Therapists in California

I'm a clinical therapist with six years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and children, who've faced challenging situations, such as domestic violence or family separation. My focus is on creating a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their strengths, heal, and grow. I use a humanistic approach, meaning I’m here to support you without judgment, helping you connect with your own goals and resilience as we work together toward positive change.

Hi, I'm Sarah. My great passion is to help my clients heal themselves. I act as a guide for my clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe. My holistic approach aims to heal my client’s mind, body and spirit while empowering them to connect with themselves and enhance self-love. I am open-minded and utilize different therapeutic approaches to offer the best results. My educational background is diverse and includes a MA in Psychology as well as a MA in Art History. I am also a Reiki Master.

I am Jaron Haynes, an African American/Native American licensed therapist with 20 years of clinical experience which includes working with families, adolescents, the chronically mentally ill, those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, domestic violence, and personality disorders. As an expert in Marriage & Family Therapy he brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and vast experience to provide the highest quality of care and patience necessary for even those high conflict parenting clients. Jaron is a licensed professional that exhibits compassion and empathy. His passion to help those in need and his desire to give back to the community that helped shape him has led him to work with clients from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.

I am a therapist with ample life experience, as well as experience serving the client populations of California. I will meet you where you are and have the ability to empathize with you on many levels. I will listen, encourage and support you in a non-judgmental environment. Feel free to express yourself how you like and be open about how you feel. Let's begin this journey and make some progress together.

I'm a Korean American psychologist with over 14 years of experience providing therapy. As a 1.5 generation immigrant who understands the pressures of high achievement and cultural expectations, I help clients navigate the gap between external success and internal fulfillment. I help clients explore emotional intimacy, career transitions, self-acceptance, and intergenerational trauma, with the aim of supporting their authentic identity beyond the roles they've been expected to fill. My approach validates the distinct cultural experiences of Asian Americans while providing tools to manage stress, build healthier relationships, and create a life that feels genuinely satisfying rather than just successful on paper.

I'm Lien Lac, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with the number 111866. I have been working in the field for over five years. I received my Master’s degree at the John F. Kennedy University. My therapeutic orientation is person-centered therapy, which means that I care about your feelings and thoughts. In addition to my warm and caring style, I also bring other techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness skills to help with shaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I have helped others improve coping skills to better manage their anxiety, anger, depression, as well as improving behaviors related to eating disorder

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.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed in California with 18+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I help adults who are struggling, become the best version of themselves at their own pace.

As a licensed clinician, I can support you with leaving a cycle of uncertainty becoming more confident in your decision making. With my trauma focused background, I help clients understand how they've been affected by things that have happened to them and how life experiences shape core beliefs. As part of your overall self-care routine, therapy can be a useful tool for strengthening both coping skills and emotional regulation.

Hello there! I'm so excited to connect with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with several years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I utilize a collaborative approach that requires working in partnership together to create positive change. I want to get to know you and your world and believe I bring compassion, humor, kindness, and curiosity into each session. Let’s work together in helping you make conscious choices instead of having unconscious reactions so you can live a more satisfying and fulfilling life!

My name is Megan. Not therapist Megan. I am an authentic individual who strives to really help people in meeting them where they are at and helping them in their journey of life. In session I am typically empathetic, compassionate, psychoeducational, and solution oriented to help aide people in obtaining their goals. Most important to me is the relationship built in therapy based on the foundation of non-judgment.

I provide psychotherapy tailored to your unique needs, using evidence-based interventions to address your mental health challenges. Whether you’re seeking traditional talk therapy or a more integrated approach, my customizable services empower you to decide the focus while I guide you every step of the way. My psychotherapy style is designed around your goals, addressing factors that may impact your mental health, such as stress, relationships, and sleep. With options like nutrition guidance, cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep, stress management tools, and collaboration with your healthcare providers, I take an integrated approach to help you achieve meaningful and lasting change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe to explore what's on your mind, process challenges, and move toward growth and healing. I believe therapy should be a collaborative experience - guided by your needs, your voice, and your goals. Reaching out for support takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you in this process.

My ideal client is someone who needs help reaching their highest potential and decrease emotional suffering. They should be ready and willing to begin receiving guidance on how to reach their peak. I believe in self-determination and that individuals can find solutions with the right support. I offer a person centered approach that relies on the client's self-determination. I am experienced working those with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, and anxiety compassionately to help them manage symptoms. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions. I am always willing to answer questions to make sure my services are a good fit.

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.

Hello, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I’m a California native who graduated from the University of Southern California in 2019 with a Masters in Social Work degree and have been working in the mental health field for 7 years. My passion is for normalizing mental health in order to reduce the stigma often associated with it. We need to get comfortable talking about our mental health.

