The feelings I had caused difficulties for me in connecting with loved ones. It also hindered my development in learning how to express my emotions in a healthy way. I remember thinking to myself one day, “I want to help people who have had similar experiences”. Due to my, lets call it, “unconventional childhood”. I have direct and indirect experience helping individuals and families, in their desire to change by helping them identify their strengths and navigate through difficult times.

I have a passion for helping people overcome hard times. I help them by assisting in the process of rediscovering their “true self”. There is no need to continue living in pain. I am comfortable treating a range of presenting concerns like, anxiety, stress, anger management, relationships issues and more. There is a tab down below that will lead you to my approach to therapy. It will also allow access in getting to know me a bit better.

At the heart of effective therapy lies a connection between the therapist and patient. The direction of therapy is largely determined by how suitable the fit between both parties and their ability to establish an alliance together. I personally believe in bringing my personality and training into session with me. I bring a light-hearted vibe to therapy, mixed in with the respect to the seriousness of therapy. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues and more.

There are many benefits to seeing a therapist. I believe that most people overlook the value in seeing a licensed therapist. If you broke your leg, you probably wouldn’t go to your friend and ask for help with your physical pain. The same is equally true for mental pain. If there ever comes a time, when life is kicking your ass and giving you more than you can handle, the best person to consult would probably be a licensed person just as you would consult a doctor for your physical pain.

I believe that I got into counseling in an unconventional way. In my early 20’s, my first exposure to the field of helping people was working at a group home for boys between the ages of 12-18. During this time, I was introduced to the basics of therapy. One of my takeaways from the experience was, therapy could be a very powerful tool to help others overcome challenges and reemerge. This experience opened me up to new understandings of what it meant to help another person overcome difficult situations. This knowledge also led me to pursue an education in psychology.

I later received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in the city of Riverside. A few of the tenets I live my life by are hard work, determination, and perseverance. It took hard work to reach my goal of receiving a college degree, despite growing up in an environment where the odds are stacked against you. The determination came from a desire to help others in my community work through difficult times or avoid them all together. I’ve had to persevere despite many setbacks during this journey. Moreover, I have developed the internal strength and training to assist individuals, couples, and families in enhancing relationships and repairing past relationship failures.

My mission is to help my community by providing alternative counseling services. I enjoy helping people experiencing various life difficulties to regain their true self and discover internal strengths. I am experienced in working with a range of concerns: anxiety, depression, stress and anger management, relationship issues, and more. If you have interested in more information about how I conduct therapy, there is a tab down below that will lead you to my approach to therapy.

I am married to my beautiful wife Melissa and we have a three-year old daughter, who is the joy of our lives. For fun I love to hang out with friends and family members. I am a believer that “the best times are with the ones you love, and the ones who love you”. I am a pretty big sports fan, my favorite being boxing, but also have a love for the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams.