LCSW, 5 years of experience
Hi, I’m Tammy Andrade-De La Isla, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I’m here to offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, valued, and empowered. I believe that therapy should feel like a collaborative process, one where we work together to explore your experiences, identify your strengths, and support your personal growth. I earned my degree from Humboldt State University, where I dedicated my studies to exploring decolonizing mental health practices. This perspective continues to influence how I approach my work with clients, always taking into account the larger context, including cultural, historical, and systemic factors that may impact your well-being. I have a strong passion for working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, and I strive to bring a strength-based, affirming approach to everything I do. I genuinely believe in the resilience of the human spirit and feel privileged to support people as they navigate life’s challenges, work through trauma, and move toward a more connected and empowered version of themselves. Whether you're exploring your identity, experiencing a life transition, or simply looking for someone who will truly listen, I am here to support you.
In our initial session, I’d like to take some time to get to know each other and to create a safe and respectful environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. I will also explain the boundaries of confidentiality so you understand what information will be kept private and what limitations there may be. Together, we can discuss what has been happening in your life, including any challenges or concerns that have led you to seek therapy. I may ask questions to gain a better understanding of your experiences, including how aspects such as culture, identity, and community might influence your life. This helps me create a personalized plan that supports your goals and respects your unique background. Please know that you have the right to decide what you feel comfortable sharing, and we will always move forward at a pace that respects your readiness and safety.
One of my key strengths as a clinician is the ability to establish a secure and supportive environment for clients to express themselves comfortably during therapy sessions. I prioritize meeting clients at their own pace and collaborate with them to determine the most effective approach for their needs. Additionally, I offer psychoeducation to enhance their understanding of their mental health concerns. Through a strength-based perspective, I strive to aid clients in pinpointing the underlying causes of their challenges and creating an individualized plan that fosters tangible progress.
I work best with adult clients, especially those from marginalized communities, whom are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity questions, relationship issues, or big life changes. I offer a safe, supportive space where you can feel seen and heard, especially if you've felt overlooked or misunderstood in other settings. I have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals and understand how systems of oppression can affect mental health. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in proven methods. I use a mix of therapy styles based on your needs, including however not limited to the following Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, traditional CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and the Empty Chair technique. When working with couples, I use the Gottman Method to help improve communication and strengthen connection. We’ll start by exploring what’s going on in your life, then create a plan together that fits your goals. My focus is on helping you feel more in control, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to feel better and move forward.
I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to assist clients in recognizing and challenging their personal cognitive distortions. Through this process, clients can gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, ultimately leading to positive changes in their overall well-being.
I utilize a strength-based approach in therapy, drawing from my significant experience working with diverse communities, including individuals from marginalized populations such as people of color, indigenous populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are often underserved in both public and private mental health systems. It is essential for me to prioritize highlighting each client's strengths and abilities to foster their resilience.
I specialize in providing therapy for couples who are experiencing challenges in their relationships, with a focus on setting goals and improving the strength of their partnership across different stages. I have completed training in Gottman Therapy levels 1 and 2, and utilize this approach in my practice.
I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I have observed numerous clients experience significant relief. EMDR is a type of psychotherapy aimed at aiding individuals in overcoming the symptoms and emotional distress associated with trauma. This technique incorporates bilateral stimulation to assist in the processing of traumatic memories.
In my therapeutic approach, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, which involve utilizing talk therapy to assist individuals with intense emotional dysregulation. This includes the implementation of worksheets and explanations of interventions such as mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and distress tolerance to help regulate emotions and promote positive cognitive shifts.
2 ratings with written reviews
June 28, 2025
Tammy is very kind and is able to provide strategies and techniques to support concerns that you may have. She also provides you with extra resources if needed and is willing to explain her practices and knowledge.
June 14, 2025
Tammy has always made me feel safe and understood since the very first session. Her open mindedness makes it easy to explore my emotions without fear of judgement. She’s also perfectly direct and I think that’s helped me with gaining clarity and perspective. My greatest appreciation is that Tammy does a great job at helping me connect my emotions to past experiences; allowing me to better understand and work on healing from my trauma. She’s a 10/10. I would absolutely recommend.