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Marriage & Family Therapist
Lic. #97171

I’ve been offering therapeutic services since 2010, and studying and practicing various healing arts since 2001. All the while, two core beliefs have guided me:First- No one is free until all of us are free. I want peace for the world and that starts in each of us. I love supporting and witnessing others as they grow into greater authenticity and peace.Second- I believe in the saying, “healer, heal thyself.” Staying committed to my own growth and evolution as a person keeps me skilled, inspired and empathetic to your journey.

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Somatic

Moving from thinking into processing sensations and emotions in the body can be transformative when we learn to hold ourselves in safety and love. I draw from Somatic Experiencing, principales from yoga, along with various other somatic methods in my sessions. I also specialize in Psychomotor therapy, a mind-body method from the Netherlands, and offer that as a separate treatment option from somatic therapy.

RELATIONAL

Relationships of all kinds are at the core of every session- and so the therapeutic relationship becomes a space to practice and experience a new way of relating. I aim to help you find understanding, ease and connection with others through the guided, compassionate support of the therapeutic relationship.

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Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Somatic Methods

Professional Support

Body as my teacher

I was very active throughout my youth- dancing, riding horses, roller blading, boogie boarding, hiking, biking, rock climbing. By the time I found yoga at age 19, my body carried invisible scars and misalignments from many physical and emotional injuries.While releasing old physical patterns through yoga - I came face to face with deep emotions I had yet to feel. Through Dr. Niek Brouw's Psychomotor therapy I was given a language to make sense of what I was experiencing, sparking a fascination with reaching deeper into the unknown of my physical body and psyche.At age 22 I experienced a deep and chronic physical injury that forced me to quit my beloved activities and reevaluate my future goals. I called it my quarter life crisis.Pain became a gift that taught me to experience life through my physical body and unavoidably, face my emotional reality. At first pain forced me there. Once there, I then learned to direct my focus to minimize further injury. That evolved into continued exploration leading to more ease in my body.Over the decades that I've been practicing mind-body awareness and healing techniques, my sense of physical, emotional, and spiritual embodiment have grown. Still today I'm discovering new sensations and sensitivities, that deepen how I perceive the world around me. I'm finding old patterns, belief systems and scars from my history - that when faced, can be understood and released.

Somatic awareness is my raison d'être! Reclaim my body, mind and spirit, and then help others do the same. It's a never ending process and a beautiful journey. I'm honored to help others walk that path as well.

Training my Mind

My background in dance, arts, and humanities, paved the way to an interest in the yoga tradition. Shortly after becoming a yoga teacher, I was introduced to Psychomotor therapy, a healing modality from the Netherlands that integrates mind, body and spirit, which I studied in Marin County for over two decades.Returning to UC Berkeley, after some time off, I designed my own concentration called Integrative Psychology, which culminated in an honors thesis tying together subjects connecting different healing perspectices: psychology, holistic health, world religion, spirituality, culture, and community.Post graduation, I worked for three years in a mental health agency in Humboldt County, supporting youth and families in the foster care system. I then earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University where I worked at the on-campus Community Counseling Clinic for my practicum and various other mental health agencies for internship.I've trained in developmental and attachment based somatic techniques in addition to Psychomotor therapy. These include Internal Family Systems, Brain Spotting, and Healing Shame. I also incorporate perspectives I have learned from spiritual and nature-based practices from around the world.

The mind is constantly shaped by the world around us as well as our inner dialogue- conscious and unconscious.
I seek new perspectives from teachers, nature, holistic practices, art, music, and self reflection. All help tune my consciousness back to my true-north.

IN THE FIELD

PSYCHOTHERAPY2010 - Present: I have been practicing psychotherapy in community clinics, public high schools, and restorative justice programs, in the East Bay, Sonoma County. I now operate my full time private practice in Oakland.2015 - 2020: I served as Executive Director of SOS Community Counseling, a nonprofit mental health agency with two core missions: to provide accessible, free and low-fee mental health services throughout Sonoma County, and to train new therapists. The agency served as a clinical training site for graduate students from multiple universities, as well as supporting post-graduate, pre-licensed clinicians in their professional development and hours toward licensure.2018 - 2020 I simultaneously held the position of *Clinical Director *after stabilizing the agency following the loss of the founder.2020 - Present: After stepping down from leadership at SOS, I continued offering part-time Clinical Supervision as I grew my private practice business, which I have since transitioned to fully, operating a full-time practice in Oakland, California and online.PSYCHOMOTOR TRAINING2002- Present: After more than 15 years of studying Psychomotor Therapy as a student, I began formal training as a Psychomotor Therapist in 2018. I was fortunate enough to train directly with the creator, Dr. Niek Brouw, in Holland until his passing in 2024. I continue to train with the Vitaal clinic in The Hague, NL.

There is no substitute for experience. I have worked with people in so many different ages, stages and walks of life. Seeing all the manifestations of imbalance and recovery gives me patience and trust.

FINDING BALANCE

My life is practice for my work. Daily I acknowledge my feelings - both struggles and desires- I tap into the world and energies around me, and do what I can to continually grow and enjoy life!

