Getting to know our team
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about therapy?
I wish more people understood that therapy isn’t about being given answers — it’s about uncovering the answers already within you. The therapist is there as a guide, a mirror, and a support. The client is the expert of their life; we just help them hear their own wisdom more clearly.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of this work is seeing that moment when someone realizes their own solution and that they’re not alone. That the feelings they’ve carried aren’t just theirs, and that being human means we share so much more than we think. Even in the role of a therapist, it’s powerful to witness those moments of real connection and understanding. It reminds me how deeply we all need a space to feel seen and heard. Not only from others but from ourselves too.
When a new client comes to you, what’s one of the first things you aim to establish or understand?
One of the first things I really hope for is that they feel safe and heard. I try to tune into not just what they’re saying, but what they might be feeling underneath — what they’re trying to share, even if it’s hard to put into words. It’s about creating space for them to just be, without pressure.
What’s one simple, actionable tip you often give clients to manage stress or anxiety in daily life?
To pause and breathe- so that then you can then acknowledge what you’re feeling and find alternatives. Small self acts of kindness go a long way.
How do you stay current with the latest research and best practices in your field?
As therapists, we’re required to take continuing education units, which helps us stay informed with up to date research. Mainly, I stay curiou. I love reading, reflecting, and making space for my own support when need it. Doing my own inner work keeps me grounded and connected to the work in a genuine authentic way.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not seeing clients?
I really enjoy staying connected to both my body and mind. I love reading and listening to podcasts—usually something reflective, psychological, or spiritual. I also enjoy novels that reflect to me in some type of powerful meaningful way. Meditation and being in nature helps me stay grounded, aswell as walking, jogging, and being with close connections. I try to stay mindful on how I treat my body, both physically and mentally. I encourage myself to lift (eventhough it’s not my favorite form of exercise) as a form of keeping my body strong, and as a girl mom, spending quality time with my daughter is one of my greatest joys. When life allows it, I enjoy traveling and emerging myself in different cultures, as a way to keep a fresh perspective and activate a sense of adventure in which I dearly value.
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I weren’t a therapist, I’m honestly not sure. For a long time, I thought I’d become an immigration attorney. I was in a pre-law club and had planned to pursue a JD at USC in which I got accepted to. When Chico State offered me a full ride for their MSW program, something in me just knew it was the right path. I took the adventureous opportunity and didn’t think twice. I still hold a deep respect for the work immigration lawyers do, and in some ways, I think that same passion for advocacy, justice, and human dignity has carried over into my work as a therapist in which I feel truly honored and blessed to be in.
What’s unique about working as part of a group practice like Empowered Mind-Body Therapy?
I feel that Empowered Mind-Body Therapy embodies a client-centered approach—while also deeply supporting me as a clinician. The practice models what we so often encourage in our clients: self-care, balance, understanding, and kindness. There’s a genuine sense of compassion for me here. We can reach out to one another for support at any time, and our admin team is not only responsive to clients but incredibly attentive and helpful to us as staff. I’m thankful to be part of such grounded, supportive, and values-driven practice. There’s no unnecessary stress or chaos, which makes the role of a therapist feel more enjoyable, gentle, and real.
