LMFT, 10 years of experience
Hello everyone and thank you for checking out my profile! My name is Bonnie Monfils, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I offer in-person and online sessions. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am qualified to work with individuals, couples, and families. Throughout my time working with clients, I have been able to work with varied populations and different levels of need. I have experience working in the K-12 setting and navigating the IEP process. This is about your journey and finding someone to help with guidance, so you can live your purpose and feel fulfilled. In my practice, I emphasize the whole person and how to heal holistically. Gaining skills to be able to face the stressors of life will calm the mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to working with you on the path to wellness.
The first session is a foundational step in establishing the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for the client to initiate their healing process. While each client’s needs are unique, here’s a general overview of what they can expect: Establishing Safety and Trust Focus on building a comfortable, supportive relationship at your own pace. Exploring Your Story We’ll discuss current concerns, emotional and physical symptoms, and relevant background. Mind-Body Education Introduction to how emotions and physical symptoms are connected, and how therapy will address both. Gentle Regulation Practice You may be guided through a simple breathing or grounding exercise to help you develop body awareness. Collaborative Goal Setting Together, we’ll clarify your therapy goals and begin planning how to work toward them. Next Steps and Expectations Overview of what future sessions will involve, including tools and techniques we'll use.
As a therapist grounded in a client-centered approach, one of my greatest strengths is my ability to build strong, authentic rapport with clients. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected—often for the first time. My natural empathy enables me to truly connect with people, laying the foundation for meaningful growth and change. I also have a profound ability to see the potential in others, even when they are struggling to see it themselves. I help clients reconnect with their strengths, inner resilience, and capacity for healing. By combining a warm, supportive presence with insight-driven guidance, I help clients access the parts of themselves that are ready for transformation.
I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I have experience working with different populations and demographics and like to meet different people.
In my clinical experience working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders, I frequently integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic-based strategies—informed by Polyvagal Theory—to provide a comprehensive and trauma-informed treatment model. The Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role of the autonomic nervous system in emotional regulation, social connection, and responses to trauma. It provides a biological and physiological framework to understand how clients respond to stress and how they can move toward a state of safety and regulation.
In my clinical experience working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders, I frequently integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic-based strategies
In my clinical work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress-related health issues, I regularly incorporate a mind-body approach as part of a holistic treatment plan. This method is grounded in the understanding that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and that emotional distress often manifests in the body—such as through muscle tension, sleep disturbance, high blood pressure, and chronic pain. The mind-body approach blends traditional talk therapy with somatic and physiological interventions to help clients regulate their nervous system, improve emotional awareness, and build resilience in both mind and body.