Tell us a little about you.
I was born and raised in Switzerland and moved to San Diego when I was 25 years old. I speak German, French, and Italian. I am very interested in languages and different cultures and spent my early twenties backpacking South America and Asia. I have a degree in Childhood Development and Psychology and received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.
What inspired you to work as a therapist?
I believe that human connection is what makes life meaningful. Being able to share our joy, fears, and pain with others makes life brighter, less lonely, and (sometimes) more bearable. As a therapist I have the privilege of being part of people’s journeys in improving their relationship with themselves and others.
What’s one personal value you hold dear as a therapist and why is it important to you?
Creativity. I see therapy as a very creative challenge where every client or couple represents different strengths and challenges. In collaboration with my clients I get to explore who they are and what strategies are most effective for them while taking their personalities, their resources, their family system, and their circumstances into account.
What is your approach to making change in therapy?
I use a two-pronged strategy when it comes to change: On one hand it is important that clients/couples gain a greater awareness and insight into their emotional world, their narratives, their patterns, and their coping strategies (negative and positive). On the other hand there is often a need and desire to learn new skills and coping strategies. In therapy we combine the insight/awareness and learned skills and create new experiences and new perspectives in a safe space.
After a long work week, how do you de-stress and unwind?
Exercise and being in nature are my preferred ways to de-stress and unwind. Sometimes that looks like going for a run/walk, doing an exercise class and other times it looks like a family bike ride, hiking, or swimming in the ocean. I enjoy cooking, reading, and connecting with friends. I fill my bucket by traveling, discovering new foods, experiences, and seeing life from a different perspective.
