Therapists in California

In the field since 1994, licensed since 2001, I spent the first 10 years working with seniors, even leading a bereavement group where we had a relationship and marriage bloom between two of the participants. Since then, I've worked with adults of all ages, many of whom are at a crossroads in some area of their life. My style is eclectic, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people learn the skills that can help them function better on a day to day basis as they deal with the impact of life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and communication issues.

I am a dedicated psychotherapist committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, improve emotional well-being, and foster personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, or life transitions, I integrate evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights to create lasting change and live a more fulfilling life.

I understand how challenging it is to come to therapy and speak of subjects that can bring about fear, anxiety and feelings of being judged. Therapy is the safest of environments to bring up topics that have brought about great pain or arrest in one’s life. My hope for you is that therapy becomes a useful tool to transform your life into how you envision it to be. Life is too short not to be lived out to its fullest potential. By working with you, I hope to collaborate in a transformation process where life goals come to fruition. As your therapist, I am your advocate and will support you in all areas where challenges, obstacles and barriers are encountered. I hope this message finds you well and instills a sense of hope that anything, if one’s mind is put to it, is possible to change for the better.

Hello and welcome! My name is Letitia Obot, and I am a licensed clinical therapist. Life can be challenging, overwhelming and sometimes we need support navigating through the ups and downs, the changes happening in our lives and help to face the unknown. Reaching out for help is not always easy, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge and honor your courage to reach out for help. As a therapist, my focus is working together to facilitate healing and meet your individual therapeutic needs and goals. I am experienced in utilizing different treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness base approach to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviors, develop practical strategies, and learn new skills/techniques to overcome challenges.

"Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health" – Lauren Mersy. As an integrative therapist, I tailor my approach to help you understand the causes of your distress and find personalized coping strategies to achieve your goals. With compassion, validation, and flexibility, I support your healing journey. Together, we will work toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Life is difficult. We all faces challenges that impact our emotions, goals and needs. I focus on these challenges as a stepping stone to self awareness and growth by helping my clients understand emotions as pathway to growth and change. Even the most "educated and successful" of us need to step back and take a look at our lives and see stumbling blocks as an opportunity rather than a reason to give up!

I am licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) originally from the central coast of California. I now live in the Greater Sacramento California Area and have experience in working with adolescents/teens and adults who struggle with various issues including depression or the intricacies of being part of the LGBT community. I have 4 years of experience in education supporting adolescents ages 13-18.

Are you looking for a safe space to explore and work on making changes (big or small)? My name is Kristina and I can help you explore and manage your emotions. Collaboratively we will create a treatment plan and use a self-compassionate, empathetic and open approach while utilizing various therapeutic tools to help you meet your goals! I believe in tailoring the therapeutic approaches to each client (YOU) which starts by forming a strong therapeutic relationship. I use compassion-focused, trauma-informed, client-centered, humanistic techniques but do not shy away from utilizing cognitive behavioral and dialectic behavior therapy skills when applicable.

Hi! I am Anne Gimbel, licensed marriage and family therapist, and I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or need for healing. My goal with individuals, couples, or families is to explore and identify the thoughts that have a direct impact on your emotions and behaviors. Whether dealing with life-cycle issues, trauma, abuse, grief, recovery, or other changes that are occurring, I am active in the process to help you overcome these challenges. We will build a life you deserve by learning better communication and setting boundaries for your future.

Many of the individuals and couples I work with are at a crossroads—frustrated, sometimes burnt out, and seeking practical, workable strategies for change. Therapy offers a dedicated, supportive space to identify obstacles and map a path toward meaningful personal growth. With over 15 years of experience across healthcare, restorative justice, and outpatient settings, I provide telehealth therapy at Grow for adults and couples. My practice focuses on: *Chronic Pain & Complex Medical Issues *Anxiety & Phobias *Fertility & Family Building Support *LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming Care *Eating Disorder/Substance Use Step-Down Maintenance: Supporting ongoing recovery from substance use or eating disorders following higher levels of care. *Couples Therapy: Improving communication and relational dynamics (clinical outpatient focus only). Practice Boundaries & Administrative Policies To maintain a clear focus on clinical care, please review the following scope boundaries: *Legal & Forensic Services: I do not provide forensic evaluations, court-ordered treatment, litigation support, or expert witness testimony for legal proceedings, divorce, or custody disputes. *Disability & Administrative Paperwork: I do not perform disability evaluations or complete short/long-term disability claims; I do not write Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters. *Telehealth & Medical Requirements: Virtual therapy for chronic pain, ARFID, or medical distress serves strictly as a complementary psychological service. Because virtual care lacks physical monitoring: A. Clients with ARFID or eating disorders must maintain ongoing care with an in-person physician for routine medical safety. B. Clients seeking pain reprocessing or somatic therapy must have their pain evaluated by a physician. ******If medical or psychiatric needs exceed virtual outpatient scope, I will assist with referrals to local in-person providers**************

