Qualifications & Eduction:
Psychology Trainee Supervised by Monica Sicilia, PhD #33574

Doctoral Degree:
Palo Alto University (in progress)

Master Degree:
Palo Alto University

Bachelor’s Degree:
George Fox University

Clinic:
San Jose

Specialties:
Depression, Anxiety, Anger/irritability/emotional dysregulation, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma, LGBTQ+

Therapeutic Modalities:
Working with parents for parent training/coaching/support, Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Social Skills Training, Study skills/executive functioning training

I have always been interested in psychology and the human condition on a personal level. Prior to going back to school for my undergraduate psychology degree, I studied English, which led to working at various tech companies. My interest in psychology was driven by an opportunity I had to work as a case manager with the Oregon child support program. I saw a need for psychological support in many of my clients as well as their children. This led me to go back to college, where I majored in Social Behavioral Studies. This major focused on both family and societal dynamics, including how systemic issues like racism, sex and gender discrimination, classism, and other modes of structural bias can impact the way we interact with people on a day to day basis. While getting my undergraduate psychology degree, I also worked with advocacy groups like Books For Prisoners, Jobs With Justice, and Portland Rally in Oregon. After my bachelor’s degree, I was excited to be accepted into Palo Alto University’s PhD program.

At Palo Alto University, I am a member of the Personality and Social Norms lab, where I am studying the moderating effects of institutional betrayal on the development of trauma symptoms in people who have been assaulted. Institutional betrayal is a form of trauma where the organizations or people who we expect to care for us when we are harmed betray our trust or neglect to aid us. I am also interested in studying the therapeutic applications of roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons, Cyberpunk, Shadowrun, and more, as well as the use of VR in helping patients through exposure therapy for trauma. I am a fourth year student, which means that I am finished with classes! My main focus is on clinical work and my research. My initial clinical work was in a psychodynamic supervision group at Palo Alto University’s Gronowski Center where I was trained in dynamic theories that include AEDP and TLDP. Psychodynamic work focuses on the relationships in our lives and issues of attachment that develop over time. I have a tendency to consider cases from a dynamic perspective and approach therapy through that model.

Prior to coming to BACA I worked at the Palo Alto VA’s domiciliary program, a residential program for homeless Veterans who often had substance use issues. This was a challenging, but rewarding, experience. At the VA, I received additional training in CPT, DBT, and ACT and co-facilitated several groups centered around relationship skills, problem solving skills, and skills for managing substance use disorders. I also co-facilitated an LGBTQ+ group called Chrysalis for helping LGBTQ veterans express their identity in a sometimes hostile environment.

I am excited to be at BACA and working with young people. As I mentioned above, my initial interest in psychology was due to seeing a great need for psychological services for young people in Oregon. Sadly, this is a universal need. I hope that I can make a difference while I am here for the 2023-2024 practicum year for all of my patients!