(she/her)
If you’re feeling anxious, down, stuck in old patterns, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts, you’re not alone—and things can get better. Therapy can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself again. I’m a California-based LCSW supporting teens and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, OCD, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, encouraging, and structured. We’ll identify what’s getting in the way, build a plan that fits you, and practice practical tools you can start using right away. We’ll also track your progress so you can see real momentum. You deserve support that feels steady, hopeful, and useful. When you’re ready, I’m here to help.
In our first session, we’ll take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We’ll talk about what’s been weighing on you and what you’re hoping will feel different—within yourself, in your daily life, or in your relationships. My goal is for you to feel heard and understood, not judged or rushed. I’ll ask gentle, thoughtful questions about what you’ve been experiencing, what’s been stressing you lately, what strengths you’ve used to get through hard moments, and what has (or hasn’t) helped in the past. Together, we’ll start noticing patterns and decide on a supportive starting point—whether that means building coping skills, strengthening emotion regulation, focusing on trauma stabilization, working through relationship dynamics, or addressing OCD-related fear and compulsive cycles. Before we end, we’ll create a clear next-step plan that feels realistic for your life. You’ll leave with at least one practical tool you can start using right away—so therapy feels helpful from the very beginning.
One of my greatest strengths is offering a flexible, evidence-based approach that truly meets you where you are. I tailor our work to your needs, pace, and goals—whether you’re looking for practical tools right away or a deeper understanding of what’s been driving your patterns. In sessions, I blend skills for shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, strengthening emotion regulation, and building mindfulness so you can feel more grounded in the moment. We’ll also connect your healing to what matters most to you through values-based action—so change feels meaningful and sustainable, not forced. When fear, avoidance, or self-doubt show up, I provide steady, compassionate support to help you move through those patterns with more confidence and choice. I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT-informed skills, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, guided imagery, hypnotherapy-informed techniques, and somatic therapy to provide tailored psychotherapy that supports trauma processing, anxiety reduction, and deeper mind-body awareness. I also help clients strengthen relationships by increasing emotional insight, identifying repeating dynamics, and practicing healthier communication and boundaries. My goal is for therapy to feel both supportive and effective—offering clarity, practical steps, and a safe space to grow.
As an LCSW, I enjoy working with teens and adults who are seeking meaningful change and a deeper understanding of themselves. My dream clients may be navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, family conflict, or relationship stress. I provide a compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive space where clients can feel safe, supported, and empowered to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing and stability.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve used CBT since 2020 with teens and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress. Together we map the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then practice simple tools (like thought-challenging, scheduling activities, and coping skills) so you can feel more in control day-to-day.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT-informed skills with clients who struggle with big emotions, relationship conflict, or self-harming urges. We build practical tools in four areas—mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication—so you can ride out intense feelings without acting in ways that hurt you or your relationships.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use TF-CBT with teens and adults who have experienced trauma such as abuse, violence, or major loss. In a structured and gentle way, we build coping skills, make sense of the traumatic experience, and challenge shame or self-blame, often with supportive caregiver involvement when appropriate.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
With ACT, I help clients stop fighting their thoughts and feelings and instead move toward a life that fits their values. We use mindfulness, acceptance, and small “values-based” actions so you can feel less stuck, even when anxiety, pain, or difficult emotions show up.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I use ERP with clients who struggle with OCD and anxiety. We gently face feared situations step by step while reducing rituals and avoidance, so over time your brain learns that you can handle the fear without giving in to compulsions.
1 rating with written reviews
February 18, 2026
Zohal was a pleasure to talk to, very focused and great at providing reflections that made me feel understood.