Make an Appointment: [email protected] | 949-257-2759

  • My psychotherapy approach includes attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, complex trauma and addiction, and relationship wellness.

    I am an AAMFT Clinical Fellow at the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy and a relationship expert in couples therapy dedicated to providing a holistic whole-person model approach of art and science based on empirical research and cutting-edge interventions that offer insight, growth, healing, and transformation. I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, American Board-Certified Diplomate Sexology, Gottman Method Couples Therapist, Relationship and Trauma Specialist, Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional, Sex Therapist, Sex Addiction, Partner Betrayal Trauma Therapist, and Couples Betrayal Recovery Therapist, Rainbow Advocate and Educator, and Certified Rainbow Advocate Clinical Specialist (RACS), International Institute of Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP).

    I have a private practice in Newport Beach, California, providing in-person and online psychotherapy to individuals and couples searching to establish authentic, healthy relationships. I offer a warm, compassionate, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their concerns. I provide the opportunity for healing, growth, and connection for people’s difficulties in navigating their relationships, including emotional and sexual intimacy challenges, interracial, intercultural, and interethnic issues; improve effective communication, women’s and men’s sexual health, and mismatched sexual desires, recovery from sexual betrayal, repair infidelity; and restore trust and management of conflict. I collaborate with you to work towards a closer, more intimate, and more satisfying relationship and meaningful life. I embrace a client-centered holistic approach with respect for clients of diverse, multicultural, and multiethnic backgrounds to support essential mental health and well-being.

    I received a Liberal Studies, Psychology, B. A. from Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles, California. I hold double master’s degrees in Leadership Studies, Organizational Consulting, M.A., and The Executive Leadership Coaching Certification from the School of Leadership & Education Sciences, University of San Diego, California. I hold The Leadership Circle Profile 360 & Leadership Circle Profile Managers Edition 360 Certification from the International Coach Federation, the global Universal Model of Leadership. I received the Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A. (COAMFTE) Commission on Accreditation for Marriage & Family Therapy Education, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Irvine, California. COAMFTE accreditation ensures marriage and family therapy excellence and meets established professional practice standards.

    I am a Doctor of Psychology Marriage and Family Therapy, PsyD Candidate, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, (COAMFTE) accreditation expected in 2023. My doctoral dissertation focuses on interracial, intercultural, and interethnic couples. Modern Love Stories: A Narrative Inquiry of Interracial Couples researches attachment theory and romantic love and what makes it challenging, meaningful, and fulfilling for interracial couples’ relationships.

    I am an American Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist, American Board of Sexology, and California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have advanced clinical training that is innovative and emergent in sexual medicine with a multidisciplinary approach integrating core principles of sex therapy, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems theory for mental health and well-being. I completed the doctorate Clinical Sexology Program and Sex Therapy Program at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI), West Palm Beach, Florida. I am a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) at Integrative Sex Therapy Institute in Los Angeles, California.

    I hold Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3, Gottman Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader, Gottman Bringing Baby Home, Gottman Couples and Addiction Recovery, Gottman Affairs and Trauma, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, International Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II).

    My clients are high-functioning and non-acute, committed to the therapy process, and motivated to collaborate on goals to create the structure for effective treatment plans. Therapy progress involves healthy behavioral changes that lead to healing, change, and growth to reach your highest possibility and live your most extraordinary life. I synthesize multiple theoretical approaches and evidence-based empirical research of attachment theory, neuroscience, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance commitment therapy, and systemic principles to establish connections between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. I believe in life-long learning and attend post-graduate and doctoral training to learn about cutting-edge scientific research and cutting-edge, evidence-based interventions.

    I have extensive professional experience and advanced clinical training, including Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II), Beck Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT), Clinical Sexology Program, Integrative Couples, and Certified Sex and Couples Therapist, Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI), and Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR), EMDRIA, and Maternal Mental Health Intensive, Advanced Perinatal Mental Health, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), Infertility, Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Miscarriage & Infant Grief and Loss, Seleni Institute, New York and Postpartum Support International (PSI).

    I provide a personalized and individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. I believe in a strengths-based approach to help clients enhance their strengths through the therapeutic process. I am passionate about embarking on the therapy journey together for insight, healing, and growth, leading to transformation for a meaningful, satisfying, and vibrant life.

