I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles helping couples who are repeatedly caught in conflict find better ways of communicating.

Gay and LGBTQ+ as well as heterosexual couples come to me saying they don’t know how to stop arguing. They don’t know how they became a couple who spend too much time blaming, finding fault and criticizing each other. My couples tell me they don’t feel as connected, understood or heard as they once did. Many express feeling that even when they want to discuss something relatively minor, they quickly spiral down into attacking and defending, withdrawing and silence. They don’t know how to get out of habitual patterns of circular, hurtful arguments and can’t communicate without arguing. 

These types of interactions are more common than
you might think, but they can change! 

Communication issues permeate all aspects of a relationship. Before you know it, you’re having less sex, zero discussions about finances, decisions are being made unilaterally and the two of you feel further and further apart. You repeatedly argue about things you don’t really even care about, but you’re stuck in a pattern of relating that is based on criticism, annoyance and blaming.

I can help you turn these interactions around! You can have disagreements that follow what I call The Three C’s of Conflict:

1.    Caring Consideration
2.    Constructive Communication
3.    Connected Collaboration

Even making a slight shift in how we listen, respond and react can start a larger shift in a pattern leading to more pause, understanding and compassion. I can help you do this by creating a space together where we will allow these shifts to take root. 

I have completed Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which I use to help facilitate change in couples considerably stuck in gridlock. I’m also trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, which can help couples express their deeper attachment needs in a co-created safe space. Together we’ll discover new ways of interacting and communicating that are both challenging and exciting!

I help individuals connect with others, strengthen their core identity, and live more authentic lives.

My clients explain how hard it can be to allow others to see who they really are, to be fully known, living openly and honestly. I know what this is like. It requires us to be vulnerable, which also opens us up to exploitation, ridicule, betrayal or even violence.

Living authentically also allows for acceptance, connection, understanding and love. I can help you do this!

Becoming a stronger individual and accepting all aspects of who we are is key to having more meaningful relationships with ourselves and with others. Whether it be coming out, wanting to be more trusting of others, or wanting to have stronger relationships, I can help you. I know it can be challenging, but it is so worth it!

Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, it wasn’t until I worked as a missionary in South Africa that I realized I enjoyed helping others. I attended Pacific Oaks College where I received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I started my training at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and finished my internship at the Southern California Counseling Center. It is rewarding working with so many different people in my community. I particularly like working with Gay and LGBTQ+ couples, but not exclusively. Although I was raised LDS, I realized the majority of the beliefs didn’t fit with me when I came out as a gay man. I’ve found clients struggling with their sexuality who have a similar background appreciate my understanding of the Mormon faith. I am respectful of anyone’s beliefs and focus on how their beliefs impact their view of themselves and the world. In addition to my private practice, I am a wellness clinician for LAC + USC Medical Center and USC Keck School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education Wellness Program, where I provide support for medical residents, fellows, and interns. Helping these future physicians cope with the stress, anxiety, and the vicarious trauma they experience, as well as helping them express their feelings and communicate with their partners has been very gratifying as I see their growth. And, I am also an adjunct faculty professor at Antioch University, Los Angeles where I teach master’s students some of the basics of therapy.

Listen to All The Therapies Podcast Ep. 30 where I describe using the Gottman Method with Couples