My Story:

 

I love to travel and am fascinated by people and cultures, which is why I spent one year of my undergraduate studies in France immersing myself in yet another culture and language. This was the time where I deepened my appreciation of how we are shaped by our past and present relationships and experiences and upon my return I decided to switch the focus of my studies from International Business to Sociology.

I am a first generation Polish-American, fluent in Polish and English who can proudly call San Diego my home.  Although beginnings were not easy, my journey of learning a new language, adapting to a new country and establishing my identity as Polish-American taught me many invaluable lessons about resilience,  embracing change, working hard, thinking outside of the box and eventually steered me in the direction of Marriage and Family Therapy.  I decided to switch the focus of my studies from International Business to Sociology.

The decision to pursue Marriage and Family Therapy was a matter of finding my passion and purpose. I was able to combine my interests in sociology and psychology and apply it to helping people.  To accomplish this I received training in a systemic approach that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships within the context of one’s current or prior relationships. During my graduate studies, one of my most valuable experiences was working with the dying and their families as a bereavement counselor, which impressed on me the importance of a holistic approach in dealing with people. It also taught me that clinical experience in the area of grief and loss was invaluable to dealing with a variety of other family issues that often involve some kind of loss. Aside from working with grief I have also experience working with small children, and at-risk youth.

 

My Approach:

 

I believe that everybody around us has a unique story, is resilient, possesses his/her unique strengths and has the capacity and desire for personal change and growth. In my work with clients I focus on providing a safe, non-judgmental environment in which a client’s story can be told and healing and growth can take place. I utilize an eclectic approach, drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Solution Focused and Existential.

 

My Education And Training:

 

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with families, couples, children, adolescents and adults. I have extensive training and experience working with grief and loss, as well as depression, anxiety and parenting issues. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from San Diego State University and Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of San Diego.

 

My Commitment to Learning:

 

I am committed to staying current in the field and furthering my growth and knowledge through continuing education classes and workshops. I am a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

 

Outside of the Office:

 

I am a busy mom of three. I have a passion for photography. In my spare time I love to enjoy the outdoors with my family, read or play tennis.