Let’s start with something easy. Can you tell us a little about your professional background and areas of focus?

I embarked on my journey as a psychotherapist, initially providing counseling to children and families through community mental health services. During this phase, my clientele was incredibly diverse, representing various cultural backgrounds and grappling with a wide array of issues. These encompassed topics such as trauma, abuse, PTSD, mood disorders, attention issues, anxiety, and depression.

As time progressed, I transitioned into the realm of teletherapy, focusing primarily on adults navigating an assortment of challenges, ranging from difficult life events to enduring trauma. Even prior to my career as a therapist, I had always held a deep fascination for the mystical and holistic approaches to well-being. Consequently, I have integrated holistic and alternative practices into my therapeutic toolkit, crafting comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual.

In addition to my expertise in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, I have undergone training as a trauma-informed yoga therapist and somatic experiencing. These modalities complement my therapeutic approach and enhance my ability to assist my clients. Moreover, I have observed that psychedelics hold the potential to deeply empower individuals, fostering a profound sense of inner strength and connection to the universe, especially in the face of loneliness.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My therapeutic style is distinguished by its directness, genuineness, and unwavering support. I infuse sessions with a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and gentleness. In our sessions, you can expect a culturally attuned environment fostering an open and non-judgmental space for self-expression. I focus on unearthing and elevating your inherent strengths so that you can connect to your innate healing capacity.

There are no taboos here. Topics that commonly arise during sessions encompass areas like loss, relationships, spirituality, cultural differences, abuse, mortality, childhood experiences, sexuality, as well as thoughts of self-harm. Providing a secure space to process these facets of the human experience is fundamental to the therapeutic journey and healing overall.

What would your patients say about you?

Patients often describe me as a warm and innovative therapist who genuinely prioritizes their well-being. They appreciate my skill in tailoring my methods to suit their individual needs and challenges. The insights and personal growth they experience during therapy extend into their daily lives, positively impacting their relationships with themselves and others. This enduring progress leaves them with a strong foundation and confidence to maintain their well-being even after our sessions conclude.

In addition, patients recognize my skill in creating a secure and nurturing space that bolsters their path to healing. They often express feeling a genuine human connection and the freedom to fully embrace themselves during our time together. Among those who have experienced KAP, there is a recurring theme of highlighting the profound transformative effects it has had on their lives, emphasizing my role guiding them in catalyzing this remarkable personal growth and fostering a deeper sense of connection within them.

How did you become interested in working with psychedelics including ketamine?

My journey into the world of working with psychedelics, including ketamine, was sparked by my own personal experiences. These encounters left me deeply curious about how psychotherapy could enhance the deep impact that psychedelics can have on a person's life. It became clear to me that both psychotherapy and psychedelic experiences share a common aim: to shift perspectives and nurture the development of a transcendent self. This shared purpose inspired me to explore the powerful synergy between these two approaches.

What makes ketamine particularly intriguing to me is its remarkable safety record, widespread use, and the extensive research surrounding it. These factors, in my view, position ketamine as a unique and promising tool for unlocking the full therapeutic potential of psychedelic experiences.

What has been your most meaningful experience in working with psychedelics?

One of the most meaningful moments in my work with psychedelics was witnessing a client's personal transformation during KAP. This individual had been struggling with deep-seated trauma and emotional pain for years, and traditional therapeutic approaches hadn't provided much relief.

During our sessions, as the effects of ketamine unfolded, the client was increasingly able to sit with uncomfortable feelings that they have long hid from. They courageously confronted their traumatic memories and, with support, were able to reframe those experiences in a way that brought profound healing and relief. It was like watching the first melt after a difficult winter and they described feeling a newfound sense of clarity, peace, and self-compassion.

This experience reinforced my belief in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, showing me firsthand how they can help individuals move from pain to profound healing. It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of providing a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore their inner selves and find the healing they seek.

What excites you most about the future of psychedelics?

What excites me most about the future of psychedelics is the progressive shift in our mental health system, allowing for safe and legal use. The expansive effects of psychedelics have always been true, but now there's hope for greater accessibility to those who have always needed them. Their remarkable capacity to foster deeper connections within ourselves, with others, and with the universe is awe-inspiring. Psychedelics act as a exceptional tool for introspection, enabling us to embark on inner journeys through the landscapes of our minds and hearts, ultimately unveiling the innate healer residing within each of us. Despite the shadows cast by our personal histories, with careful guidance and deep respect, psychedelics hold the potential to unearth and embrace these concealed treasures, nurturing profound personal growth and strengthening our sense of interconnectedness with the world in and around us.

Enough about work! Let’s try some rapid fire questions;

• First, Where do you live? - Southern California
• What's a perfect afternoon? - A day spent with my pup exploring new hiking trails and a delicious treat afterwards.
• Favorite food? Pizza/Pasta - Indian Food - the spicier the better!
• Describe yourself in two words. - Curious and Adaptable