Yoana Urbina
I’m Yoana Urbina, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #144380) dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s challenges and transitions. As a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish), I have a special heart for first-generation clients, those navigating cultural identity, and people carrying the weight of generational trauma. I work most often with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or the lingering impact of trauma, helping them find relief, resilience, and connection to their authentic selves. My goal is to provide a compassionate, trauma-informed space where healing feels safe and possible.
First session
In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, conversational space where we begin to get to know each other. I’ll invite you to share what’s bringing you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and what feels most important to you right now. We’ll also review your history, explore your current supports and challenges, and talk about the goals you’d like to set for our work together. My approach is collaborative, I want you to feel heard, respected, and comfortable as we lay the foundation for your therapeutic journey. You’ll leave our first meeting with a clearer sense of the process, as well as a feeling of safety and direction moving forward.
Strengths
What makes my approach unique is the way I integrate trauma-informed care, EMDR-trained methods, CBT, mindfulness, and interpersonal therapy into sessions while tailoring each approach to your needs. I have a strong interest in the connection between mental health and physical health, and I support clients in understanding themselves as whole people—mind, body, and spirit. Clients often tell me they feel seen and understood in a way they haven’t before, especially when navigating cultural or generational struggles. As a bilingual, bicultural therapist, I bring sensitivity to first-generation experiences and the ways identity, family, and community shape mental health. At the core, my greatest strength is creating a safe, compassionate relationship where clients can process, heal, and embrace meaningful transformation.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are those who may feel “stuck” in cycles of worry, sadness, or self-doubt, but are ready to take steps toward change. Many are first-generation individuals or children of immigrants, balancing cultural expectations with their own needs and dreams. Others are living with the invisible weight of anxiety, depression, or generational trauma, and want to understand themselves more deeply. I also support clients navigating health challenges, life transitions, or women’s issues who are seeking a safe place to process and grow. What my clients have in common is a desire for healing and transformation, they want to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in their daily lives.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
I approach every client with a trauma informed lens, recognizing the impact that past experiences can have on present struggles. This means I prioritize creating a safe, collaborative, and compassionate space where clients feel respected and empowered. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I consider the full context of each person’s story and work with them at their own pace.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps clients notice the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use CBT to support clients in identifying unhelpful patterns, practicing new coping skills, and creating more balanced ways of thinking. This structured approach can bring clarity and relief, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness invites us to slow down, notice our experiences without judgment, and connect with the present moment. I often integrate breathing techniques, grounding skills, and gentle awareness practices into sessions. These tools can help reduce overwhelm, increase emotional regulation, and foster a deeper sense of calm and self-connection.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Therapy focuses on the connection between relationships and emotional health. I use this approach to help clients explore how life transitions, family dynamics, cultural expectations, or loss may be impacting their mood and sense of self. Together, we work to strengthen communication, build healthier connections, and create more supportive patterns in relationships.
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR and actively offering it as part of my practice while working toward certification. EMDR is a structured therapy shown to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences in a safe and supported way. I guide clients through the process at their own pace, integrating grounding and resourcing skills to ensure stability. Many find that EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of past events and create more freedom in the present.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 144380