My Story

I am a Southern California native raising my two boys with my husband of 15 years not far from our favorite place, the beach.

I received my Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Marital in Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and have been working as a Licensed Therapist since 2007. I am trained to work with all aspects of interpersonal relationships.  

My clinical training includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of major mental health issues from the perspective of family and relationship systems. I have been formally trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and completed 300-hour Advanced Yoga Instruction.

I was drawn to the field of psychology for many reasons, including the desire to understand how one recovers from and makes sense of difficult life experiences. I have faced many significant challenges in my own life that have contributed to my deep desire to help others. I have overcome childhood divorce, the trauma and loss of my mother at a young age, as well as my personal battle with infertility and have struggled with debilitating anxiety.

Through research and my experience as a practitioner, I’ve witnessed first-hand how emotional issues frequently manifest as physical symptoms. That’s why I pay close attention to the mind-body connection. By listening to the body, we often hear the mind, gaining a deeper understanding of how feelings and thoughts affect physical and emotional health. With this new knowledge, it’s easier to change our behavior to get what we want out of our experience.

I was introduced to yoga at a young age by my late mother who taught me meditation and asana (physical practice) but also emphasized the important principles of yogic philosophy including, compassion for all beings, living authentically, and community service. I have found at my darkest moments yoga has helped me to feel grounded and in control of my body and mind. In my practice, I combine the philosophy of yoga with traditional psychotherapy. I teach and utilize breathwork, mindful meditation, guided imagery and other relaxation techniques to help you improve your physical and emotional health.  

Prior to opening my private practice, I worked at a non-profit community mental health clinic in Los Angeles providing psychotherapy to children, adults and their families experiencing a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral concerns. 

I bring my own life experience, compassion, education and professional expertise to the therapeutic setting. It’s my passion to help each person learn to live authentically and overcome past hurts and traumas so they can create a more satisfying present and hopeful future. I am excited to partner with you as you develop new ways of experiencing life and achieve personal growth and mind-body wellness.

I look forward to speaking with you!

-Cyndi