Miriam Ruiz Lopez
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who offers a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard and comfortable being yourself. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs, drawing on CBT and trauma-informed care to build on your strengths, develop practical coping
A space to be yourself, work through what’s weighing on you, and find your next step.
skills, and work toward your goals.
First session
Our first session is a chance to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask about your experiences, current needs, and what you hope to gain, while giving you space to share at your own pace and ask questions. Together, we’ll begin identifying your goals and how I can best support you.
Strengths
I bring an open, straightforward, and thoughtful style to sessions. I listen without judgment, make room for you to process, and ask questions that help you develop your own insight. I balance validation with honest feedback and gentle challenges when helpful. Together, we’ll turn those insights into realistic steps toward your goals, adjusting along the way as your needs change.
Ideal clients
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating difficult emotions, relationships, or life changes. You might want to better understand yourself and your needs, build coping skills, or change patterns that no longer serve you. You don’t need to have everything figured out. We’ll work together to explore what you’re experiencing and take steps toward changes that matter to you.
Origin story
My interest in becoming a therapist began with family and a curiosity about why people are the way they are. Over time, I came to appreciate how our experiences shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others. That curiosity drew me to helping people better understand themselves and use what they discover to make changes that feel right for them.
Ongoing work together
We’ll work together to understand your emotions and experiences, explore patterns, and build coping skills you can use in everyday life. We’ll set meaningful, realistic goals and check in regularly on what’s helping and what needs adjusting. Progress might look like handling difficult emotions with more confidence, communicating your needs more clearly, or responding differently to situations that once felt overwhelming. We’ll move at a pace that works for you and adjust as your needs change.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we’ll notice patterns that may be keeping you stuck, explore more balanced ways of thinking, and practice strategies you can use in everyday life. We’ll tailor these strategies to your specific challenges and goals.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use TF-CBT to help children and teens work through difficult or traumatic experiences at a pace that feels manageable. Together, we’ll build skills to cope with strong emotions, explore thoughts connected to those experiences, and gradually process what happened. When appropriate, I involve a parent or caregiver to help strengthen support outside of sessions.
Trauma-Informed Care
I use trauma-informed care to understand how difficult experiences may affect your emotions, relationships, and daily life. I focus on building trust, respecting your choices, and following your lead on what you feel ready to explore. We’ll work together to build coping skills and strengthen your sense of safety and control.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 121368