Ava operates from the belief that clients are the experts of their own stories and sees herself as a collaborator, rather than a guide. She believes that, while humans are wired for connection, many of us have had experiences that challenge or erode our sense of trust and security. As a therapist, she works to create an inviting space that is sometimes challenging, but always safe.

Ava has a special passion for addressing attachment-related concerns including but not limited to: identifying patterns of interaction that contribute to feeling “stuck,” resolving emotional wounds related to childhood abuse or mistreatment, and learning how to repair relationship ruptures.

She has completed training through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and is a member of the San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA).

She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a framework that supports individuals in moving towards an empowered and meaning-filled life; the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), a multidimensional framework for healing from trauma; and trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. She focuses therapy on deepening safe, compassionate contact with cast-aside, core emotions and experiences that make us, us.

Ava has completed Level 1 and Level 2 training in the Gottman Method, an empirically supported modality for promoting positive change for couples.

Ava has extensive experience working with survivors of trauma, abuse, and sexual assault. She has previously completed training as a Domestic Violence Counselor in the state of California.

Therapy with Ava is inclusive and embracing of all gender, sexual, cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious identities.