I am a licensed therapist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health services to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and performance-related challenges. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel understood and empowered to work through internal barriers, strengthen emotional resilience, and build lasting well-being. As a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, a competitive surfer, and a father to two incredible daughters, my life experiences have deeply shaped my perspective and clinical approach. The discipline, adaptability, and presence I developed through military service and years in the water inform my work, particularly with veterans, athletes, and high-performing individuals facing pressure or transition. Whether you are seeking support during a difficult season or striving for personal growth, I bring authenticity, steadiness, and a genuine commitment to helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. I have over 30 years' experience I assist adults of all ages (18 and beyond using a collaborative process. We can work together to heal past and present conflict, emotional disturbances, and learn new coping strategies. My goal is support you in living your best life.

Pleased to meet you! I provide individual telehealth therapy to adult clients within the state of California. If you are experiencing symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, family or relationship issues, or enduring a difficult life transition, I would love the opportunity to hear your story and support you. Carrying our pain without addressing it may not only make life less satisfying, but it can take a toll on other aspects of our health. Mental health IS health, and therapy can be medicinal for untangling the mind and heart. I applaud you with taking the first step in exploring seeking therapy! Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Hi, I’m Justin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults with anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and relationship stress. My approach is compassionate, structured, and grounded in evidence-based treatment, including EMDR, CBT, and DBT-informed skills. I believe therapy should feel both safe and effective—where you feel deeply understood while also gaining tools that lead to meaningful change. I strive to create a calm, supportive environment where healing feels possible.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and families through life’s challenges. I work with clients navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and complex family dynamics, always honoring their cultural background and personal story. Through a compassionate, client-centered approach, I help individuals build resilience, gain insight, and develop the tools they need to heal, grow, and lead more empowered lives.

I am an LCSW. I provide a comfortable and relaxed environment where you can finally feel empowered to live the life you deserve. Through a variety of approaches and interventions that are customized to you and your needs, we will work together to move you in the direction of a new way of experiencing yourself. At the end of our time together, it is my hope that you will feel stronger, more grounded, with a deeper understanding of yourself. Bringing humor, empathy, and compassion, I am here to assist in honing the needed skills to heal and grow.

Hello, my name is Steven Nelson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over nine years of clinical experience. While my professional background includes family and relationship therapy, my current focus is working with individuals, helping each person navigate their unique journey toward healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds and professions, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, active-duty military members and their families, nurses, attorneys, and many others facing a wide range of life challenges. Life's difficulties are a natural part of the human experience. At times, individuals may feel isolated in their struggles or believe that no one truly understands what they are going through. These thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, substance use, and other challenges that impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. When left unaddressed, these difficulties can become overwhelming and interfere with one's ability to move forward. I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach. My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can gain insight, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop healthier ways of managing life's challenges. Together, we can work toward healing, personal wellness, and lasting positive change. In addition to my Psychological Therapy license, I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.

I am a Christian Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist. Like many folks who get into the mental health field, I had certain mental health challenges. My family of origin was burdened with addiction and mental health. I currently have 40 years of sobriety and am intimately familiar with 12 Step, Christ-centered and Mindfulness aspects of recovery. I specialize in the treatment of Trauma and Addiction with family systems and attachment orientation. As a trained child psychologist I also place particular emphasis on developmental aspects of trauma. As a former Navy psychologist with many years working with veterans and first responders, I am very familiar with those cultures. I played college soccer, run 20 marathons, taught scuba as well as being an award winning underwater photographer and competed at the CrossFit World Games for 3 years. I am married, have a son (retired Navy) and a daughter in heaven.

