I exemplify when the east meets the west as I am a native to the Philippines, but I have lived in the United States for most of my life. You may take the girl out of the island, but you can’t take the island out of the girl! Just as my name suggests, I am happiest when I am by the water. I have an affinity for beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and even swimming pools. I love to honor my roots yet I am open to new experiences, cultures, and creating new traditions that value and honor both. Having lived and traveled personally and professionally, I love to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. For the past 14 years, I have worked with our members of the military and their families at various locations worldwide.
My Approach
Life brings with it a number of emotions and maneuvering through them can be challenging. You may feel alone, uncertain of what to do, and even unsure of what and how you are feeling. By not understanding these emotions you may find yourself engaging in behaviors that are even more problematic. As you struggle through this, you may find yourself unable to sleep, unable to focus on work, barely eating, and wondering what to do with your life. The days become a blur as each day is filled with unclear direction of what to do and how to feel.
My approach to therapy is quite simple, it is client centered. My focus is to take care of you, your needs, your wants as we explore why this problem has stumped you and how to get past. I desire to assist you with the help you need to find the enjoyment in life that you crave. I will help you to get stronger emotionally, behaviorally, socially, and even spiritually, if desired.
Education
I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I later pursued my master’s degree in Human Development Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling and Family Therapy, both, from Saint Louis University. My education gave me the opportunity to provide clinical work for sexual assault trauma survivors and those in crisis. I also have had the pleasure of being a clinical supervision of clinicians for ten years. I have worked in private practice as well as an adjunct for Missouri Baptist University before I embraced the call to serve our men and women in uniform and their families. I am thankful to be a clinician of 24 years and continue to be of service to others, including you.
Undergraduate Degree:
Psychology with a minor in Sociology
Southern Illinois University
Masters Degree:
Human Development Counseling Ph.D. in Counseling and Family Therapy