Book 100+ of the best Anthem therapists in California

Welcome! My name is Kiana Shelton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of post-graduate experience. As a Black woman, mother, and ally to all marginalized communities, I deeply understand the importance of having a safe space where your vulnerability is truly held and honored. I am committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that helps you gain deeper self-awareness and supports your journey toward growth and emotional well-being. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your emotions with compassion, uncovering pathways to resilience, inner peace, and a more fulfilling life.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California specializing in individual therapy for adults. I received my Master's from the University of Phoenix and have practiced for over seven years in various capacities with young adults, adults, and seniors. I am a Christian counselor and clinical therapist, and therefore, I combine spirituality and psychotherapy in our treatment. I help adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, and grief and loss.

Hello! My name is Yvette Weeks, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is centered on fostering meaningful connections, emotional well-being, and personal growth. I work with individuals, children/adolescents, and families, focusing on a wide range of issues, including relationship difficulties, anxiety, communication challenges, behavior issues, parenting challenges, and life transitions. I'm committed to helping others through their challenges to discover their strengths, learn new techniques, and create positive change. I believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life- in whatever way that looks like to the individual person or family. As a therapist who has personally experienced trauma, depression, and anxiety, I deeply understand the challenges and feelings that accompany these struggles. It is not always easy to seek support from others (believe me, I took a very long time to reach out to someone), and knowing that I can play a part in helping others feel better and do better, drives me to continuously learn and provide the best possible care. It is an honor to be a therapist, and I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those I have the opportunity to work with.

Hello! I'm Karen Weaver. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have been practicing for over 10 years. Life can be challenging at times and we can all benefit from some support. My focus in working together is to assist you in becoming your best self. That could be anything from managing anxiety and stress better, to overcoming past challenges or getting along better with family or friends.

My name is Monica Smith, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, providing telehealth services to adults statewide. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to name a few. I help clients build awareness, develop coping skills, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

I have been in the field for twenty five years and have learned to adjust to what the client is presenting in the session to achieve a sense of safety. I work with what the client is presenting and focus on how to guide the client to work through their presenting problem. I have had a history of working with a variety of clients and cultures. I started working in a therapeutic community with at risk adolescents. I later worked with court referred gang members. From there I worked with the homeless and the LGBTQ Community on addictions. I opened a private practice in a more suburban environment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 40 years of experience in the fields of addiction, domestic violence, and medical social work. In my years of experience, I've worked almost exclusively with adults individually and in groups who had difficulties managing their lives due to substance abuse and the concomitant mental health issues of depression and anxiety. I also facilitated groups of male and female substance abusers and perpetrators of domestic violence. In our groups, we focused on CBT lessons and exercises involving role play, modeling, and demonstrations. Clients were given homework to continue their learning and practice on their own between sessions. As a social worker working in public and private agencies, I worked with clients experiencing relationship issues, trauma, grief and loss, and day to day life problems. I strongly uphold the Social Workers Code of Ethics that includes, respecting the dignity and worth of a person and exercising compassion and a non-judgmental approach with each individual. I endorse and utilize multiple therapeutic techniques that include the following: psychodynamic techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, person-centered techniques, and solution focused techniques. I am sensitive and respectful in using techniques that are agreed upon by the client and suitable to meet each individual's needs. I look forward to the opportunity to assist you in working through challenges that will help promote and maintain a better, happier and more peaceful life. My style is loving, compassionate and direct. If you just want someone to listen and not give you suggestions on how to improve your life, then I am not the right therapist for you! I actively participate in each and every session.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and have been practicing for 8 years. I have worked with all age groups, and specifically provided my focus working with adults and older adults. Assisting in providing guidance in current or past life stressors, and finding the strength to work through those challenges.

I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated.

Hi. My name is Jody Evans and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for the past 10 years. I graduated from Pepperdine university top of my class. I help adults struggling with depression, anxiety and addictions to learn coping skills to manage these disorders. I can provide individual, couples or family therapy. I have experience working with individuals who are going through divorce or any life transition.

Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? Are you struggling to find balance in your life? Do you feel like there's a part of you that has died and hasn't come back to life? Hi, my name is Merisa. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and artist. I help highly functioning adults manage their stressors and find more balance in life. I am an art therapist, meaning we will use art as a communication tool to express emotions, process trauma and relieve stress. I have many clients who are not willing to do art therapy, and that's okay as well! Talking is just as effective. If you're from a family who didn't talk about feelings, and/or avoided conflict, it is possible that talking about your feelings isn't easy. I am here to help ease you into it. Therapy is like exercising. You will be working new muscles and I'm here to help you get stronger. Professional Background: I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, minoring in Psychology in 2014 and graduated with my Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy in 2016. I was always creative and wanted to help others which lead me in the direction of art therapy and LMFT. I have worked at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, providing therapy to patients and families; multiple addiction treatment centers and I was also a school counselor. I have been in recovery for years, and have personal and professional experience working with teens, adults and families in substance use and mental health treatment. I am willing to help you with addiction, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, and relationship issues.

At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.

Hello, My name is Jackie. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I'm dedicated to supporting my clients to navigate life challenges, experience emotional healing, and an improved quality of life. I believe in taking time to get to know you, and understand your world view and life experiences. I have extensive experience assisting clients in managing and reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics. I also offer therapy in Spanish language.

Hi I'm Luis, a therapist who has been in the field for 15yrs. I've worked in various clinical setting in helping children, adults, and older adult clients develop healthy coping skills to manage emotional distress and to improve or return to their typical function. I'm looking forward to walking with you in finding your set of healthy coping skills and to reduce the impact of symptoms on your function.

Psychotherapy relies heavily on the rapport between therapist and client, without it growth and trust cease to exist. I work towards understanding your needs and wants in a nonjudgmental safe, supportive, and empathetic environment. I believe mental health issues are a symptom of deeper, unresolved emotional issues and childhood wounds. I work with teenagers 13+, adults, couples, and families. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify irrational thoughts and faulty thinking that are the main culprits behind anxiety and stress. I also utilize psychodynamic therapy to help uncover past issues, such as family dynamics and childhood issues. My full fee is $200 for individuals and $250 for couples, however I do work on a sliding scale as well.

My aim is to foster a supportive and safe space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and challenges. My work will help you recognize the power within you & source( whatever you believe in is totally okay in my world, I respect all) and trusting that it all works out the way it should! I have also faced my own life challenges, moved across the country to my dream states and more, which I believe has taught me to have more compassion and an open mind. Hence, why I always state I am a human first. One of my biggest strengths that helps foster a safe space for my clients, is my unconditional acceptance & operating from an unapologetic authentic framework, whilst helping them get to the level they desire. * I do offer a scaling rate for fees, please reach out for more information on that*

I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Frederick Young, LCSW, is a skilled mental health professional known for his eclectic and client-centered approach to therapy. With extensive experience in the field, he employs a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients. Young’s practice is marked by a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma, anger management, and adolescent issues. In working with trauma and PTSD, Young utilizes evidence-based methods such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client Centered Therapy. He focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to process their experiences, challenging distorted beliefs, and developing effective coping strategies. His approach is designed to help clients achieve stability and integrate their traumatic experiences into their broader life narrative.

Hi my name is Mylan (Me-lawn) Allen. I approach therapy with authenticity and curiosity using person centered and cognitive based therapeutic modalities. My clients develop a deeper sense of self and understanding of their environment when working with me. I help my clients build their resilience by learning to challenge their thoughts, identify their feelings and recognize patterns and behaviors.

I'm credentialed by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and California. I'm a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), through the Pennsylvania Certification Board and Florida Certification Board. I work purposefully with those experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use, and trauma. "If you have come across my profile, chances are you may be at a crossroads in life. We've all been in this place at one time or another, and I can help you grow as you navigate through the process. The power lies in the process itself! Change requires a decision, coupled with the willingness to take action. As a seasoned therapist, I understand that counseling is a contact sport, requiring participation and teamwork. Therefore, I implore you to invest in yourself!

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I obtained my master's degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I've been practicing for more than 20 years. I have a lot of experience working with adults with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. My clients are very motivated to improve and need support and understanding to get to where they want to be and to live a fuller life.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Pepperdine University and have been practicing for 5 years. I help individuals of all ages who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress and empower them with the tools and strategies needed to create meaningful and lasting change. I look forward to being part of your therapeutic journey.

