Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can happen. I received my MS in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton and my BA in Psychology from UCLA. I spent many years in social work, supporting families and youth impacted by abuse and neglect, and later transitioned into the mental health field to continue that work through a therapeutic lens. That experience shaped my understanding of how trauma affects individuals and relationships, and it continues to guide the compassionate, trauma-informed care I offer today. In recent years, I’ve worked in nonprofit and school settings, providing therapy to adults and teens navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and parenting stress. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply needing a space to pause and reflect, I'm here to support you with warmth, curiosity, and respect. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges and discover new possibilities for themselves.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, my goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe, seen, and heard. We’ll begin by reviewing the intake paperwork and any forms needed to start the therapy process. From there, we’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. You can expect me to show up with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your unique story. I’ll share more about how I work—using a trauma-informed, strength-based, and integrative approach—and how we might tailor therapy to meet your needs. Most importantly, this first session is about building trust and beginning a supportive partnership focused on your healing and growth.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a therapist, I bring a calm, grounded presence and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience. With a strong background in social work and mental health, I have developed the ability to hold space for complex emotions and trauma while helping clients feel safe, seen, and empowered. My trauma-informed lens allows me to work with empathy and care, particularly with adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or chronic stress. I am especially experienced in supporting parents who are navigating the emotional challenges of raising children, breaking intergenerational cycles, or balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving. I integrate ACT, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and relational approaches, and focus on building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, collaboration, and empathy. My strength-based perspective helps clients reconnect with their resilience and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My dream client is an adult or parent seeking support with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges. I especially enjoy working with adults who feel overwhelmed or stuck in their parenting journey—whether they’re navigating stress, guilt, intergenerational patterns, or the emotional demands of raising children. They may be coping with the impact of their own past experiences while trying to show up fully for their families. My clients are open to exploring evidence-based approaches like ACT, CBT, and DBT, and are ready to build emotional resilience and make meaningful changes in their lives. I work best with those who value a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic relationship and are looking for guidance, insight, and support in finding more clarity and balance.

About Brenda Fonarev