a little bit about myself
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) from Edmond, OK, with experience treating individuals, couples, families, and children with issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, mood-related disorders, body image issues, abuse, trauma, and relational conflict.
Education, Training, & Experience
I graduated from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT). While in graduate school I was awarded the Minority Youth Program Fellowship through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I completed my graduate training in Pasadena, CA, training in Restoration Therapy, a model based on emotion regulation.
I am trained in the evidenced-based trauma model, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and am a certified Level II Restoration Therapist. Additionally, I am certified in Global Mental Health Trauma and Recovery through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. Lastly, I am familiar with Dr. Steven Hassan’s BITE model and understand the damaging effects of undue influence that fundamentalist/cult groups have on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being.
As a therapist, I have worked in not-for-profit settings with individuals, couples and families, and in community mental health. Prior to therapy, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Oklahoma State University, and developed cultural competency through my work with families from all over the world as a case manager in Refugee Resettlement.
My Approach To Therapy
My clients often express appreciation for my warm, calm, and direct personality, which facilitates healing and growth. Rather than focusing solely on an individual’s psychology, I take into account how all systems, including the family system, impact a person’s overall mental health and well-being. I take a secular approach to therapy; while maintaining respect for various religious and spiritual backgrounds.
A Little About Me
One of my favorite things in life is the opportunity to grow and learn through traveling! I have traveled to 15 different countries and had the privilege of living in the Middle East for 2 years. During my time in the Middle East I learned a great deal about the culture, made life-long friends, and became partially fluent in the Levantine dialect of Arabic. While I am not currently able to offer sessions fully in Arabic, this is a goal that I am currently working towards. When I’m not traveling I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, friends, and my Chocolate Labrador Retriever. I am a major foodie and a fan of local and international cuisine! Outside of therapy, you might find me taking my dog to the park or exploring spots in OKC like Lake Hefner, the Paseo Arts District, and The Plaza.