About Andrea:
Therapist for Cycle-Breaking Moms

I distinctly remember sitting in front of the computer with my newborn in one arm, furiously researching that day's parenting worries with the other. It was so important to me to raise children who felt deeply loved, and were securely attached and happy. My own childhood experiences made this feel tenuous and like "messing up" was something I had to avoid at all costs. In a sense, I was on the right track: I was dedicated to following the latest research and parenting with intention. Over time, however, I learned that this is only part of the equation and that my own healing and personal growth was a huge part of making me the mother my kids truly needed: one who was grounded, well-supported, and less tethered to the fantasy of perfection. I realized my nervous system needed more capacity to be able to meet the tantrums, the sleep regressions, and eventually the raucous playdates, with some semblance of calm. Through somatic healing, self-inquiry, and a long process of slow unfolding and reimagining, I've found just that. It's still messy and I still worry about getting things "right" at times, but I'm more patient with myself and my kids, more trusting in my intuition, and less fixated on controlling things that were never within my control in the first place. I'm able to meet myself with more compassion through the many ups and downs of raising humans.

​

​Modalities and Approaches: Brainspotting, Somatics, Relational, Narrative, Parts Work, Self-Compassion
 

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Literature from UC Santa Cruz, 2007
Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California, 2013
​
Topics of Advanced Training:
Brainspotting Certified, Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Attachment and Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care, Perinatal Mental Health, Play Therapy.
​
My development as a therapist is always ongoing. If you have any questions about my education or experience, and how they might fit for your needs, please feel free to ask.
​

​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​