EMDR and talk therapy both changed my life for the better. This is my hope for you. I am a pre-licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 119898) with an office in Westwood, CA. My supervisor is Dr. Theo Burnes (PSY 25544).
As a genderqueer therapist with ADHD, I value a gentle, affirming approach to your mental health. For people who struggle with memories of specific trauma, I offer EMDR. This is a body-based treatment, so it's different from talk therapy. Click for info on EMDR.
I love to learn, so I got 2 master's degrees. Since high school I have studied: acting, improv, languages, Jungian theory, creativity, LGBTQIA+ psychology, philosophy, math, science, mythology, history, music, literature, and fine art. I am also passionate about recovery. This includes 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Some people struggle with non-substance addictions like overeating, gambling, debting, gaming, pornography, or compulsive sex. I support many recovering clients and follow Health at Every Size (HAES) guidelines to fight fat-phobia in medicine. Learn about HAES.
I started training as a therapist at OPICA, a unique day care center for
seniors with memory loss. At OPICA I provided 1-on-1 counseling and co-facilitated support groups. We had hands-on groups for art, storytelling, music, drama, dance, yoga, mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, poetry, magic, and games. These helped clients to stay active, socialize, have fun, and talk about their feelings.
Before I knew I wanted to become a therapist, I worked as a medical writer and studied Jung's ideas about creativity. I also followed my curiosity about Native American two spirits. Two spirits is a term for Indigenous people who do not fit the male vs female binary. A binary is a pair of opposites that does not allow for gray areas or other options. Looking back, it's not surprising that I came out as genderqueer, especially after studying clinical psychology at Antioch University, a very diverse social justice-oriented school. See some of my academic work.
I work with teens, adults, spouses, and poly partners via telehealth and in person in Westwood, CA. If you live in California, contact me for a free consultation.
Aaron (they/them) at the beach