I am a therapist dedicated to helping you move beyond feeling stuck in familiar, limiting patterns by exploring the deeper, often unconscious forces shaping your life. Drawing on a foundation in depth psychology and advanced training from the Pacifica Graduate Institute, I offer a unique, holistic approach that integrates both evidence-based, solution-oriented tools like CBT with transformative modalities such as Hypnotherapy and EMDR. Our work will go beyond symptom management to actively explore your inner world, including your personal myths and dreams, to uncover what's truly holding you back. You can expect a warm, safe, and creative partnership focused on achieving profound, lasting self-discovery and holistic

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of clinical experience. I have worked in County Mental, Substance Abuse, and Health Care settings with a wide range of individuals throughout the age spectrum. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. It takes courage and strength to reach out, yet it is the beginning of the healing process. I work from a client-centered whole-person approach that draws on your strengths to collaborate with you to bring about healing. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, struggle to stay focused, not being able to complete tasks, unable to find time to enjoy the things you like to do, and/or struggling with relationships; now is the time to take that step. Let's work together to create solutions to bring about a better quality of life. Today is the day to change your tomorrow.

Hello and Welcome! Hola y Bienvenido! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). In life, many of us experience a series of events either positive or negative. Such events impact us the way we respond to life circumstances, the way we view ourselves, and the world around us. I want to help you overcome the trauma and help you regain back your strength and power. Through our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to heal from your past and/or current stressors that are affecting you. We will work towards identifying triggers, self-insight work, self-awareness, acquiring healthy coping skills, and decreasing symptoms. I specialized in working with tweens/adolescents, adults, and older adults from all different backgrounds, many of whom have experienced various traumas in their lives. Whatever your needs may be or reasons for seeking therapy, I am here for you.

Hello there! Do you ever feel as though there is much on your mind but no one to share it with? Like no one will understand what it is that you have to say? Are your thoughts and feelings leading to you feeling alone, depressed, or anxious? Or perhaps you've experienced trauma in your life and it is not resolved? Let me be the one to listen, support, and assist you in your journey. My name is Amanda Lewis, LMFT and I have 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, PTSD, ODD, job stress, relationship and communication issues, as well as woman's issues. You'll find that in therapy, I use a warm, non-judgmental, empathetic approach- with a dash of humor every now and again- so that you feel safe and comfortable while allowing me to provide not only support, but skills to assist you in healing and finding a new hope in your life- whether it is work, school, family, or relationships.

I am an experienced Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with a strong focus on helping high school aged and older individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma/PTSD. With eight years of practice, I provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy to create a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and foster healing and growth to become the best versions of themselves.

Hello there, my name is Tara. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with passion for empowering my clients and treating mental illness. I have extensive background and experience in treating individuals whom experience depression, anxiety (general and social), bipolar disorder, trauma history and PTSD and have worked with individuals as young as 5 years old to older adults. . In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can improve your life. Let's thrive together!

Hello, I am Deidra Wells, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Rancho Cucamonga, California & service the state of Texas. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and my Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I have been in the field for 14 years in various therapy settings. My specialties include addiction counseling with treatment of underlying mental health disorders or life challenges, career counseling, adulting skills, co-dependency, depression, trauma, childhood issues, grief, relationship issues, abuse and anxiety.

Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."

Bienvenidos! Soy Norma. Welcome! I am Norma, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specialized in depression, anxiety and life transitions. Culturally sensitive therapist, committed to help older adults (60+) overcome life challenges utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and replace them with more objective and realistic thoughts. As a Latina woman, I have had the privilege of serving the Spanish-speaking community, and my goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where older adults could feel safe, understood and empowered.

Do you walk through your day feeling anxious and worried? Do you feel disconnected from your relationships or unable to pinpoint the feelings that keep holding you back in your life? Racing thoughts, panic attacks, social anxiety, relationship insecurity. My clients come to me seeking relief from anxiety and relationship difficulties that cause them to feel like they’re stuck repeating the same mistakes and getting the same results. If you are tired of feeling like you’re living your life out of a series of habits and survival then you’ve taken an important step and I’d like to work with you.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I received my Masters in Social Work at California Long Beach. I have experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in crisis and life challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change.

Hi! I’m Emily Cortés, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide a supportive space for individuals to explore challenges and build healthier ways of relating. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood as we work together toward meaningful change. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I’ll meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you’d like to be.

