Core Values
As a therapist, I believe your mental health cannot be separated from the many parts of who you are—your relationships, culture, identity, history, community, and lived experiences. I strive to create a space where all parts of you are welcomed, respected, and affirmed.
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. This means we can explore not only personal pain or relational patterns, but also the impact of discrimination, microaggressions, systemic oppression, identity-based stress, and experiences of not feeling fully seen or understood.
I approach therapy as a collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full self. Together, we can work toward healing, self-trust, connection, and growth while honoring the social and cultural realities that have shaped your life.
I believe all people deserve care, dignity, love, and belonging. My goal is to support you in feeling more grounded, empowered, and connected to your authentic self—in therapy and beyond.
NELA Therapy stands against racism, discrimination, and oppression in all forms. I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for clients across identities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and communities. I believe every person deserves respect, dignity, understanding, and support as they move toward healing, growth, and more authentic connection.
NELA Therapy would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Gabrielino-Tongva people past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation.
Since time immemorial, the Tongva People have inhabited the 4,000+ square mile region we call Tovangar, known today as the Greater Los Angeles Basin. The natural, ancestral boundaries are from the Santa Susanna Mountains to the North, Aliso Creek to the South, the San Bernardino Mountains to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West, including the four channel islands of Santa Catalina, San Clemente, Santa Barbara, and San Nicolas (http://nahc.ca.gov/).
Indigenous people are not relics of the past. They are still here, and continue to demonstrate talents and gifts amidst a backdrop of ongoing colonialism and oppression. Land acknowledgment is only one small part of supporting Indigenous communities. You can learn more at Gabrielino-Tongva Nation’s website. You can also explore Mapping Indigenous LA project, and at https://native-land.ca/.