About Me

My Approach

I have always loved listening intently to people to discover how they experience the world. Being human can be painful at times, and I have found that listening to others without judgment is the first step to offering them relief. As a therapist, I blend psychodynamic and structured behavioral modalities. This means that I provide an openness in my sessions for clients to explore and unpack any issues, past and present, that are weighing on them, while also providing the opportunity for clients to develop practical skills and knowledge to make the changes that they want to see.

My Areas of Focus

I work with individuals and couples on a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, relationship issues and life transitions.

I have been passionate about perinatal mental health for many years. In order to offer my clients the highest level of care, I completed the advanced specialty training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. I help clients develop knowledge and skills to manage the overwhelming challenges that can come with pregnancy, fertility issues, the postpartum period (including Postpartum Depression and Anxiety), as well as ongoing parenting stressors.

My Background

I earned my MSW from UCLA with a focus on mental health. I have received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, perinatal mental health, and many other evidence-based practices. I integrate this learning and tailor my treatment to meet each client's unique needs and preferences.

Before entering graduate school, I worked for many years in a clinical research lab that studied human emotions. I hold an integrative perspective on mental health that combines an understanding of the biological basis of emotions with a recognition of the immense amount that we do not yet understand about the human mind. I am practical and scientifically-minded by nature while at the same time attuned to the power of intuition. Our brains are far bigger than the region of prefrontal cortex from which our conscious thoughts arise. I believe effective therapy involves respect for and exploration of the whole mind and body system, as well as the larger context of relationships and culture from which individuals take shape.

My Practice

I provide therapy as a pre-licensed associate clinical social worker (ASW 90659) through the nonprofit Insight Psychotherapy Group. I work under the supervision of Janet (Bayramyan) Generales, LCSW (CA#88575). I see clients virtually and in-person in my office in Manhattan Beach during regular business hours.

My practice is in-network with the following insurance providers:

Aetna, First Health, Oscar, Optum/United & Cigna/Evernorth

I provide sliding scale and affordable services, as well as superbills, for those out of network.