LCSW, 7 years of experience
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles and Fresno California. I received my Masters in social work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I have worked with teens, adults, and older adults that have experienced incarceration, homelessness, trauma, depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, discrimination, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders. The majority of my experience comes from working with underserved communities of color primarily within correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health sectors. *[I am currently not accepting couples]* ¡Bienvenidos! Soy Trabajadora Social Clínica Licenciada (LCSW) y trabajo en Los Ángeles y Fresno, California. Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en la Universidad del Sur de California y llevo 7 años ejerciendo. He trabajado con adolescentes, adultos y adultos mayores que han experimentado encarcelamiento, falta de vivienda, trauma, depresión, ansiedad, disforia de género, discriminación, esquizofrenia, trastorno bipolar y trastornos de la personalidad. La mayor parte de mi experiencia proviene de trabajar con comunidades de color marginadas, principalmente en centros penitenciarios, hospitales psiquiátricos y servicios de salud mental comunitarios.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, go over your questionnaire, expectations of therapy, dive into the specific challenges you're facing, and answer any specific questions that come up. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. Particularly, where you want your life to be a month, six months, a year from now. Then, we'll identify options and strategies you can use to get there together. We will also discuss scheduling and availability.
Having worked with a variety of different populations and mental health disorders the past 8 years, I've developed experienced methods and interventions for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.
I love working with my queer community, particularly those who are in the process of self-discovery and self-advocacy. Most of my clients don't know where to start or what resources are available for them and often come in feeling discouraged, anxious, depressed, or discriminated. Another population I truly enjoy working with is justice involved individuals who don't know where to start and often feel "stuck." Most of my clients have been incarcerated and have struggled with mental disorders for more than 10 years and need additional support to reintegrate into society.
I've been using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in practice for the past five years. It has helped dozens of clients to develop compassion and acceptance towards themselves. We'll use CFT particularly when negative thoughts and self-criticism arise. We will then use the coping skills to manage mental health struggles and promote emotional regulation.
I've been using Humanistic Therapy (HT) in practice for the past five years. It has allowed dozens of clients to develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the ability to make decisions based on their own values and beliefs. We'll apply HT to ensure a supportive and empathetic environment that encourages free will, human potential, and self-discovery.
I've been using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in practice for the past four years. It has encouraged dozens of clients to understand their emotions, attachments, patterns, and insecurities. We will use EFT to better manage anxiety, depression, and personal relationships. Through EFT we will focus on understanding and processing our emotions thus creating stronger bonds with others and ourselves.
I've specialized in Forensic Psychology in practice for the past seven years. This specific specialization focuses on addressing the intersection between mental health and the legal system. We will use Forensic Psychology via assessments, evaluation, and treatment of offenders, victims, and families. Through Forensic Psychology we will conduct therapy sessions to better manage psychological concerns and begin the rehabilitation process.
I've been using Gender Affirming Therapy in practice for the past seven years. It is an approach that supports individuals align their gender expression and experience with their gender identity. We will use Gender Affirming Therapy to better manage distress, discomfort, and dysphoria. Through Gender Affirming Therapy we will focus on exploration of gender identity, social affirmations, and self-acceptance.
4 ratings with written reviews
July 21, 2025
Dee is amazing. She has made me feel heard and supported in every session, and I truly feel like I've accomplished a great deal of inner work with her guidance. Thank you, Dee!
July 11, 2025
Dee is always lovely to talk to
May 5, 2025
Dee was amazing! I will definitely be working with her in the future. Great listener, understanding, very warm and inviting (no awkwardness which is wonderful in a provider), very knowledgeable, also is very in tune with being open about boundaries which I respect very much. If you are looking for a provider who has your best interest at heart, I would definitely recommend Dee.