My name is Chiwoo. I enjoy working with individuals who struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. As a recovering people-pleaser myself, I understand the challenge of being your authentic self while trying to meet other people's expectations. In therapy, I combine evidence-based approaches with my own healing journey to help you feel less alone, build self-trust, and live with more confidence.

Robin Hall, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of California and Hawaii. She attained her Master's in Social Work from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, in 2009. Robin's professional journey has led her to work extensively in areas such as sleep challenges, PTSD, anxiety, and trauma, where she uses a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. In her therapy sessions, Robin prioritizes creating a safe, judgment-free environment where people can openly express themselves, ensuring that you feel seen, heard, and valued throughout the journey towards healing and growth.

Welcome! If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or going through a life transition, you’re not alone. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy that moves beyond labels and one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we’ll work toward understanding what’s happening, what you want to change, and what can help you move forward. I work with individuals, including young adults and women navigating different stages of life such as college, career changes, and parenthood. My approach is goal-oriented and draws from systemic, solution-focused, and problem-solving therapies, always taking your unique experiences, strengths, and goals into account. Please note: I am not currently accepting new couples.

Hello, I am Jocelyn. I was drawn to this profession because of my deep empathy and desire to help others break through patterns during challenging periods. I'm comfortable discussing even the most uncomfortable topics. Nothing is more fulfilling than accompanying someone on their journey of growth. I look forward in working with you and guide you to make meaningful changes.

I am a licensed therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, children, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, family conflict, and major life transitions. I bring patience, compassion, and strong communication skills to my work, prioritizing flexibility and adaptability to meet each client’s unique needs. My background includes significant exposure to crisis intervention as a member of a crisis intervention team, which strengthened my ability to remain calm and objective during periods of extreme stress. I thrive when supporting clients of all ages in processing emotions, building coping skills, and reducing symptoms related to everyday stressors. Together, we work to identify triggers, recognize warning signs, and prepare for challenges with effective strategies. I am trained in CBT, DBT, SFT, and trauma informed care approaches proven to be effective and always tailored to prioritize each client’s individual experience and the therapeutic relationship.

Hello. My name is Deborah. I live in California , where I received my masters degree in social work. I worked in Medical Social work for 14 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to assist clients and families during their times of crisis, stress, transition and loss. At Grow, I see adults and seniors. I appreciate that I can assist clients in times when they need support.

It is my joy to help Anyone who is struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as stress, with poor self-esteem and relationship difficulties. I have been in practice for 30 years, and support clients in gaining skills to help themselves to quickly feel better. I also help teens ang young adults who are depressed and anxious. I help people to feel better and live with more bliss. I am also experienced and supportive of LGBTQ+ issues.

I am kind, non-judgmental, accepting with a very diverse background. My name is Fquira, pronounced "Keera. " That is literally, Kera, with an F, how unique is that? I have an appreciation for all people as unique individuals, with various types of life challenges. Im here for the challenge. Helping minds heal and lives transform has been a true reward of doing what I do in therapy. I am here to help you.

I know from experience that looking for a therapist could be stressful. If you are here then you are on the right path and I am here to walk it with you. My name is Marypaz Garrdea. I am a bilingual, Spanish and English, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also a clinical psychologist from Mexico City with more than 15 years of experience. My passion is to provide psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and families in a compassionate environment full of support and understanding. At the same time, giving you the tools to grow and achieve your goals in life. “Because life is not what it’s supposed to be. It is what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference” Virginia Satir.

As a therapist specializing in serving individuals of color, I place great emphasis on promoting self-care and wellness among my clients. My goal is to assist my clients in navigating the intersectionality of their identities while prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I provide a supportive environment for clients to explore their unique experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal pressures. My approach includes empowering clients to create personalized self-care routines, coping strategies, and resilience-building techniques that are tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, I provide various resources and methods to assist clients in cultivating self-awareness, establishing boundaries, coping with pressure, and fostering a sense of equilibrium and contentment in their lives.

When life's challenges - work, relationships, money troubles, illness or injury become too much to manage, or when the pain of the past pops up when you least expect it to disrupt sleep, or when daily stressors build up and make it hard to cope, that's when more than a friendly ear is needed. That's when a professional can help you heal the compounding effects of life experiences. If you are seeking long-term relief from anxiety, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, grief or loss, I will help you heal those emotional injuries that compound over a lifetime and make life lose its meaning. And I will empower you to heal the emotional pain that is preventing you from living your best life.