I am a professional counselor with a combined 10 years of experience in educational counseling, psychotherapy, severe mental illness and psychiatric evaluations. Overall, I am a counselor, but as a person, my life experiences are what have influenced the different areas of counseling that I am involved in. I immigrated to this country at a young age and the experiences that I had as a student led me down the path of school counseling. I wanted children who were bilingual to have a positive experience in which they didn’t feel that their language barrier was equated to their general educational abilities. I grew up in an area that was plagued with poverty, drugs, homelessness. Where high school dropout rates, teenage pregnancy and early death due to gangs were amongst some of the many challenges that were faced daily. I became intrigued by the power of the mind and the resiliency that we as humans have. Wanting to understand people's behavior led me to study psychology and work in severe mental health. I had a desire not only to help, but to understand how we can be affected by our environment and overcome it, to know where our human resilience came from.

Are you struggling with anxiety, overanalyzing all the things & feeling over-stimulated all the time? Hey friend, I'm so glad you're here. My name is Devoney. I specialize in supporting 20 & 30-something women with learning to manage their anxiety, create healthy daily mental wellness habits & feel more confident. Whether your hopes are to feel less overwhelmed, feel more confident in your skin, or stop people pleasing, I'd love to support you. My approach is very warm, positive & focused on taking practical, small steps one day at a time to help you create your healthiest, best life!

I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 15 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. I have worked in a wide variety of settings in addition to my private practice including schools, residential homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, stress management, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships.

Hi there, I'm Tracie! Welcome and Thank you for visiting me. My name is Tracie Lee Cohen, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, in California (LMFT 52915.) I received my Masters from the University of San FranciscoI in 2005. Currently I am working statewide via telehealth. I'm experienced working in a variety of venues, including but not limited to substance abuse/recovery; mood disorders; improving our self-esteem; domestic violence/ anger management.

Do you want a better day tomorrow than you had yesterday? Do you worry about things you have no control over? Do you ask, “Is this all there is to my life?” What happened to your dreams, your goals, your “someday I’ll be…I’ll do…, I’ll have…”? Hello, please call me Stephanie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years in the helping profession. I love the Martial Arts for it’s discipline of the body, mind, and spirit. I believe everyone should learn some Self-Protection techniques for all aspects of life; Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial etc. Wellbeing is my personal ambition. My two favorite words are Peace and Hope. I also have a faithful trust in God. I am not in charge.

I am a client-centered professional with 15 years of experience providing broad mental health services to diverse populations of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified art therapist with specialization in utilizing multiple evidence-based modalities to address substance abuse, dual diagnoses, depression, anxiety, trauma, and domestic violence.

My role is to assist you in your path to change by improving your sense of self. This includes developing an awareness of your ideas, feelings, and actions, which serves as the foundation for forming new habits and encouraging healthy self-talk about change. The key to lasting change is building these practices into your routine. Practice them regularly, tweak them as you go, and gradually, they'll become second nature.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed to practice in California. I have worked in the mental health field for the past 20 years. I am privileged to be able to help individuals' in managing life transitions and identifying and implementing goals. My areas of expertise include substance abuse, managing mood disorders, life stage transitions and grief and loss.

I am a clinical psychologist with 22 plus years of experience. With adults, therapy addresses specific problem areas to include couples, single parents, parenting, extended family conflicts, divorce, separations and life transitions after the loss of a loved one. verbal and physical aggressive tendencies,risk taking behaviors, confrontation, independence, depression, anxiety. Addiction issues will require a referral to a specialist. Insurance accepted: Kaiser, Aetna, Humana and other insurance providers

My name is Amanda Soto, LCSW. I believe in helping others grow through resilience, wellness, and independence. With a background of helping individuals find their worth, I utilize Cognitive behavioral techniques to find balance in their daily life. In our work together you can expect a brave space to explore your thoughts and feelings while improving your coping skills and self -esteem for your daily routine. I look forward to connecting with you.

