My Path to This Work

My practice is deeply rooted in my own lived experience. I know the journey of surviving intimate partner violence, of navigating different cultures as an immigrant, and of holding a multidimensional identity in the face of systemic challenges. This isn't just my story; it’s the foundation that allows me to offer a truly empathetic and non-judgmental space for yours.

I am also a client of therapy and believe deeply in its power. My own healing has taught me that when we find our path to wholeness, we light the way for others. This belief is the heart of my mission: to empower you to heal, so you can become a source of strength and wellness in your family and community.

Outside of the therapy room, I live a full and vibrant life. You can often find me powerlifting, trying new restaurants, hiking local trails, painting with watercolor, or simply enjoying time with my partner and friends. These moments of joy and connection are essential to my own well-being.

Ikaw? Anong storya mo?

If my story and approach resonate with you, I invite you to take the next step. Let's begin with a complimentary 15-minute introductory call to explore if we're a good fit.

To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, a therapist must hold a master's degree, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass two rigorous state board exams.

Continuous education is also required to maintain a license.

This entire process is overseen by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to ensure your therapist provides safe, qualified, and ethical care.

Credentials

    • Building resilience after trauma

    • Support for survivors of intimate partner violence

    • Support for immigrants and children of immigrants

    • Working through worry and fear to feel more grounded

    • Moving through periods of sadness, stuckness, or hopelessness

    • Healing difficult relationship patterns

    • Navigating life's changes and new chapters

  • I have come to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all in therapy. The methods we use will be chosen carefully based on your unique story and goals. Our work might include:

    • Exploring Your Roots: Gently looking at how your earliest relationships and life experiences influence how you connect with others today.

    • Building Your Skills: Developing practical coping and communication tools to help you navigate challenges with more confidence.

    • Understanding Your World: Examining the impact of culture, family narratives, and societal systems on your identity and well-being.

    I use an integration of evidence-based approaches to therapy and have significant training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), somatic, family systems, and attachment-focused therapies.

  • I have completed intensive and formal trainings in the following therapeutic modalities:

    • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • Child-Centered Play therapy (CCPT)

    • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level 1

    • Integrative Somatic Parts Work Level 1 (on track to complete Levels 2 and 3 by 2025)

    • Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) (on track to complete by June 2026)

    • Family systems, psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches

    • California State Certified Domestic Violence Counselor Training

    • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy, University of San Francisco

    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts major in Speech Communication, University of the Philippines (Los Banos)

    • California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)

    • San Francisco Chapter of California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (SFCAMFT)

    • Association of Play Therapists (APT)