M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Working toward licensure as both a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC)

Practicing in a community-based agency serving survivors of domestic violence and trauma In Livermore, CA.

• Existentially grounded, trauma-informed therapist

• Depth-oriented and relational

• Comfortable working with deep emotions

• Interested in meaning, freedom, dignity, and growth

• Focused on transformation — not just symptom relief

• Identity-centered — I care about who you are becoming

My Journey

I am originally from Ukraine, and my path into counseling has been both personal and professional. I earned my first Master’s degree in Psychology in Ukraine and am now completing my second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the United States.

Throughout my life, I have remained committed to this field. Even major life transitions — moving to a new country, adapting to a new culture, and building a family — did not redirect me from this path. Instead, these experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, identity, and personal growth.

Relationships & Life Experience

I am a mother of two and have been married for 17 years. Long-term relationships and family life have deeply shaped my understanding of how much we affect one another. Relationships can be our greatest source of strength, safety, and love — and they can also be the place where wounds are formed.

Over the years, I have become especially passionate about understanding how relationship dynamics shape identity. The way we are treated, loved, dismissed, supported, or hurt can influence how we see ourselves for many years. Sometimes we carry patterns from relationships long after they have ended.

Cultural Perspective & Communication Style

I speak three languages and understand what it means to live between cultures. As an immigrant, I know how identity, belonging, and resilience are shaped through life transitions.

Growing up in Europe shaped the way I communicate. I tend to be clear and straightforward, but always with warmth and respect. I believe gentle honesty and open conversations build real trust and safety in therapy.

How I Work

My approach is existential and depth-oriented. This means we explore meaning, identity, values, and the deeper questions that shape your life. I care about helping you understand not only what is happening, but why — and who you are becoming through your experiences.

I also think psychodynamically. We pay attention to patterns, especially those formed in early relationships, and how they may still influence your emotions, reactions, and choices today. Many present struggles have roots in the past, and understanding those roots can create real and lasting change.

At the same time, I focus on the present moment. Inspired by Gestalt principles, I pay attention to what is happening here and now — in your body, your emotions, and in our conversation. Sometimes healing begins with simply becoming aware of what is happening inside you right now.

In our work together, we won’t only manage symptoms. We will gently explore the deeper causes of your struggles — relational patterns, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and unprocessed experiences. My goal is not to quickly “fix,” but to help you understand, integrate, and grow.

Therapy with me has structure and direction, but it is never rigid. I value depth, honesty, and emotional safety. I believe real transformation happens in a steady, trusting relationship where you feel seen, respected, and supported.

Rooted in Resilience

Outside of therapy, I am a road tripper, camper, and true mountain soul. I feel most grounded in nature, surrounded by trees, mountains, and open skies. Nature reminds me that growth takes time and that life has a quiet ability to restore itself.

I often think about a young tree that has been cut or damaged. The scar may always remain visible, but the tree continues to grow. Over time, new layers form around the wound. The mark becomes part of its story, but it no longer harms the tree in the same way.

I believe people are similar. Painful experiences may leave scars, but they do not have to control your future. Healing is not about erasing the past — it is about rebuilding, strengthening, and allowing new growth to happen.

I bring that steady, hopeful belief in resilience into therapy.

What Matters Most

What matters most to me is who you are becoming!

Your experiences, both painful and meaningful, shape you, but they do not have to limit you. I care about helping you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with your true identity, and live in a way that feels aligned with your values.

My goal is not just symptom relief. It is to support you in building a life that feels authentic, steady, and fulfilling,  where you move forward with clarity, confidence, and dignity.

You are more than what happened to you. And you deserve a life that reflects your strength, not just your survival!

I Work With

• Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner abuse

• Sexual assault (SA) recovery

• Emotional and psychological abuse

• Trauma and complex trauma (C-PTSD)

• Anxiety and chronic stress

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Identity transitions

• Relational challenges

• Couples counseling

• Children and adolescents

• Attachment wounds

• Self-esteem and shame

• Life transitions and adjustment

Languages

• English

• Russian

• Ukrainian

Location & Availability

I provide in-person therapy in San Ramon and Livermore, California, and offer telehealth sessions throughout California.