Hi, I’m Andy (they/them)

I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#149808, under supervision of a licensed therapist) and PhD student. I am passionate about helping people build authentic, connected, and affirming relationships—with themselves, their partners, and their communities.

I specialize in working with queer and trans individuals, couples, and non-monogamous relationships, supporting them as they navigate challenges of identity, sex and intimacy, relationships, political stressors, and life’s tough moments.

Beyond my clinical work, I’m a researcher and speaker. My research centers queer and trans well-being and relationships. I have presented at professional and academic conferences on topics such as gender identity, LGBTQIA+ chosen family, and experiential and narrative therapy.

I value authentically showing up as myself, which means I’ll show you my personality, share my sense of humor with you, and also sit with you in moments of pain. I hope that authentically showing up as myself empowers you to authentically be yourself.

Therapy services are currently provided through the Counseling Col:lab

A non-binary human with light skin and short, light red hair standing outdoors next to a brown dog that is sitting on its hind legs and looking up at them. They are on a balcony with a scenic background of trees, grass, a coastal view, and the ocean.

My Approach To Therapy

  • But sometimes our life experiences make it difficult to access these answers or to trust ourselves. This may be because of:

    • Experiences in current or past relationships

    • How others perceive your identity

    • An inner critic

    • Being assigned labels that just don’t fit

  • I provide insight-oriented, meaning-making, and depth therapy that goes beyond surface level coping skills. I help people turn inwards and support exploration of the deeper layers of their experiences. This includes exploring the present-day impact of past trauma, using parts work to explore inner conflict, and recognizing the unconscious patterns that are showing up in your life.

  • In couples therapy, I use emotionally focused therapy to help couples connect in new ways. I'll guide you in interrupting stuck patterns, expressing core needs safely, and developing communication that strengthens emotional safety. Together, we can slow things down and connect with what's really happening under the surface. Through therapy, you can feel truly and deeply understood.

  • I aim to create a space that affirms and celebrates your identity. As a queer and transgender person myself, you can work with someone who understands both the joys and the challenges.

Sometimes, we have learned ways to protect ourselves, but this make it hard to express our needs, have our needs heard by our partner, or feel truly connected with our loved ones or even ourselves. Through therapy, you can learn to express deeper emotions and needs in ways that create connection.

Experience and Credentials

Education

BA, Political Economy, University of California, Berkeley

MA, Marital and Family Therapy, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University

I am currently a PhD Student in the Marital and Family Therapy program at California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University

Awards

Emerging Scholar, American Family Therapy Academy, 2025-26

Experience

I have years of experiencing supporting couples and LGBTQIA+ individuals, with advanced training in couples therapy and gender-affirming care.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a paralegal for 6 years, where I learned how to support people through stressful moments and navigate complicated systems.

Notable Trainings

  • Narrative Therapy, Gender Health Center, Sacramento

  • Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 and 2

  • Integrative Sex & Couples Therapy

A Little Bit More About Me

I know how it feels to sit on the client side of the room. I know how scary and vulnerable it can be to share your inner world with someone else. And I also know how empowering it feels to find agency, meaning, and safe relationships.

As a high-achiever and recovering perfectionist, I understand firsthand the pressure we put on ourselves, and the pressure other people put on us.

I find time to do things that bring me joy. In my free time, you can likely find me:

  • Swimming or paddleboarding

  • Running with my dog

  • Crocheting, knitting, or starting a new DIY project

  • Watching NWSL soccer or reality TV

Flynn

Director of Operations

Flynn believes healing best occurs through long walks outside, playtime, and lots of treats. His honorary dog-torate is pending.