    Let's take the first step together

    Credentials & Education, Advance Specialty Training, Certification, Associations & Memberships, Publication
    • • California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, M.A., LMFT #135254, Board of Behavioral Sciences
    • • American Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist #22248 American Board of Sexology
    • • American Board-Certified Diplomate Sexologist #22248 American Board of Sexology
    • • AAMFT Clinical Fellow American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
    • • Doctor of Psychology, PsyD., Marriage & Family Therapy Candidate, Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education COAMFTE
    • • Clinical Sexology Program, Core Knowledge Areas, The Buehler Institute
    • • Co-Teaching Master’s Degree Marriage & Family Therapy AAMFT COAMFTE Doctoral Program: Couples Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapy Theories & Techniques II, & Marriage & Family Therapy Clinical Practicum
    • • Master of Arts, M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy Alliant International University, Irvine California School of Professional Psychology Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education COAMFTE
    • • Master of Arts, M.A., Leadership Studies Specialization Organizational Psychology, School of Leadership & Education Sciences, University of San Diego
    • • Leadership Circle Profile 360′ Certification, The Leadership Circle (ICF)
    • • Hudson Institute of Coaching, Santa Barbara (ICF)
    • • Leadership Coaching Certificate (ICF), School of Leadership & Education Sciences, University of San Diego
    • •  Bachelor of Arts, B.A., Liberal Arts, Psychology Minor, Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles
    • • Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (ERCEM)
    Advanced Clinical Speciality Training
    • • Attachment and Trauma, International Trauma Training Institute (ITTI)
    • • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intensive Training, Beck Institute
    • • Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP-I/CCTP-II)
    • • Emotionally Focused Therapy EFT 4-Day Externship Couples Therapy The Training and Research Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy Alliant International University TRI EFT International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy Certification ICEEFT
    • • Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills Advanced Training The Training and Research Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy Alliant International University TRI EFT International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy Certification ICEEFT
    • • EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing: EMDR Trained Professional Training
    • • EMDRIA Approved 57 CE Hours
    • • EMDRIA: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association
    • • EMDR Institute, Inc. & Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program
    • • EMDR Alliant University Level One & Level Two Training 40 Hours
    • • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
    • • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level One: Bridging The Couple Chasm The Gottman Institute
    • • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level Two: Assessment, Intervention, & Co-Morbidities
    • • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level Three: Practicum Training The Gottman Institute
    • • Gottman Bringing Baby Home Program Educator The Gottman Institute
    • • Gottman Treating Affairs & Trauma: PTSD The Gottman Institute
    • • Maternal Mental Health Intensive Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Certificate Seleni Institute
    • • Maternal Mental Health Intensive Perinatal Loss & Grief Seleni Institute
    • • Maternal Mental Health Certificate for Mental Health & Clinical Professional, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, Postpartum Support International (PSI) & 2020 Mom
    • • Narcissistic Abuse & Gaslighting Treatment: End Emotional Manipulation & Toxic Relationships
    • • Sex Therapy Core Knowledge Program The Buehler Institute Psychological Services, Inc.
    • • Clinical Sexology Program The Buehler Institute
    • • Sexual Attitude Reassessment SAR The Buehler Institute Psychological Services, Inc.
    • • Clinical Sexology Core Knowledge Program, Modern Sex Therapy Institute
    • • Rainbow Advocate Educator  (RAE)
    • • The Positive Discipline Association – Educator Level
    • • Women, Trauma and Mental Health: Empowering Women with the Skills and Insight to Thrive
    Certification
    • • American Board-Certified Diplomate Sexology
    •   American Board-Certified Sexologist
    •  Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Candidate (CCPS)
    • • Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Candidate (CCPS) (APSATS) (MPTM)
    • • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma Certification (CCTP-II)
    • • Certified Couples Betrayal Trauma Recovery Therapist Candidate (CCBRT) (IITAP)
    • • Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) Nutritional & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
    • • Certified Partner Trauma Therapist Candidate (CPTT) (IITAP)
    • • Certified Rainbow Advocate Clinical Specialist (RACS)
    • • Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate (CSAT) (IITAP)
    • • Certified Sex Therapist Candidate (CST) (MSTI)
    • • Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP), Integrative Sex Therapy Institute
    • • Domestic Violence Advocate Training Certification 40-Hour Laura’s House Inspiring Hope & Empowering Change to End Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence
    • • Gottman The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Certificate
    • • International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
    • • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCT)
    • • Myers & Briggs MBTI Step 1 & II Certification Program
    • • Neuroscience Clinical Practice: Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety and Stress Disorder
    • • Nutritional & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
    • • Positive Discipline Educator: Positive Discipline Association
    • • Premarital and Marriage Assessment Certification & Facilitator: Prepare/Enrich
    • • Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training 48-Hour Waymakers Sexual Assault Victim Services
    • • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
    • • Traumatic Stress Studies Certificate Program: Trauma Research Foundation
    Couples Connect Relationship Assessment
    • • Gottman Connect Relationship Checkup Couples Assessments
    • • Prepare/Enrich Building Strong Marriages
    • • Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Certification & Facilitator
    • • Engaged, Pre-Marriage & Newly Married Couples: SYMBIS
    Professional Association & Membership
    • • Clinical Fellow Designation American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
    • • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT)
    • • American Board of Sexology (ABS)
    • • American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST)
    • • Association of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness (ACSSW)
    • • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
    • • Gottman Referral Network
    • • International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP)
    • • International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
    • • International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy ICEEFT
    • • Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    • • National Perinatal Association (NPI)
    • • Orange County California Marriage & Family Therapists (OCCAMFT)
    • • Seleni Institute Maternal Mental Health Alumni New York
    Publications
    • • Belle, Emelina, “The Dynamics of Gender Identity and Implicit Bias Impacting Women’s Executive Leadership Development Programs and Female Executive Leadership Coaching.” (April 26, 2017). M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers. 9. The University of San Diego. https://digital.sandiego.edu/solesmalscap/9