Hi. I’m Kia.

Do you have any specializations?

For Couples: 

• Couples who are in cross-cultural relationships

• Couples who would like a Christian worldview in therapy 

• Couples whose goal is to work on creating less emotionally intense conflict 

• Pre-marital work or marriages in their first three years

• Couples in Leadership Roles

For Parents: 

• Parents who want to work on their skills with children who have/may have:  

• Sensory Processing Disorder 

• ADHD

• Gifted Learners 

• Autism 

• Parents with young children 

• Parents launching teens

What approach or modality do you use?

I practice Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), which means I am looking for how the problem is impacting you and your marriage, and where it came from in the first place; a sort of pull the problem out by the roots methodology. Emotions can be a controversial topic, especially in marriage. My perspective is that emotions hold the secret to effective communication.

In conjunction with EFT, I apply the Gottman Method which uses decades of research to create data-rich assessments that pinpoint exactly where your marriage has the opportunity to grow. When you work with me, you will get not only my professional assessment. You also get access to the perspective of the professionals who are leading the charge in modern marriage therapy research.

Are you married? Do you have kids?

My therapeutic practice is largely influenced by my personal life. I have been in a bi-racial marriage for over ten years, so the tools and principles I offer are more than just an education, they have been tested in my living room. My husband and I have three young children together. The hope, humor, and wisdom I bring to our sessions are regularly updated by my own marriage and parenting efforts.

What will my marriage gain by working with you?

Throughout the therapeutic process, you will get the benefit of tested empirical data about what makes your marriage work, coaching in emotion-focused conversation and conflict resolution, as well as practical application that is specific to your relationship and family. You’ll also get a couple of good laughs because it’s all going to be ok, and we can laugh about that sooner rather than later.

How much experience do you have?

As an LMFTA, I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University, where I learned how to support both partners in a relationship that allows you to connect. I have been working in the therapeutic setting with couples and families for about two years. Professionally, I have developed my practice through practical application in family-focused non-profit work and leadership over 12 years.