Hello, I am a graduate from University of Southern California and have been providing mental health services for the past 20 years. I am experienced in providing individual and couples therapy and have an extensive history in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, and substance use. I have worked with various populations from children to teens, homeless, victims of domestic violence (teens & adults) and LGBTQ community. I also enjoy working with newcomers to the United States in helping them transition into a new culture. I come from a client centered approach starting from where the client is and take steps along with the client towards their objective and goals. There is no cookie-cutter approach to therapy as all clients will have their own individual needs and I will work with them to meet their goals. Everyone has challenges in life and everyone has their own story. My goal is to work with the client in changing the narrative and helping them to know that it can be done. Skills are developed that can help ease the transition from "I can't" to "I can".

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

In our first session, introductions would take place, and I would ask what brought you in for therapy. I'd gather as much information from you and work together on developing a treatment plan with objectives that can be met through our follow-up sessions.

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

I'm a good listener and this gives me the opportunity to use the reflective listening to help client's gain insight into their strengths when they don't see them. I will challenge client's when it is appropriate and necessary and at the right time in treatment. What is necessary? Necessary is when thinking errors continue to be hindering their progress. I'm good at pointing out the positive things that client's are doing when they don't see it. Praise is so important, especially when they don't value themselves and feel unworthy. I am the therapist that is going to emphasize the strengths and steps, no matter how small they are, that they take toward their desired goals. I will work towards helping client see their worth and reinforce positive progress.

About Gloria Maldonado