I am a licensed mental health provider in California and Missouri and have helped clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that can assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 23 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. My warm and engaging approach lets clients know they’re in a safe and caring space. We all reach points where life feels overwhelming, and it’s okay to admit we need help. I’m here to work with you—not to direct or tell you what to do, but to explore options and strategies together. I’ll help you identify and change the negative thinking patterns that keep you stuck, and we’ll practice new skills to better manage life’s challenges. Along the way, we’ll celebrate your progress as you move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Hello, I’m Nizhu—a licensed therapist with over 9 years of clinical experience, specializing in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, and motivational interventions. My approach is grounded in strength-based and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST), where I’m honored to rank in the top 1% of therapists globally. I work with individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, often supporting clients in breaking generational patterns, rebuilding confidence, and developing healthier coping strategies. My style is warm, collaborative, and direct—because healing doesn’t have to be stiff, and growth rarely happens in silence. Expect real conversations, grounded techniques, and the occasional well-timed joke (because, yes, therapy can be both effective and human). Outside the therapy room, I’m a committed gym enthusiast, fueled by black coffee and protein-packed meals. Tattooed and purpose-driven, I believe in showing up authentically—for my clients and myself. Whether you’re here to build resilience, process trauma, or just get unstuck, I’m here to help—one honest conversation at a time.

Hi! My name is Ana Maria. I received my master's degree in social work from California State University of Long Beach. I have been practicing social work for the last 17 years. I have worked with adults going through depression and anxiety by providing support and discussing coping skills that can help them improve their mood, relationships and quality of life. I also collaborate with clients helping them to identify clients' strengths and resources to solve their problems. Please note that I am currently not able to complete any letters, reports or forms including but not limited to leave of absence and FMLA.

PLEASE NOTE: I am a Gerontological Counselor. I believe in empowering older adults by fostering independence, resilience and sense of identity. Aging is a journey that should be met with dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth. By actively listening, providing tailored support, and encouraging self-determination, I can help older adults maintain their autonomy and confidence. Resilience is nurtured through meaningful connections, purposeful activities, and a focus on strengths rather than limitations. I am committed to honoring an individual's experiences, celebrating their uniqueness, and creating environments where people feel valued and capable. I challenge stereotypes about aging and promote a vision of later life filled with possibility and fulfillment.

Hello, thanks for visiting my page. I am Dr. Banigo, and I love to collaborate with patients and render needed assistance. I am a skilled clinician, and I provide clinical supervision to clinicians focused on sharpening their clinical skills. I am an adjunct professor. I encourage patients to actively participate in their care with me and other treatment providers such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and others. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc).

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. With a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families to navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth, I've dedicated my career to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where my clients can explore challenges, heal, and thrive. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique dynamics and strengths. Whether addressing communication issues, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, or personal development, I aim to empower my clients to achieve greater harmony, understanding, and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read about me. My name is Emily Cortez and I am an LMFT in CA. It is my hope to connect with you in a warm, supportive space to help process and tackle the many challenges that life throws at us. I have been practicing in the field going on 5 years now and have experience working with children, teens, families, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, adjustment/life transitions, trauma, and grief/loss.

Hi! I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix a and have been practicing for 7 years. I help young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles. I have worked in a multitude of settings that include residential, PHP, and IOP.

Hi there! Nice to meet you. My name is Ryan and I am really glad you are here. I’m not your stereotypical “sit and nod” kind of therapist—I like to keep things real, down-to-earth, and maybe even a little fun when it feels right. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without fear of being judged or “too much.” I work with both teens and adults, using a person-centered approach that focuses on you—your story, your strengths, and your pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or figuring out life as a neurodivergent person in a world that doesn’t always get it, we’ll work together to make sense of what’s been heavy and find ways to lighten the load. I’m here to help you understand yourself better, build self-trust, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic. Therapy with me is a mix of empathy, honesty, and humor. Some days it’s deep reflection; other days it’s simply finding a moment of calm in the chaos. I believe growth doesn’t have to mean changing who you are—it’s about reconnecting with who you’ve always been. Outside of sessions, I’m usuall spending time at the gym, with my dog that I am training to be my service dog, my latest crochet project, thrifting, mindfulness exercises or in my own therapy. If you’re looking for a therapist who’s approachable, open-minded, and genuinely invested in helping you feel understood, I’d love to meet you.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I have recently been certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 20 years of experience working with a very diverse range of folks (women, men, the LGBTQ community, those living with HIV,People of Color, those dealing with substance issues). I enjoy working with people who are seeking a caring, compassionate, understanding person who listens and offers a hand up while they battle back against depression and anxiety. I also enjoy supporting people who are struggling with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and employ a powerful tool (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy) that is clinically shown to greatly reduce OCD symptoms.