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate in Leadership from Evangel University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Specializing in women’s issues has been a deeply meaningful focus of my work, and I consider it an honor to be entrusted with my clients’ stories. Rooted in my Christian faith, my approach is grounded in both compassion and clinical excellence. I strive to provide care that is evidence-based, ethical, spiritually sensitive, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a university professor, where I have the joy of teaching, training, and supervising graduate students on their path to becoming licensed therapists.

I have been providing mental health services since 2003. Throughout my career I have worked communities large and small and have provided services to client of all ages and clinical presentations. I have worked with Foster Youth struggling with attachment all the way to helping Older Adults find purpose and meaning. I specialize in trauma, particularly that which occurs in the context of the relationship. I enjoy working with couples and individuals struggling in relationships. I like to focus on promoting healthy connections with others and how to ensure this creates a lasting structure to manage life's challenges. In addition to this I encourage areas of strength to ensure our life has purpose.

Hello! My name is Miaisha. Are you looking for a space where you can keep it real and get support? Good, because I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported. I am a compassionate and culturally sensitive Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I use multiple treatment approaches when working with clients, one of which is client-centered, this allows you to be the driver of your journey, while I am riding in the passenger seat. Whether you're adjusting to new life roles or seeking deeper self-understanding, I’m here to support you. You deserve a therapist who sees and affirms you, helping you embrace change with confidence and resilience. Let’s work together to create meaningful, lasting change. I invite you to reach out and take the first step and know that you are not alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that honors your unique journey.

I have been working in the area of mental wellness for over 25 years developing programs, creating partnerships, and working directly with clients. I have a passion for supporting clients to feel better and reach their goals. I work with clients to understand the states of their own nervous systems and work with skills to find more peace and balance in their bodies. I believe that a body, spirit, mind approach is the direction of healing and becoming our best. Our body holds so much wisdom for healing and wellbeing. Our spirits help us connect with the best parts of ourselves that can help us move from dark places to letting the light shine from within. We can learn to change the messages in our minds that are more reflective of who we are as a whole being.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life, balancing responsibilities at work and home. I work with youth and adults, facing challenges related to intimacy, communication, or personal fulfillment. My ideal client can also be a parent, juggling the demands of raising children while maintaining their own well-being. Together we can explore a deeper understanding of self and emotions, desires to develop healthier coping mechanisms, build resilience, and enhance your self-esteem.

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with over 22 years of joy and experience working with clients in their difficult times. I like to treat the person as a whole and not just symptoms and negative behaviors as it is easy to skip over the positives that makes the person wonderful and unique. My role in working with you is to reconnect you to your inner self and uncover what truly matters to you at your pace with your priorities always in mind.

Welcome to my profile! My name is Maribel Diaz, I have over 13 yrs of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social worker and 16 years as a School Social Worker. I specialize in helping individuals and couples who are recently divorced or on the verge of getting divorce, manage the anxiety and stress that this difficult decision and process bring about.

Hello. My name is Dr. Alandrea Martin. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I received my Masters from Argosy University in Alameda, California. I have been practicing 15 years. I am passionate about helping clients achieve success while going through struggles and life challenges. I have also worked with couples and families to help increase communication and to resolve conflicts.

I am dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate, and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight into your challenges, and work towards achieving your personal goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth. I’m here to support you every step of the way. Our practice is grounded in the belief that a supportive and confidential environment is essential for effective therapy. By focusing on individual strengths and fostering a collaborative relationship, We aim to empower our clients to navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or seeking personal development, our private practice is committed to supporting you on your journey to well-being and fulfillment.

I have worked worked in the mental health field for over a decade. I especially enjoy working with couples, adults, and troubled/at-risk youth. I have a dynamic background and skill set that has enables me to successfully help in navigating the most complex and diverse of situations with respect, empathy, and integrity. As a state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I would be honored to help you through your journey to happiness. If you are looking to better yourself, or improve your relationships with your partner or others, taking this first step can be the hardest. My office offers both face to face and telehealth options, with weekend and evening availability.

Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California, and I’m excited to share a little about myself. I studied at California State University, Los Angeles, and have practiced for seven years. I have worked with individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. My passion is helping people, especially adults and older adults, find healing and uncover their inner strengths. I’m here to support you as you navigate life’s challenges, heal from past pain, and move toward the future you envision. Let’s work together to help you thrive! I am focused on providing only individual therapy at this time. Thank you.

