Hello, I'm Yoana. Taking the step to seek support is incredibly courageous, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in this journey. My goal is to provide you with a safe space where we can work together to explore your challenges and create meaningful, positive change in your life. Whether you’re facing difficult emotions, feeling drained and overwhelmed, struggling to navigate life transitions, or simply looking for tools to thrive, I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way. Let’s take this journey toward healing and growth, together. I like a positive approach to therapy that is client-centered and driven by you at the speed you are comfortable with. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches and focus on helping you make meaningful progress and improve your quality of life. Challenges we face often manifest as identity crises, stress management, anxiety, and depression. I will work with you to identify any barriers to change, build skills to improve your well-being, cultivate an optimistic perspective on life, and feel confident in your ability to handle future challenges.
Our first session will focus on building rapport and trust, creating a safe space where you feel comfortable to share your story. Together, we will identify the changes you want to make and establish clear goals, outlining how our work together can help you achieve them. I will also take time to discuss my therapeutic style to ensure we’re a good match and that you feel confident and comfortable moving forward.
My approach to therapy is centered on addressing the unique needs and goals of each client. I believe in meeting clients where they are and fostering a collaborative environment for growth. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Informed Practices, and Strength-Based Therapy to help clients overcome challenges and achieve their objectives. By tailoring my methods, I focus on evidence-based strategies, leveraging clients' strengths, and fostering lasting positive changes that align with their values and aspirations. Together, we work toward progress with clarity and confidence. I have experience working in educational settings, where I supported adolescents dealing with substance use, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, crises, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, my work in community-based settings allowed me to provide in-home support to children, adults, and families. I helped identify breakdowns within family systems and applied strength-based models to empower families, enhance their ability to manage daily challenges, and build resilience. If you feel like the approaches you’ve tried just aren’t working anymore, I want you to know that change is possible—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I would be honored to walk alongside you, providing support and guidance as we work together to create the relief and transformation you’ve been searching for. Let’s take that next step toward the life you deserve, together. You’re not alone in this journey!
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am deeply committed to supporting a diverse range of clients. I specialize in working with adolescents, families, and individuals navigating the challenges of trauma, crisis intervention, and emotional well-being. My extensive experience includes empowering first-generation BIPOC individuals and families, as well as LGBTQ youth and adults, to embrace their unique identities and overcome barriers. I strive to create a safe, affirming, and collaborative space where each client feels heard, understood, and supported in achieving their goals and thriving in their journey of growth.
We work together to pinpoint problematic thinking patterns and behaviors. I teach clients how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and together, we develop techniques like mindfulness, problem-solving, and reframing negative thoughts into positive ones.
By creating a safe, non-judgmental space clients learn how to navigate intense emotions and build skills for better emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and distress tolerance through practical skills like mindfulness, managing distress and balancing emotions. I support clients in identifying patterns of behavior to develop healthier strategies.
My approach emphasizes helping clients identify their strengths and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. We explore past successes and existing resources that can be used to overcome challenges. Our time together is spent goal oriented and future-focused, often leading to quicker results by taking small, manageable steps toward the desired outcome.
Establishing trust is crucial to ensure that clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics at their own pace. We work together to understand trauma, its effects and the Cognitive Behavioral framework and I gradually help clients confront and make sense of their traumatic experiences through structured exercises. I help clients build coping skills by equipping them with techniques to manage distress, regulate emotions, and address negative thought patterns. I also work with caregivers to provide them with support and improve family communication.