Who I am
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about creating a sex positive, nonjudgmental environment for those with a wide range of presentations from mood disorders, gender identity, sexual expression, to relational or intimacy troubles. I strive to be informed and affirming to diverse populations and welcome sex workers, gender non-binary folx, non-monogamous people, and Kink or lifestyle persons. I work from an Attachment and Family Systems perspective with aspects of Gestalt, CBT, and Dr. Brené Brown’s shame and vulnerability work.
Areas of Specialty
Ethical Non-Monogamy
Kink
Anxiety
Gender Identity/Expression
Couples & Relationships
Mood Disorders
Sex Therapy
Relationships & Partnerships
Relationships not only inform how we interact with the world, but also how we shape ourselves. They effect our lives from bringing out our strongest emotions of happiness, love, and grief to influencing how we communicate and set boundaries for ourselves. This is why I welcome any and all relationship dynamics into the room, whether it be friendships, romance – monogamous or non-monogamous, kink, family, work, and more.
Vulnerability
When we talk about vulnerability, we are talking about not just the ability to be vulnerable with others but also ourselves. Often times, our society teaches us that vulnerability and seeking our authentic self is worthy of shame while we celebrate it from others. Together we will build resiliency against shame by practicing the vulnerability in telling your stories and learning to honor the perfections of your imperfections.
How I Help
It is important to work collaboratively to find the tools that work best for you while I simultaneously meet you where you are at in the healing process. My goal is to create a safe space where together we can explore the expression of your authentic self. I help by bringing awareness to maladaptive patterns and the rigid systems we have developed over the course of our lives through our attachments. My approach explores core beliefs, trauma, unmet needs, and the shame and fear that holds us back from realizing a life of whole-hearted fulfillment.
More About Me
I express my authentic self through my hobbies and spiritual practice. You can often find me playing tabletop role-play games like D&D, entertaining at Renaissance Faires, and playing video games across all platforms. I also enjoying fencing and archery, skating in my old Roller Derby gear, as well as Pole Dancing and other Aerial Arts. Humor and laughter is central to my life, as well as ample cursing.
Meet Abby
Abby also enjoys having her voice heard during sessions and grumble talks away at very opportune times. Her bark is fiercer than she knows sometimes, but her heart and gentle loving nature always shines through.
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist #143146
“To see and to be seen. That is the truest nature of love.”
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist #143146
Education
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy, Pepperdine University
B.A., Psychology, California State University, Northridge
Previous Training
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Center for Relationship and Intimacy Wellbeing (Supervised by Jacqueline Mendez, LMFT)
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at William S. Hart School District - School-Based Counseling (Supervised by Nikole Fuentes, LMFT)
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at The Center for Professional Counseling (Supervised by Rachel Bar, LMFT, PsyD)
Certifications | Awards
Lead Researcher, Misattributation of Arousal, Psi Chi
Additional Skills
Sex Positive, Poly, and Kink Aware
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Polyvagal Theory & Practice (in progress)