*Specializes in working with Adults ONLY* I personally believe it's the struggles we endure and the obstacles we overcome that build our character. It was my own personal traumas and difficulties experienced earlier in life & adolescence which initially started me on this path of whole person wellness and recovery. As a result, I've spent decades not just improving myself, but helping others reach their full potential as well. I utilize a cumulation of MI, CBT/REBT, DBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR, depending on client's needs and goals. Congratulations on taking the first step (or continuing) on your wellness journey!

Hey there! My name is Erin Robertson and I am a psychotherapist based out of San Diego. I received my Master’s Degree from National University in May 2013 and I went on to work in various treatment settings while earning my clinical hours. Presently, I work with adults and children, as well as women and their partners who are dealing with perinatal and postpartum issues, transitions into parenthood, and parents dealing with challenges of raising humans—because it’s hard work and we all need a little support from time to time!

Teisha, the heart and soul behind Mental Wellness with Teisha, a mental health practice in California. Teisha is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of a Black, female-owned business, she is dedicated to offering mental health services that reflect her deep commitment to education, advocacy, and community support. Our practice is built on compassion, integrity, and collaboration. These core values guide us in providing the highest quality of care and ensure a respectful and empowering experience for all our clients.

I was born and raised in the greater Fresno and attended CSU-Fresno for my undergraduate work in Criminology and my Master’s in Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy. My clinical orientation is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), client-centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapeutic Modalities. I have extensive training and experience in working with people struggling with the criminal justice system (in and out of the legal system), post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression disorders, as well as with people seeking relief from addictive behaviors. I have worked for over 24 years in public service/various community mental health delivery systems. I thoroughly value meeting and forming therapeutic relationships with new patients and assisting the patient in discovering their ability to lead a life they want to live. I honor the time spent in session, as it is a time where hearts bare the pain, minds seek the “why?”, and bodies reflect the joy or sorrow of their memories.

We are more than conquerors! You already have the capability to make changes that help accomplish your goals, experience healing, and combat the most difficult symptoms. However, we were never meant to go it alone. The therapeutic relationship is a partnership—it is teamwork. It is joining forces with one another. One of the greatest attributes I can offer in this alliance is empathy. Non-judgmental exploration will afford the understanding necessary to determine what is hindering satisfaction. I am Kimberly Jones: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10 years of experience in offering psychotherapy to all ages. My expertise is couple’s therapy encompassing marriage and relationships. You will be provided a safe space to bring your most complex matters as I am confident in supporting honest dialogue. In addition, mediation during difficult discussions and understanding the anatomy of an affair's impact on both partners can also be provided. I would assist in managing the threat of divorce, post-separation, and co-parenting. In the healing pursuit, individuals will experience neutrality, intimacy repair, trust building, improved communication, and conflict resolution. These are all skills necessary to strengthen the relationship and introduce a new way of seeing life together.

Hi, I'm Renee. Do you want to improve the quality of you life? Whether it be work related stress, motivation issues, anxiety, or frustrating relationships, I will work with you to identify what lifestyle factors and areas of growth can help you increase your confidence and reduce your stress levels. I also work with couples who are experiencing communication issues, unmet needs, and feeling lonely within the relationship, so that you can reconnect with your partner and feel valued, seen, and supported. Using a blend of Positive Psychology and Trauma-Informed Care, I work with clients to reclaim their sense of empowerment so they can feel like their best selves again.

Hello, my name is Lee. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with the state of California. I spent the majority of my career helping people with severe mental illness to achieve stability while searching for meaning within acute care settings. For the past 5 years I’ve been working with team of specialists looking to incorporate more trauma based treatment into the state facilities. Through this exploration I’ve developed a deeper understanding between the interplay of trauma and childhood experiences. The connection between trauma and all of the maladaptive coping styles that I saw in group homes, recovery centers and the VA, became apparent to me. What some might call symptoms I might interpret as adaptations to deal with life. That fundamental understanding is what makes me the therapist that I am. In the words of Anita Sawyer PhD, “It’s those who are comfortable with ambiguity that can see unique perspectives to bridge connection. Connection is the essence of healing.”