LMFT, 15 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.
During the first session with me, we will get to know each other, creating a safe and comfortable environment where they can feel heard and understood with what they are disclosing. We will complete an assessment and develop goals and objectives to what we want to accomplishment with our sessions.
Having worked I the behavioral health field for 17 years, it has brought many experiences and opportunities that have led me to where I am today. As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where clients feel understood and supported. My deep commitment to active listening allows me to fully grasp the unique experiences and challenges each client faces, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance. I am skilled at employing evidence-based techniques, tailoring my approach to meet individual needs while remaining flexible and adaptive. My dedication to continuous learning and professional development ensures that I stay current with the latest therapeutic practices and research, enhancing my ability to provide effective treatment. Above all, my genuine compassion and unwavering belief in my clients' potential for growth and healing drive my practice, empowering clients to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
I love working with individuals of all ages who are willing and wanting to learn the tools to create change to improve the challenging areas in life.
5 ratings with written reviews
May 6, 2025
Fernanda is a great therapist! The work and progress I’ve made is such a small period of time is so life changing. So excited to keep working with her and continue to grow into the person I’m working to become. Thank you for all the help and tools you’ve taught me Fernanda!
May 1, 2025
Great directions and advice, very encouraging and supportive. Couldn't ask for a better therapist
April 3, 2025
Great therapist easy to talk to
I have 10 years experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the work that I do. CBT allows me to complete an assessment and set goals with my clients. We work collaboratively in identifying certain thought patterns that interfere with their daily life functioning and restructure thinking in to a more positive, constructive way. This treatment method does involve homework.
I have 7 years experience utilizing CBT-SP in the work that I do with my clients to address and reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors. With this modality, I use this for initial assessments and/or risk evaluations and throughout sessions we work on recognizing and challenging automatic thinking that result in hopelessness, worthlessness, burdensomeness and suicide. With this treatment, we engage in homework, practicing coping skills learned in sessions.
I have been using DBT for over 10 years, working with all individuals. With DBT, it requires an assessment and a commitment. During weekly sessions, we will focus on addressing specific challenges and work on mindfulness, regulating one's emotions, distress tolerance and improving relationships that will lead to a more fulfilling life. With this treatment modality, we will be engaging in homework.
I have 5 years with utilizing mindfulness based therapy and continue to engage in professional development in this field. With this approach, clients will learn various exercises to increase awareness of the present moment and foster a nonjudgmental attitude towards their thoughts and feelings, enhancing daily life functioning.