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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has clinical experience in medical social work, home health, geriatrics, and end of life care. I am looking forward to building my clinical practice with Grow. I am trained in CBT techniques and use a strengths and system based approach to my work. My full time work is managing a team of social workers and support staff in Hospice. I bring a caring, client-centered and practical approach to my work.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I value using a whole-person and empathic approach in every session. As an LCSW, my goal is to help individuals improve their mental health, address relationship difficulties, and adjust to challenging life changes. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and client-centered perspective, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused and Strength-Based interventions

My name is Alanna Walker, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Las Vegas, Nevada. I currently provide telehealth services to clients in California and have experience offering both in-person and virtual therapy in Nevada. I’m certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and domestic violence intervention, and I also have specialized training in substance use disorders and addiction.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's in 2014 and have been practicing for 11 years. I help adults manage their stressors in life and help them reduce their symptoms to be successful in their own life. I have experience working with children from 4 years old to older adults of the age of 80 years old.

Hello, My name is Steven Nelson. I'm a licensed Marital and Family Therapist for 9 years. I always find it to be an honor to help others find their solutions and journey. There can always be a positive aspect to a struggle or an unfortunate situation. "If you seek, you will find solutions." At times we just need that support to help see it. 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.

Joshua is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, the lead clinician and the founder of Art Of Care Therapy. Joshua graduated from Holy Names University with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology & also received a Sport Performance Psychology certificate during his time in higher education. While at Holy Names, Joshua also had the privilege of playing Division 2 basketball and earned All-Conference honors multiple times. On top of providing individual based therapy and sport performance services for clients, Joshua is a school mental health counselor serving high school students in Richmond, California. Joshua has always enjoyed pouring into youth & he truly loves what he does because he believes that each individual he comes in contact with has more potential than they see in themselves & he wants to help that individual step out of their comfort zone. Joshua also enjoys working as a school counselor because he believes that if we, as a society, don't pour into the next generation, we are doing society a disservice. Joshua has a diverse background in working with teenagers who struggle with topics such as anxiety, sport performance, boundaries, etc. He also has experience working with young adults who either are struggling with similar topics, as well as those who are struggling with life transitions, work life balance, burnout and more. He enjoys working with both youth and adults because he finds fulfillment in supporting others & seeing growth in others. The population Joshua serves ranges from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & people of color), teen and adult athletes, non-athletes or former athletes, disenfranchised communities and those who are willing to take a leap of faith by choosing to put themselves first. Joshua looks forward to working with you as you get ready for this journey!

My name is Cirse (Sear-Say) Nieto. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed marriage and family therapist. I am a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Counseling. I have experience working in community mental health, where I have worked with clients of Latinx descent as well as of other cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Calai S. Brown, LCSW EMDR Therapist | Crisis Response Specialist | Trauma-Informed Care Welcome—I’m glad you’re here. I’m Calai Brown, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments. My practice is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and deep respect for your unique story. In addition to providing therapy, I’ve spent years leading mobile crisis response teams and overseeing crisis stabilization units across Northern California. This work has shaped my grounded, responsive, and trauma-informed approach—especially when navigating acute stress, trauma, and life transitions. My clinical focus areas include: Trauma and PTSD Anxiety and panic disorders Depression and emotional overwhelm Self-esteem and identity exploration Crisis recovery and nervous system regulation I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from past trauma. Whether you're working through a single distressing event or long-standing patterns of pain, EMDR offers a path toward lasting relief. I also integrate somatic practices, cognitive-behavioral tools, and parts work to support emotional regulation, deepen self-awareness, and reconnect with the parts of you that deserve care and compassion. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your healing journey, I’m here to walk with you.

I am not only a therapist but a real person. Everyone struggles with mood and thoughts and sometimes we all need help navigating the intensity of these experiences. I hope to be a guide for you as you walk through whatever challenges are keeping you from moving forward. This process will be challenging and will take work, however if you take away one thing from reading this, it is that you are not alone and there are people out there waiting to offer help.

My name means “Light,” and my goal is to help you rediscover yours. As a BIPOC therapist, I bring a culturally sensitive, holistic approach to healing. Together, we’ll shed light on your challenges and explore compassionate, practical solutions to help you move forward. My work is rooted in the transformative power of mindfulness, spirituality, and self-awareness. I integrate psychoanalysis, faith-based counseling, and holistic healing to create a space where you can reconnect with your authentic self and cultivate resilience. I specialize in supporting adults facing anxiety, trauma, depression, and men’s issues. My approach blends psychotherapy with spiritual exploration and self-discovery — helping you realign with your purpose and inner peace. I believe every person holds untapped potential and innate wisdom. My role is to hold a nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, supported, and understood. Through our work together, we’ll turn over the stones of your experience to reveal clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of direction. I’ve personally walked through profound loss and transformation — including a near-death experience and the passing of my beloved mother to cancer. These experiences deepened my faith in the human spirit and in our collective ability to heal and shine again. Wherever you are on your journey, I’m here to help you grow and remember who you truly are — a light meant to shine.