ABOUT ME

Chill, go with the flow, love meeting new people. I'm just finishing my doctorate degree in psychology (with a special interest in religion and psychology, and peer counseling- training nonprofessionals to provide counseling).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I near the end of my 6/7 year program and as I am waiting for the results of my online survey/research, I have time to explore parts of the West coast I never have before. I've lived in CA my whole life, but never been farther north than southern Oregon. Also couch surfing to meet new people, not simply looking for a place to crash (though I'm ok with that, too). And pushing my boundaries to travel alone a little bit, not something I've done before solo style.

Interests

I spend my time enjoying music, dancing, being a therapist, volunteering, goodness. What grabs my attention is engaging conversation and connecting. I will not be coming and going at strange hours. I will be new to your town/city and not looking for late night shenanigans (though I wouldn't be opposed to them if you want some company).

• pets
• culture
• writing
• books
• dancing
• reading
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• psychology
• religion
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I LOVEEEEE cats and dogs, especially cats, and all pets really. So if you have pets, I am very engaging and don't mind sharing a couch with a cat or dog, especially since it might usually be their lounging spot! I'm happy to do some dog/cat sitting too if that works out for all of us. I play ukulele so if you play any instruments, like to sing, or enjoy some background strings that's a plus for both of us, though I am happy to leave it in the car as well.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Helped to grow the volunteer peer counseling services 3-fold at the Berkeley Free Clinic (one of the oldest, last-standing free clinics of the 60's). Learned how to go from being an unhealthy caretaker to having good boundaries, learning the balance between being empathic while taking care of myself, especially with my family and loved ones.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you like talking psychology, religion, family/friend dynamics, play music, existential-ness, enjoying mundane things, I generally make pretty good conversation and will take a very sincere and active interest in your life. I will be very interested to hear about what you like and don't like about where you live, what's going on in your life, how cute your pets are, pretty much anything. I am also happy to spend my time on my computer or reading my book or writing, so I can be either very talkative or easily quiet.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will LOVE your pets! I also would be happy to help around the house, I don't mind doing dishes or some yard work or any project that I am given clear directions about. I love to talk, but I am also very happy being self-contained; whatever the culture of your home is, I will easily adapt to it. I am very clean and have few items. I have my car so pretty much everything will stay in there except my own bedding and basics, so I won't take up much space and promise I am very respectful and clean. I am happy to contribute financially with some household items you might need or any other way I can.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Egypt, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand

Countries I’ve Lived In

India