my personality (such as being direct, open, inquisitive, and approaching from the stance of learning) with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework to address issues such as anxiety, depression, acute and complex trauma, self-esteem and self-confidence, and stress management.  I am able to assist with issues from adjustment to new mental or physical health diagnoses to chronic conditions, such as: sleep problems, chronic pain, trust and relationship concerns, weight concerns, and assistance making difficult behavior and healthy lifestyle changes (such as preparing or recovering from a medical procedure, help with smoking cessation/quitting smoking, creating healthy eating and movement routines, etc.). 

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Some of the other EBTs that I incorporate are:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

the Unified Protocol (UP)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP)

Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT)

 

I received my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in Psychology in 2007 (Whoop!), master's degree from the University of Texas at Permian Basin in Clinical Psychology in 2009, and my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in 2015. During my doctorate program, I completed practicums at schools, community centers, psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, and Veteran Administration (VA) Hospitals. I completed my internship with a focus in health psychology at a VA Hospital in South Texas and then my post-doctorate residency/fellowship was in health and geriatric psychology at a VA hospital in Southern California. I then worked at a VA hospital in Central Texas for 5 years before transferring to telehealth practice in 2021.

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Focus areas include: Anger Management, Anxiety, Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain, Depression, Geriatrics, Grief/Loss, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Personality and Psychological Assessment, Racial Identity, Personal Health in Oppressive Systems, Self Esteem/Worth, Sexuality and Gender Identity, Gender Affirming Care, Stress Management, Trauma/PTSD, Women’s Issues, Work Stress