Licensed Therapist | Educator | Advocate | Mama
Hi, I’m Andrea
This is the space where you’ll find proven strategies, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support to create a life that feels fulfilling—far beyond the surface.
At Tulipa Therapy, you’ll discover a kind of care that goes deeper. The kind that helps you rediscover your sense of self, embrace meaningful lasting change, and reclaim the clarity, confidence, and calm you deserve. It’s a bold promise, I know—but it’s one I truly believe in.
Why? Because everything I share with you is rooted in what has transformed my life and the lives of my clients. I know the journey isn’t always easy, but meaningful change is possible with the right support. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible, stepping into a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and empowering than ever before.
You don’t have to do this alone. It’s time to take charge of your life and embrace the calm, confidence, and clarity waiting for you. Let’s work together to create a life that truly feels good.
my mission
to empower women with the skills and resources to explore, breathe, and heal—so they can reclaim their confidence, feel grounded and in control, and create lives that feel deeply fulfilling and intentional.
Because when women show up for themselves and embrace their potential, they create a ripple effect—fostering stronger relationships, healthier families, and a better life for everyone around them.
my story is complex, full of life, deeply human, and one of resilience as a lot of stories are…
Being a “helper” has always been part of who I am, shaped by a childhood filled with love, family fun, and humor—but also moments of unpredictability and chaos. While there were highs, the lows brought challenges like addiction, domestic violence, food and financial insecurity, neglect, and the long illness and eventual loss of a parent. These experiences taught me how to attune to the emotions of those around me, offering care and connection in ways that, at the time, felt necessary for safety.
What I didn’t realize then was how those survival skills would one day become the foundation of my deep empathy and understanding of the complexities of emotions, relationships, and the human experience.
My passion for helping others naturally grew into a love for education.
This guided me into a career as an early childhood educator, where I worked closely with young children and their families. Watching them grow and thrive was incredibly rewarding, but over time, I began to see a bigger picture.
Meaningful change often starts within the broader family system. Parents, too, needed support as they navigated the challenges of raising children. This realization ignited my passion for creating tools and programs that guide families through difficult moments and foster deeper connections.
My own path to healing has deeply influenced my work.
I had many different experiences in therapy—some transformative and others that fell flat. The therapists who truly saw me, who sat with me in my hardest moments and helped me untangle what was holding me back, inspired me in profound ways. They showed me the power of being seen, heard, and understood.
Through my own healing, I realized something profound: I wasn’t as “alone” in my experiences as I had often felt. Many of the people I connected with shared similar struggles—feeling “not enough,” managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, and trying to live up to impossible expectations. Recognizing this shared experience lit a fire in me to support others on their journeys toward clarity, confidence, and calm.
From Educator to Licensed Therapist: Supporting Families and Individuals
This drive led me to earn my Master's in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Becoming licensed was a challenging yet rewarding journey—completing 3,000 supervised hours and passing a 4-hour comprehensive exam—but it allowed me to serve others on a deeper level. During this time, I gained invaluable experience working with teens and families in community mental health, the justice system, and school system settings.
In addition to providing therapy and facilitating trauma-process groups, I channeled my passion for education into developing and leading programs like Healthy Relationships, Alternatives to Suspension Programs, Substance Use Awareness, and Attendance Improvement Initiatives. These programs became powerful tools for empowering young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and create a brighter future.
As my career evolved, I expanded my focus to include parents, leading workshops on how to navigate difficult conversations with their children, particularly during times of tragedy and crisis. These moments reminded me of the critical role education plays—not just in schools but in empowering families to navigate life’s toughest challenges together.
Now, I am honored to support women on their own healing journey. My work is deeply personal, holistic, and client-centered. My practice is informed by my own healing journey, alongside my belief that we are all experts in our own lives. This philosophy allows for a collaborative process blending my professional expertise with each client’s innate wisdom.
I believe deeply in the possibility of healing, growth, and transformation, no matter where you are in your life.
At the core of all my work is a deep commitment to supporting others—not only in processing their struggles but also in equipping them with tools and knowledge to thrive.
The struggles that brought me here have also given me the tools to help others find their way through. My goal is to hold space for you, just as others have done for me so that you can reconnect with yourself and build a life that truly feels good.
It hasn’t been a smooth road—like most meaningful journeys.
It’s been filled with challenges and the uncomfortable feeling of struggle and growth. But, this isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating sustainable changes that honor your unique needs and strengths.
Healing is hard, but it’s so worth it. And I am here to walk alongside you on your journey every step of the way.
“These things will be hard, but you can do hard things.” — Glennon Doyle
“These things will be hard, but you can do hard things.” — Glennon Doyle
Outside of sessions, I am probably drinking coffee, spending time with my family and friends, or moving my body outside in the sunshine. I get excited about going out for sushi, finding new vegan dessert spots, and dog cuddles on the couch with Connor, my boxer.
Some of my favorites that fill my cup are riding stand-up jet skis, all things Supercross, and singing my heart out to anything from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Zach Bryan, Blink 182, Taking Back Sunday (Yes, I’m definitely an elder emo), A Day to Remember, and even Kublai Kahn. Eclectic, I know, I am a lover of music.
I’m a recovering perfectionist, love reading but struggle to start new books although once I get into it I can’t put them down, looking at photos makes my heart full, and when I have a hard day I love dance parties in my kitchen (Meredith Grey + Christina Yang style).
Education & Licensure
LMFT License #141237 in CA
MS in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy (San Diego State University)
BA in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Social Change (San Diego State University)
Training & Modalities
Certified in Maternal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Narrative Therapy Training
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Training
Mindfulness-based Training
Strengths-based Training
Professional Associations
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA)
Take the first step today
because you deserve to feel good.
