Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #157783

Supervised by Rachel Schulz, LMFT #143949

“I view therapy as a collaborative process where, together, we identify values and goals that move you toward greater insight, resilience, and fulfillment.”

Therapeutic Approach

I believe effective therapy can help uncover and transform obstacles shaped by trauma, early childhood experiences, stress, emotional challenges, and deeply rooted behavioral patterns. Healing occurs through safety, attunement, and connection—with ourselves and with others. My goal as a therapist is to bear witness to each client’s lived experience while cultivating a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and authenticity. I offer a holistic approach to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, showing up with warmth and curiosity.

My approach integrates person-centered therapy, attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices to help clients draw on their innate strengths as a foundation for growth and healing. Together, we identify values and goals that move you toward greater insight, resilience, and fulfillment.

About Cole

I hold an MA in Counseling from Saint Mary’s College of California, where my thesis explored parental interventions for healthy adolescent social media use, and a BA in American Studies from UC Berkeley. I’ve worked in schools, the arts, faith-based settings, women’s groups, teen programs, and nonprofit organizations.

Outside of work, I’ve been married for 17 years and enjoy life with my husband and three children. I find joy in traveling, reading, exercise, art, design, cooking, watching documentaries and films, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Clinical Focus

I’m especially passionate about supporting clients navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, self-worth struggles, parenting, and identity exploration. Deciding to pursue psychotherapy is a personal and courageous choice. I’m here to remind you that the striving, the stumbling, and the showing up are all part of becoming. I look forward to the possibility of walking with you on your path toward healing.

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #164954

Supervised by Rachel Schulz, LMFT #143949

“Healing begins when we feel deeply seen, understood, and accepted.”

Life has a way of bringing us face to face with experiences we never imagined we’d have to navigate. Sometimes we adapt with surprising resilience. Other times, we feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from ourselves and the people we love.

Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to face it alone.

Areas of Focus

Who I Work With

I am passionate about working with teenagers, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

I also enjoy supporting neurodivergent individuals and families in better understanding themselves, strengthening relationships, and embracing the unique ways they experience the world.

My Approach

A Space to Slow Down and Be Yourself

What I offer is simple but powerful: a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, breathe, and simply be yourself—a safe place to lay your burdens down. Together, we make room for whatever is present, whether that’s grief, fear, anxiety, depression, shame, loneliness, uncertainty, joy, or hope.

My role is to walk alongside you and reflect what I see as you come to know yourself more deeply. In my experience, as self-understanding grows, so does the capacity to live in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most.

I draw on evidence-based approaches—including IFS, ACT, EFT, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and somatic work—along with an understanding of the nervous system. When we understand how the mind and body work together, shame often begins to loosen its grip, making space for healing.

Above all, I believe people carry deep wisdom, inner strength, and enduring goodness. Wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you with warmth, compassion, hope, and deep respect.

About Me

How I Came to This Work

Growing up in a tricultural home shaped by Brazilian, American, and Chinese influences, I’ve always been fascinated by our common humanity and what shapes who we become. That curiosity led me to study psychology and biochemistry at Wellesley College, earn a PhD in Immunology and Microbiology, and pursue a career in neuroscience at UCSF.

Many years later, when my children began experiencing mental health challenges, my life changed unexpectedly. Those years reshaped my assumptions about how life “ought” to be, replacing them with a more spacious way of being grounded in presence, acceptance, and compassion. It was both painful and transformative.

I came to understand that happiness isn’t about living a “perfect,” pain-free life. More often, it’s about learning how to be with ourselves—and with one another—in the midst of it. This remains a lifelong practice, both personally and professionally, and it’s what inspired me to become a therapist.

Outside of work, I laugh, cry, meditate, sing off-key in the car, and I’m still bad at watercolor after a year of trying. I love all of it. I share this journey with my husband, our four grown children, and two dogs.

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #164413

Supervised by Rachel Schulz, LMFT #143949

Several years ago, I experienced a major life change and reached out to a therapist during a time of crisis. That ongoing, insight-oriented, growth-fostering relationship helped me find greater clarity, resilience, and self-understanding—and inspired me to support others through times of transition.

Who I Work With

I work with teens, adults, and couples, drawing from person-centered, CBT-informed, mindfulness-based, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs.

Areas of Focus

I have experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, perfectionism, trauma, eating concerns, substance use, relationship challenges, family conflict, divorce, identity exploration, academic stress, neurodivergence—including autism, dyslexia, and twice-exceptional profiles—self-harm and suicidal ideation, and emotional and physical abuse.

My Approach

My approach is warm, collaborative, authentic, curious, and nonjudgmental. My life experience—including parenting two teenage daughters and navigating divorce—allows me to connect with adolescents, individuals, and families in a grounded, compassionate, and relatable way. I deeply value my clients’ knowledge and lived experience.

I believe meaningful growth happens in a safe, trusting environment. My role is to walk alongside you, providing a supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences as you move through life’s challenges. I’m here to gently remind you that emotions are always changing and no feeling is final.

To quote Pema Chödrön, “You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.” We will navigate the storms together.

Life is a long and winding road, and we all possess the strength to adapt to each new chapter. We don’t have to do this work alone. I would be honored to witness your growth and change as you navigate your own path.