As a seasoned therapist with nearly 20 years of consecutive licensing across multiple states, I specialize in a diverse array of client issues, including men's issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, aging and chronic illness challenges, sexual addiction, trauma and PTSD, anger management, clinical depression, and anxiety. My approach is built on an affirming and caring nature, allowing clients to feel safe and understood in our collaborative work. I utilize various therapeutic modalities, including person-centered therapy, CBT, and ACT, alongside group therapy, to tailor my interventions to each individual’s unique needs. My strong listening and speaking skills facilitate deep connections with clients, empowering them to explore their struggles, find meaning, and ultimately create positive changes in their lives. The impact of my work is reflected in the growth and resilience of my clients, as they navigate their personal journeys toward healing and fulfillment.

Hi. I'm Jasmine, I'm a LMFT. I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2008. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

Brannon La Force, a Mobile, Alabama native, is a mental health professional with 35 years in the field. He holds licenses in Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Virginia, and Texas as professional counselor. He completed a BA in History from Asbury University, and a MS in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. He is a PhD doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology with Walden University. He is the Owner and Senior Clinician with Brannon La Force, LPC-S & Associates, PLLC and currently lives and works abroad as a digital nomad. Mr. La Force is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University where he teaches forensic psychology. In addition to owning a private practice, he has worked in community mental health, a forensic hospital, hospital emergency rooms, and inpatient psychiatric units. While the bulk of his work has been in the US, Mr. La Force has also written behavior plans for intellectually disadvantaged adults in Australia, treated genocide survivors in Rwanda, and supported sailors in the US Navy with their mental health needs on the island kingdom of Bahrain. His areas of expertise include trauma, relationships, and borderline personality disorder. He is an avid proponent of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and runs a DBT group. He also supervises associate counselors in Texas and Kansas and precepts psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide for their psychotherapy rotation. Mr. La Force has three adult children, two of which are also counselors. He is an avid Crimson Tide fan, loves seafood and provides support to Village Health Team in western Uganda.

My goal is to help you break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety through practical techniques and personalized strategies for growth. With a background in mindfulness, meditation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy. Together we'll create a comfortable space where you can explore your challenges, gain perspective, and deepen your emotional awareness without feeling judged.

My therapeutic approach is to work with my clients to create a space that is comfortable, safe; while still challenging them to make the changes they are looking for. I meet you where you are at in your life. You are the expert of your own life and we go at your pace. There is no judgement or expectation for you to talk or perform I provide evidence-based approaches that provides you with tools and skills to better manage life stressors. I have extensive experience working with adults regarding a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, family of origin issues, and work/life balance difficulties. I worked extensively with women coping with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, trauma, peer difficulties, and life transitions.

I help my clients to gain a deeper understanding of the behavioral issues, triggers, coping mechanisms, and traumas that may be contributing to their challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your story and find healing. Your security and safety are my top priority, and I will work with you every step of the way to ensure you feel comfortable and supported. So come as you are, and let's start our healing journey together.

Hello, I’m Cristina Osollo! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 12 years of experience. My primary focus is substance abuse, depression, trauma, anxiety, and relationship discord. I take an integrative approach to therapy, using evidence-based frameworks to provide concrete tools and strategies for symptom reduction and deeper exploration. I believe we all have what it takes to create the life we are meant to live. I invite you to take the step of finding out what is possible for you. Through a process of discovery, awareness, and a commitment to self-understanding, there is a hope of embodying your truest self. Bringing a delicate balance of effort, care, and experience, it would be my privilege to accompany you on this intimate and very often, deeply satisfying journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over three decades of experience in mental health and clinical experience. I draw from 63 years of my own life experience as a gay man, educational (MSW from the University of Connecticut) and practical knowledge. Thus I understand what it’s like to be marginalized, and feel different like you don’t belong. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit. I can help one understand who they are? where they've been? and how they can move forward in their life.

You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe anxiety is taking up too much space, relationships feel strained, or you find yourself repeating patterns you thought you had already worked through. You want clarity, balance, and healthier ways of responding — but you’re not sure where to start. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 13 years of experience supporting adults, adolescents, and families. I believe each person already holds insight and strength within them. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity, helping you uncover deeper understanding, build on your strengths, and make intentional choices aligned with your values. My approach is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and grounded in mutual respect. Together, we’ll focus on practical tools to manage day-to-day challenges while also exploring deeper patterns that may be getting in the way of feeling grounded, connected, or confident.

