Julissa Santos
Welcome, my name is Julissa Santos, LCSW and I've been working in mental health for 6+ years. I aim to create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported throughout your healing journey.
I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all, which is why I intentionally tailor each session to meet the needs of the person sitting in front of me.
I take a holistic, culturally responsive, and nurturing approach to therapy, recognizing that your experiences, cultural background, relationships, and environment all play a role in your well-being. I work with individuals ages 16 and older who may be navigating depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness, adjustment-related challenges, or significant life transitions. My goal is to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and develop tools to support meaningful growth and healing. Wherever you are in your journey, you deserve care that honors your unique story.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and create a foundation for our work together. We will review any completed intake paperwork and assessment tools, discuss confidentiality and its limits, and explore what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from the experience. Together, we will begin identifying your goals and developing an individualized treatment plan to guide our work, which we will revisit and adjust as your needs and progress evolve. We will also review practical details, including scheduling, cancellations, and rescheduling, so you know what to expect moving forward. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable, supported, and heard. There is no expectation that you share everything at once or have a clear idea of where to begin. We will move at a pace that feels right for you, and you are always welcome to ask questions or share any concerns. My goal is for you to leave your first session with a better understanding of the therapeutic process, a sense of direction, and the reassurance that we will work together to support your needs and goals.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a warm, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to show up as their authentic selves. I take a holistic and culturally responsive approach, recognizing that each person's experiences, cultural identity, relationships, and environment shape their healing journey. I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all, which is why I intentionally tailor each session to meet the needs of the person sitting in front of me. Some days, that may mean holding space, sitting with difficult emotions, and offering a compassionate presence without the pressure to find solutions. Other days, it may mean providing reassurance, exploring new perspectives, or gently challenging clients to step outside their comfort zones and recognize their potential for growth. I strive to meet clients where they are, honoring their individual strengths while providing the support, tools, and encouragement they need to navigate different chapters in life. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in moving toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for them.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are individuals ages 16 and older who may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, significant life transitions, or the emotional challenges that come with adjusting to unexpected changes in life. They may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or uncertain about how to move forward, and they may be seeking a space where they can feel understood without judgment. I welcome individuals who are ready to explore their experiences, deepen their self-awareness, and develop healthier ways of coping, while recognizing that everyone enters therapy at their own pace. Whether you are looking for a place to process difficult emotions, gain reassurance, explore cultural or family influences, or challenge patterns that no longer serve you, my goal is to meet you where you are and work collaboratively toward your goals. You do not need to have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. You simply need a space where you can show up as you are and begin exploring what healing looks like for you.
Origin story
As a first-generation Latina, I have always felt drawn to a profession centered on helping and supporting others. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the profound impact that trauma, depression, and other mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. These experiences have strengthened my passion for mental health advocacy and my commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. I am especially passionate about challenging the societal and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and helping individuals recognize that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate care that honors their unique experiences, cultural background, and personal journey. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to bring together my desire to help others and my commitment to promoting healing, resilience, and greater understanding of mental health. I hope to empower individuals to feel more connected to themselves, navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, and recognize that they do not have to face their struggles alone.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be an ongoing, collaborative process centered on your needs, goals, and personal growth. Each session will provide an opportunity to check in, reflect on your experiences since we last met, and explore what feels most important for you in that moment. Some sessions may focus on processing emotions and navigating difficult experiences, while others may involve building coping skills, exploring patterns, challenging unhelpful beliefs, or identifying practical steps toward your goals. My approach is flexible and individualized, allowing us to adjust our work based on where you are emotionally and what you need along the way. Throughout our work together, we will regularly revisit your treatment goals and assess your progress to ensure therapy continues to feel meaningful and supportive. Progress may look different for everyone and can include increased self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, greater confidence in navigating challenges, or feeling more connected to yourself. Growth is not always linear, and difficult days do not mean you are moving backward. We will make space to acknowledge both your challenges and your progress, celebrate meaningful changes, and adjust our approach as needed. My goal is to support you in developing the insight, tools, and confidence to navigate life's challenges in ways that align with your values and overall well-being.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these patterns can influence the way we experience and respond to life's challenges. In our work together, we may explore how certain thought patterns affect your mood, identify beliefs that may no longer be serving you, and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. This may include learning practical coping skills, challenging negative self-talk, or exploring new perspectives that support your emotional well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative approach that helps you explore your feelings about change, identify what matters most to you, and build confidence in your ability to move toward your goals. Sometimes, we know we want something to change but may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. Rather than telling you what you should do, I will help you explore your thoughts, recognize your strengths, and identify the reasons for change that feel meaningful to you. Together, we will work through any mixed feelings or barriers you may be experiencing while honoring your autonomy and personal values.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care recognizes that difficult or overwhelming experiences can influence how we see ourselves, build relationships, manage emotions, and navigate the world around us. My approach prioritizes emotional safety, trust, and collaboration, creating a space where you can feel heard and supported without fear of judgment. I recognize that everyone's experiences are unique, and healing looks different for each person. You are never expected to share more than you feel comfortable with, and we will work together at a pace that respects your needs, boundaries, and readiness. I strive to help you better understand your experiences, recognize your strengths, and develop tools that support a greater sense of safety, self-compassion, and empowerment. My goal is to honor your story while supporting you in building a path toward healing that feels right for you.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered and humanistic therapy approaches emphasize the importance of feeling understood, accepted, and supported as you navigate your experiences. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges at your own pace. Together, we will build a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, trust, and respect for your unique experiences and values. Rather than assuming I know what is best for you, I strive to understand your perspective, recognize your strengths, and support you in discovering what feels meaningful and right for your life by deepening your self-awareness, strengthening your relationship with yourself, and feelig empowered to make choices that align with who you are or want to become.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 128048