Born and raised in the Bay Area I have always appreciated the abundance of natural beauty and progressive culture here.To decompress- I connect with nature. I love hiking the steep hills of the Bay Area, listening to the soothing rhythm of the ocean. Observing the plants, animals, and natural cycles around me, I see the ebbs and flows of my life reflected in nature. It gives me peace.To fill my cup- I love arts and culture and spending time with loved ones. In my time off you'll find me exploring cities locally and aborad- tasting the cuisine, dancing, seeing live music, learning the history and feeling the richness this world has to offer.I'm inspired by creations of talented artists and creators, abundant here in the Bay Area and abroad.

Thanks for reading!

Supporting others in their growth is what I was made for. My own trials and tribulations have given me knowledge and a felt sense for what it takes to overcome the adverse periods in life and grow beyond our former limitations.
I love walking side-by-side with my clients- holding space and offering perspectives I've gained from my own healing journey.

Blending theories and therapeutic styles.

FRAME WORK

THERAPEUTIC STYLES

Considerations

A Healing Relationship

Therapy is relational. Whatever brings you to therapy, there is a relationship at the core - be it the world around you, your loved ones, your career, your passions, purpose, spirituality, hopes and dreams - your relationship to these subjects affects how you experience and manifest them.Relationships that are healing have a foundation of respect, compassion, and integrity. Our therapeutic relationship should reflect the theories and models I am working from in practice. The therapeutic relationship allows you to explore thoughts, feelings and untapped parts of you with non-judgement and guided support.My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you are able to show up as you are, say what you feel, have space to tune in inside, and find your own truths. I take a teaching approach at times to share perspectives and tools, but ultimately I'm simply a witness who wants you to be free and authentically you!

Therapeutic Relationships:

Individual Therapy

I work with adults of all ages from teens (13+) to aging elders.I work well with those who wish to understand themselves better, broaden their perspectives, and who are are motivated to challenge beliefs and patterns they have been unconsciously operating under.

Helping to Manage:

Supporting:

Relationship Therapy

Therapeutic support for couples, or partners in polyamorous and ENM relations. I also work with the whole family system, and facilitate healing conversations with adult family members.

Addressing:

GUIDING VALUES

Building Safety and Trust
This is a judgment-free and compassionate zone. In sessions you are invited to explore your thoughts and feelings freely, so you can discern what is most aligned and true for you. I help you find a balance between healthy attachment in relationships and the freedom to exist uniquely as you are.Taking Responsibility
Accepting the realities we face, coupled with the ability to consciously respond, rather than automatically react, help in building an intentional life.I encourage each individual to self reflect on their role in challenging dynamics, even when unintended or reflexive. From there you can make clear decisions and choose how you want to respond.Practicing Skills
Talk therapy helps to untangle our thoughts and feeling through self-reflections and new perspectives. To bring new awareness into reality, I teach nervous system regulation, communication skills, and discernment

Somatic Methods Help:

Practices include:

Somatic Therapy

Somatic methods support therapy by exploring the body's reactions, resistance, intuition, and needs as we talk through your feelings and work towards your goals.In sessions I may ask you to notice the sensations and feelings in your body as we explore topics you wish you uncover, process, and resolve. I will offer breathing, visualizations, or subtle movements.

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Somatic GROUPS & Classes

I offer monthly somatic stretch classes, as well as workshops to teach the mind-body model I work from. These classes are a place to practice somatic exercises that help deepen your connection with your self while releasing patterns of tension built up over your lifetime.Somatic groups are educational and experiential in nature and not psychotherapy.

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Psychomotor Treatment

Developmental Motor Exercises for Human Balance and GrowthI offer a separate somatic treatment based on Dr. Niek Brouw's, Psychomotor approach, which is a holistic European model that deepens physical and emotional integration through guided movement and touch.For those intersted, I provide a personalized series of targeted stretches designed for you, to support the changes you wish you make, from the inside out.

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Practice somatic stretches in a calm, inclusive setting.

Take 90 minutes of your day to turn inward and reconnect with your body. Each session includes targeted stretches designed to relax or awaken different physical and emotional systems, and to sharpen your skills of perception.Stretches are non-rigorous and accessible for most bodies.
In-person and online access available.

GROUND + RESTORE

These somatic classes offer a way to sample the method I offer in my therapy sessions, and to practice the grounding, stabilizing and releasing exercises in a community environment. Practice self assessment and learn tools you can use to rebalance at home in your own time.Classes are offered on an monthly basis both online and in-person.

DETAILS

2026 CLASSES: 1st Friday of every month
1:00-2:30 PM - Nest Yoga, Piedmont Ave, OaklandUPDATES:
In person classes have changed from the 3rd to the 1st Friday of each month at Nest Yoga, in Oakland.
Virtual Classes on hold through the summer.Check back for more updates soon!

COST
True value - $70
Community rate - $40
Sliding scale - $20
Pay what you can.
Paying more supports access for others.
No one turned away for lack of funds.

