Clinical Orientation
My theoretical orientation is integrative, with a foundational emphasis on cognitive-behavioral theory. In utilizing therapeutic modalities derived from cognitive-behavioral theory, I work with my clients to build a shared understanding of the evidence-based framework that will serve as our scaffold - while allowing space for the idiosyncratic, culturally specific, diverse experiences of each client. I prioritize psychological flexibility, and work with clients to systematically identify values, explore the function of unhelpful beliefs and behaviors, and introduce skills and strategies aimed at mitigating distress and improving their quality of life. Additionally, my work is deeply grounded in multicultural humility, appreciation, respect, compassion, and advocacy. By engaging clients in exploration of their intersectional identities, my intent is to honor their diverse identities, attune to the interplay of cultural factors on psychological response, and to leverage client-specific and culturally meaningful strengths.
Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic
June 2022- Present
Pikes Peak Immigration
The Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic (VHTC) is a specialized clinic that is dedicated to providing support to Veterans, active military members, emergency responders, and their families who are struggling with psychological challenges resulting from traumatic experiences in their line of work. At the VHTC I serve as a psychology trainee offering individual, trauma-focused, phase-based psychotherapy. Primary modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). From 2023-2024 I also served as a psychological and neuropsychological assessor, and evaluated Veteran clients with diagnostic concerns related to PTSD, TBI, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
UCH Memorial Hospital
March 2024-June 2024
I developed a novel psychological and cognitive assessment partnership between the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Immigration to provide pro-bono evaluation services to survivors of torture or persecution seeking asylum in the United States. These assessments primarily sought to establish credible history of trauma (i.e., using LEC-5 Interview), to evaluate for historic and current mental health disorders related to displacement (i.e., CAPS-5, SCID-5), and to assess basic cognitive functioning (i.e., select subtests of the WAIS-IV and D-KEFS). I engaged in interprofessional collaboration with attorneys, paralegals, and interpreters, conducted independent research into sociopolitical factors in asylee countries of origin, assessed culturally-specific idioms of distress, and integrated data into forensic evaluation reports for judicial review.
TESSA is a multi-faceted agency serving women and children affected by violence; services include a confidential Safehouse, Victim Advocacy, Counseling and Children’s Programs, a 24/7 Safe Line, and Community Outreach and Education. At TESSA I conducted neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessments of adult and child intimate partner violence survivors presenting with concerns of PTSD, TBI, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and conduct disorder. I developed, administered, and scored testing batteries to include the WAIS-IV, WMS-IV, D-KEFS, SCID-CV, PAI, CAPS-5, WISC-V, and KSADS, provided treatment recommendations, and coordinated care with victims advocates and family court representatives.
The BRIGHT program (Building Resilience after Injury - a Growth and Healing Toolkit) at the University of Colorado Health Systems Memorial Hospital (funded by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation) provides psychosocial support and recovery services to recent survivors of traumatic physical injury. As a BRIGHT clinician I worked within multidisciplinary care teams at a Level I Trauma Center to provide inpatient support and behavioral health consult for hospitalized patients experiencing acute stress reactions. Post-discharge, I provided individual psychotherapy (primarily CBT for acute stress disorder) within a stepped-care brief intervention model.
The UCCS Wellness Center provides integrated Campus Recreation, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Nutrition Services, and Wellness Promotion to more than 12,000 enrolled graduate and undergraduate students. At the Wellness Center I provided individualized psychotherapy for mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, and personality disorders using CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. I conducted mental health screening evaluations for new clients, conduced walk-in crisis sessions, and co-facilitated a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Group and Grief Group.
University of Colorado, Colorado Spring Wellness Center
August 2023-June 2024
March 2024-June 2024
TESSA of Colorado Springs
March 2024-June 2024