About Tracy

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I hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute, as well as a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from John F. Kennedy University. I'm a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist (license #100399). I embarked on the path of graduate school, clinical training, and licensure later in life after considerable life experience, which often informs my clinical work with clients.

I believe that we all possess innate strengths and have the potential to thrive and live meaningful lives. However, sometimes we get stuck. Major changes, life stage transitions, or stressors (especially unexpected ones) can become overwhelming, exceed the ability to cope, and prompt individuals, couples, and families to seek outside support. These times also hold the potential for healing and growth. Psychotherapy can help. Therapy can provide a calm respite and safe place for exploration and reflection to resolve issues and feelings with the support of a therapist. 

I also believe that a child’s health and happiness is inherently connected to their family’s health and happiness; thus, I incorporate whole family sessions to support growth, connection, and positive change. I believe our families and early life experiences help define who we are at all life stages. Exploring, understanding, and working through early imprints often holds the key to living a meaningful life and improving relationships.

I have a warm, non-judgmental approach; I use a culturally sensitive, attachment, and systems lens to view and explore issues impacting the person, couple, or family; and I collaborate with you to explore possible solutions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages and in all life stages. I welcome and respect all ages, cultures, races, ethnicities, abilities, socio-economic classes, religious beliefs, in addition to all sexual and gender expressions. As your ally and partner, I respect that you are the expert in your own life. 

I begin by building trust and creating an accepting, safe therapeutic environment where you may feel seen, heard, understood, and free to just be yourself. Together, we will explore your background and history, your preferences, your short and long term goals; as well as address any crisis situations and underlying issues. I believe in both brief and long-term approaches depending on the person and the issue.

I integrate theoretical approaches with specific, appropriate, evidence-based practices and interventions to deepen and explore the presenting issues, which might include revisiting past trauma using Somatic Experiencing or Expressive Arts Therapy to move beyond a traditional cognitive approach and heal from PTSD. Together, we'll also explore current life circumstances and choices which might be creating difficulties. By exploring past trauma, difficult stories, patterns, along with current challenges, clients can redefine their relationship with their past, make meaning, change patterns, grow, and move forward in a more conscious and satisfying way personally and in relationships.

I have a collaborative approach and provide assistance and referrals to outside supportive community resources as needed. I am available for consultation with schools, other agencies, other therapists, and health care professionals to coordinate care and help client's achieve their full potential.  

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope. 

   ~ Bernard Williams