Pre-registration required
To sign up, click the links below to purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
No experience needed - come dressed to stretch.

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Overview

In each group, I lead a series of stretches designed to release tensions and restore the natural functioning of the muscle chains connected to our core human capacities: Mind, Soul, and Spirit -commonly described as thinking, feeling, and acting or energizing.When the “instrument” of your body is tuned, your unique nature can shine through, as creator Dr. Niek Brouw so often said.Throughout the year, we naturally emphasize some functions more than others. During the Fall, for example, many of us operate heavily in the Mind and Spirit- focusing on productivity, completing projects, and preparing for darker days, when the body naturally shifts toward Soul activities: slowing down, resting and digesting the year’s experiences. In the darkness of mid-Winter we can meet ourselves in a deeper way and dream of what may come next. As Spring approaches we start to stir and feel inspiration to bring our dreams into reality over the next annual cycle. And so on!In this class, we work with muscle chains that will support harmony inside and out, as we flow with the cycle of nature, helping restore a more balanced and embodied connection with our individual Being - Mind, Soul, and Spirit.Each class begins with a brief introduction to the muscle chains we’ll be activating and releasing for that session. We’ll then spend most of our time practicing the stretches, with moments for integration woven throughout.

Beauty + Balance from within

Somatic Practice + Theory
These 3-hour workshops will explore the theory of Dr. Niek Brouw's model of human development and healing.We will cover muscle chains, theories of recovery from trauma, shock and adaptation, dimensions of consciousness, and other elements. The aim for all classes is to better understand the dynamic relationship between our consciousness and these beautiful, complex bodies we inhabit, so our natural radiant being can shine through!We will practice exercises to restore your unique balance and freedom of thought, feeling and movement.You will walk away with:

If you are interested in joining, or to learn more, send me an email by clicking the button below:

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DETAILS

2026: Starting in FALL of 2026
Days and times: TBA
Workshops will be 3-hours, and occur roughly 6-8 weeks apart.
Location: Oakland & Online

COST
$200 per 3-hour class.
10% off 4-class package ($720).
Sliding scale will be offered for those motivated to join if cost is a barrier.Pre-registration required.

What to expect

Psychomotor Therapy

Developmental Motor Exercises for Human Balance
This group is based primarily on the Psychomotor theory and exercises created by Dr. Niek Brouw of the Netherlands. It is a developmental and movement-based system that supports stability, rebalancing and greater ease and efficiency of mind, soul, and spirit through the body.*Groups and classes are experiential and educational in nature. They are not psychotherapy.

Overview

The first series of 4 classes will be exploring the three muscle chains connected to our core human capacities: Mind, Soul, and Spirit - commonly described as thinking, feeling, and acting or energizing. When the “instrument” of your body is tuned, your unique nature can shine through, as the creator of this method always said.We work with the specific muscle chains by releasing tension in those that are overused and stimulating the chains we need to call in and wake up. This helps restore a more embodied balance across Mind, Soul, and Spirit.Each class begins with a brief introduction to the model, time to practicing the stretches, with moments for integration woven throughout.

GROUND + RESTORE

Somatic Practices for the Holiday Season
Take a pause from the rush. Reconnect with your body and find steadiness through gentle, guided movement and self-attunement.This 90-minute somatic class is designed to ease stress and support emotional balance as you move into the holidays.

DETAILS

Fridays in 2025
November 21 & December 19
1:00–2:30 PM
Nest Yoga, Piedmont, Oakland & Online

Overview

Throughout the year, we naturally emphasize some functions more than others. During the Fall, for example, many of us operate heavily in the Mind and Spirit- hustling, being productive, wrapping up projects, and preparing for the holidays. As we approach the Winter solstice, the body naturally wants to shift toward Soul activities: slowing down, digesting the year’s experiences, and dreaming of what may come next.In this class, we work with the specific muscle chains that tend to be overused in the busy season, and “wake up” the chains that support turning inward, processing, and feeling. This helps restore a more embodied balance across Mind, Soul, and Spirit.Each class begins with a brief introduction to the muscle chains we’ll be activating and releasing for that session. We’ll then spend most of our time practicing the stretches, with moments for integration woven throughout. This class will close with a short journaling prompt to take with you.

Somatic Consultation Group

In-person support for Bay Area based Somatic TherapistsWe meet on the 2nd Friday of each month from 9:30am-11:00am, at my Oakland office on Piedmont Avenue.The group is a collective leadership style, focusing on brief check-in's and prioritizing case consultation and business support needs.No cost - it's a mutually beneficial, supportive and generative group.

This group is currently full, however if you're interested in learning more or if you'd like to join our waitlist, please send your questions or a little about you by clicking the "Get Started" link below.Hope to connect soon!

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Somatic Therapy Consultation

Consultation for Somatic Therapists interested in diving deeper into somatic approaches, theory, and applying somatic techniques in session.Available to Trainees, Associates and Licensed Therapists, as well as body workers, yoga teachers/therapists, and other healing professionals.

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