Hi. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and received my Masters from USC. I've provided therapy since 2010. I've spend 14 years working with adolescents but i also have experience working with veterans and people with addiction. I've worked with people that have PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, anger issues, drug and alcohol addictions; I've also facilitated various groups in schools and in psychiatric facilities. If you are looking for someone that focuses on themes of Existentialism, I am not your person. I like to focus on concrete goals that are measurable and observable.

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master's Degree from Rutgers University. I have experience working with teens, and adult dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, self -harm, ADHD, life changes and other challenges. I specialize in working with teens, women and men who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, negative self-image and trauma. I work with clients to help them discover their true self. I will meet you where you are in your journey, and will you facilitate the changes you need to reach your fullest potential. If your tired of your emotional rollercoaster consider coming to see me.

Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.

Hi, I'm Eva. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, tired and just not as active in your life as you would like to be? Feeling challenged with just keeping up with everyday activities. Seem to forget to take care of yourself, that everybody else comes before you? I help people like yourself to get back to feeling more positive, less tired, burnt out, isolated and lonely. We will together come up with a plan for how to best work on the issues that you want to change. We will use an approach that you feel most comfortable with, and work toward a life that gives back pleasure, harmony and ease. Whether you are dealing with a situational situation or a longer-term struggle I'll be there to support you through your work. You have already taken a big step in the right direction just by reading through different clinicians' statements. The next step is to choose a clinician, contact Growth Therapy and set up an appointment. Sometimes these are the hardest steps to take. One of my most important goals is to provide you with a safe space where you feel validated, and supported and provide you with no judgment, compassion and respect.

My name is Nadine and I was born and raised in Iran, went to high school in England and came to the US when I was 16. Having lived in three different countries, I am very familiar with how culture affects individuals. I have a sense of humor and enjoy meeting people from different walks of life. Every individual that I meet, has a different story. I am here to listen

Hey there! I'm a young clinician that enjoys aiding clients through major and minor life transitions. I prefer a interactive, conversational style that allows for free flowing rapport building and client comfort through the treatment process. I know that counseling/therapy is not an easy situation to put oneself in, but if I can ease it in any way possible, that is the goal, so that we can focus on what most matters to you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in domestic violence and substance abuse treatment. I came to the field of therapy later in life, and I believe my own life experiences help me connect with others in a genuine, empathetic, and nonjudgmental way. I live in the San Diego area with my husband on a small farm filled with animals. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, gardening, and creating art—activities that help me stay grounded, creative, and connected to the world around me.

Hi there, I am Joanna Have you ever gone to therapy and found it hard to open up because the sessions appear rigid and impersonal, and maybe you felt judged? In my practice is my goal to lead sessions in a non-judgmental way, with the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. I like to describe my relationship with clients as a relationship among equals. My role in the session is to help you process some of the challenges you are experiencing and offer skills that can help create the change you want to see in your life. My theoretical orientation is dialectical behavioral therapy and I try to hold the balance between acceptance and change, this means accepting that although things might be difficult at this moment we can learn new behaviors so life can be improved. My goal is to help clients increase their overall satisfaction in life and relationships. I am also trained in trauma work to help clients process traumatic experiences.

Hello! I am motivated and excited to walk through this season in your life and to assist you in a way that finds you as comfortable and at ease as you can be. I am solution-focused and have a warm teaching style yet lean in closely to the strategies and skills you may be seeking so that your goals are achieved. I have been a therapist for close to twenty years and have competency, education and experience necessary to accept a variety of cases with varying degrees of complexity. I am described by many to be warm, empathetic and at times share guidance that may be challenging to hear and with all intent it would be to see a different point of view for the greater good.

First and foremost, I am a father of two. I hold a doctorate in clinical psychology and have worked in government setting as a supervisor to many social workers over the past 28 years. I have been licensed as a therapist in California since 2004 and have worked with 100s of individuals, couples and teens since then. I have had over 200 hours of post PHD training in the areas of anxiety, depression, child abuse and neglect, bipolar disorder, couples counseling, divorce, child custody and phobia.

I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full potential. I will listen to you and will try my best to support you in finding the path to happiness by practicing and using the tools and methods that are helpful and tangible.