Hi! My name is Ariel! (she/her)

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and got my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Sexuality. As a child of divorce, I was fascinated by relationships from a young age. I am endlessly curious about people; both how they connect to others and how they connect to themselves. After a winding journey of self-exploration, I came back to therapy as both a personal support system and as a passion for my career. I find therapy as a deeply healing place to connect to others, explore my curiosity and expand awareness.

I received my Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I trained at a number of sites in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, seeing a diverse array of adults, couples, teenagers and children.

Outside of therapy you can find me traveling the world, creating decorative embroidery or snuggling with my cat, Tamagotchi. And yes, there may be a cartoon character based on me out in the world. Guess which one!

My Approach

My background is feminist and strength-based, and grounded in the idea that therapy is at its best when the therapeutic relationship is strong. I am informed by Gestalt, mindfulness and psychodynamic principles. This means I work with you in the present moment to explore different ways that you can connect with yourself without judgement, as well as exploring the history and relationships that have impacted your life. This can also include paying attention to the stories and thoughts running through your mind or what your body may be trying to say. I honor your individuality and your unique way of connecting to the world, while taking into consideration the influences of personal history as well as the larger political and societal contexts, including the impact of patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism and the current state of our political and cultural environment.

My goal as a therapist is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. I believe in a shame-free, co-created relationship where warmth, empathy and humor are not only valued, but encouraged. I bring my authenticity and curiosity to help foster a space where you can safely examine the parts of your life that don’t align with your vision for yourself.

I am a sex positive therapist who is LGBTQIA+ and non-binary affirmative. I love working with people in relationship minorities including the polyamorous community, as well as folks in the sex industry. Also, as a white therapist, I am dedicated to my own anti-racist work and the interrogation of a white supremacist system.

CLINICAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

EMDR Therapy Training Part 1 & Part 2, 2022, The Institute of Creative Mindfulness
MFT Associate - Through the Woods Therapy Center, 2017-2019, Los Angeles, CA
MFT Associate - Southern California Counseling Center, 2016-2018, Los Angeles, CA
MFT Traineeship - Integral Counseling Center at Church Street, 2014-2015, San Francisco, CA
Work Scholar - Esalen Institute, 2013, Big Sur, CA

EDUCATION
MA, Integral Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2015
BA, San Francisco State University, Psychology and minor in Human Sexuality, 2007

ASSOCIATIONS
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Psi Chi Honors Society

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