I support individuals and families dealing with alcoholism, addictions and substance abuse. I believe therapy must be combined with other support groups and modalities in order for the individual and family to fully heal, forgive and move forward with the understanding and tools to live a sober life.

One of my greatest hopes is to provide affordable support for children of alcoholics and addicts. I have worked in both clinical and private settings to facilitate and educate families.

While at UCLA I did my internship hours under Debbie Briem, LMFT at the CLARE HOUSE Women and Children’s programs in Santa Monica. I served as a case manager for low-income women leaving jail or in early recovery, and provided crisis intervention for issues including; domestic violence, substance abuse, financial/legal troubles and gang involvement. I learned so much from these brave women, and children, through facilitating sober parenting and family support groups.

After working with these families it became very clear how patterns of neglect and abuse can be passed down through generations. Our “Mommy and Me” groups provided experiences in art, singing, games, stories and puppet play which many women had never experienced with their own mothers.

The program gave them education in areas that we sometimes take for granted like diet, schedules, cleaning and health precautions. Sharing these scenarios stopped dysfunctional patters and created new stories for themselves and their children.