Therapists in California

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and lasting change? I am here to support you every step of the way. With a unique blend of compassion and practicality, I create a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your inner world, set achievable goals, and harness your true potential. Guided by a holistic perspective, I recognize that your journey towards authenticity and empowerment encompasses every aspect of your being – mind, body, and spirit.

Chronic pain is a false alarm. "Try putting ice on it. Try putting heat on it. Try sleeping on a giant magnet. Just ignore it." Some things are impossible to ignore. Pain is designed to be unignorable. When your body tells you there's a problem, it makes sure you listen. Pain helps protect our bodies from harm. Pain is like a conversation between body and brain. But as in any conversation, sometimes there are misunderstandings. You want your life back. Pain Reprocessing Therapy can help. I had suffered with chronic pain for many years, until Pain Reprocessing Therapy cured my chronic pain. I am excited to bring this relief to others! In 15 sessions or less, let me offer hope, and a way out. You have been ignored, gaslighted, and drained of your cash over many years of unsuccessful remedies for your pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy targets learned neural pathways in the brain, and reverses them. If you have a diagnosed or suspected mental health condition, PRT is still effective.

Welcome! My name is Tamer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked for nearly 10 years in different capacities such as refugee resettlement, disability rights, substance use recovery, community health, and LGBTQIA+ centered care. I am most excited about creative self-expression, and I believe in person-centered approaches to understand the powerful role that stories play in shaping our everyday lives. I also find tremendous value in working together to deconstruct how these stories show up in the context of anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. Seeking therapy is one of the most courageous steps you can take for yourself. Whether you want to heal past wounds, resolve conflict in your relationships, or better manage the stressors of life, therapy is the space where your goals and values are prioritized. It is where you can feel safe to be vulnerable and open. Because there is no singular way to engage in treatment, therapy does not conform to strict constructs, norms, or stereotypes. Rather, therapy is meant to reflect your authentic self and promote the innate power you hold. The right therapist should honor the nuances of your life’s journey, while also helping explore the path forward that you want to lead. In the words of Brené Brown, “Story stewardship means honoring the sacred nature of story–the ones we share and the ones we hear–and knowing that we’ve been entrusted with something valuable or that we have something that we should treat with respect and care." I look forward to honoring your journey here, and your journey forward. Thank you so much!

I am passionate about assisting clients in achieving their treatment goals and reaching their maximum potential. I feel that my deep grounding in professional ethics, a client centered approach, and a deep reverence and respect for culturally competent practice is what makes me unique as a clinician. Working in a helping profession has been the most fulfilling experience of my life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome obstacles that get in the way of living wholeheartedly. I believe that we all possess extraordinary resiliency. As a Therapist, I empower clients with strategies that help build their resilience so they can find peace and happiness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arizona, Missouri, and California. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor in Social Work and earned my Master of Social Work degree from San Francisco State University. My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and substance use disorders. My approach is strengths based and client centered using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.

I bring many years of life experience to my work as a therapist: Knowing the pain and difficulties of maintaining a relationship, working on a career path that sometimes frustrates us, experiencing the stuck feeling of anxiety or depression, feeling the loss of a loved one, speaking different languages and understanding cross-cultural issues, wanting more out of life without knowing exactly what that is. I worked in a lot of different fields - along with my work as a psychotherapist.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I assist individuals, couples, and families in finding healthy alternatives and solutions by identifying and addressing patterns that may be impacting their well-being and hindering growth. My focus is on helping clients become the best versions of themselves through meaningful and effective interventions.

Hi! I'm a licenced therapist (LCSW) I provide holistic, trauma informed therapy that focuses on the body, mind and spirit to bring lasting change. My approach is collaborative, warm and compassionate and utilizes a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Strength Based Therapy, (non toxic) Positive Psychology. I am licensed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Texas.

My name is Crystal Gee, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have worked in the Human Service field for over 20 years with the past 10 years working in Mental Health. I am well-versed in treating clients that suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral disruption, grief, anger management, mood disorders, and suicidal ideations. I focus on increasing effective solutions by increasing problem-solving skills, communication skills, social skills, self-esteem and emotional identification.

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.

Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown

I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT,) serving individuals and couples within California. I graduated with a Master’s degree from San Francisco State University and have been practicing therapy for over 10 years. I am also a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples therapist and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional. I provide therapy for adults, teens (12+), and couples, who are struggling but ready to take the first step toward happiness, peace of mind and purpose. I am committed to bringing inclusive and informed care to all, and am experienced working with clients from various ethnicities, immigration histories, sexualities, gender orientations and lifestyle preferences. I begin therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help reduce negative thinking patterns & self-criticism. This can alleviate anxiety, create confidence & set a foundation to make changes with insight and positive energy. We then delve deeper; defining your values to build a life that fulfills you & rethinking how you relate to your past & to others.

Are you tired of the non-stop chatter in your head judging every move you make? Is the constant loop of negative thinking making you feel like you are not good enough? No matter how many times you try to talk yourself out of this—you just can't seem to shake it. You are doing all the things you’ve been told to do and yet something is missing. You feel alone. You feel misunderstood. You feel anxious. You turn to food, alcohol, Netflix, or whatever else that can make these feelings go away. You promise yourself that next week will be different. You will start the new diet or the new program, you will commit to being a new you. What if there is another way? I work with women to get this cycle can end. There can be freedom from the despair caused by believing that you are not good enough. You want a deeper connection in your relationships. You want more joy in your life. You want less stress and worry. I can help you get there. There is a different path.

Hi, I’m Paula Nemiroff-Polutanovich, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma, and find peace. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Northridge, I am licensed in California #133147 Montana #67070, and Arizona #16203. My specialized training includes Basic EMDR, CBT, DBT, anger management, and trauma-focused therapy, which allows me to provide deep emotional healing and support to my clients.

Hi I am Ashli and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I prioritize guiding clients down the path to wholeness through the practice of creating balance, healing and integrating all parts. I include processing shadow work, healing parental and childhood attachment wounds, ego dissolution, releasing energetic trauma from the body, and reprogramming belief systems to become the highest version of your authentic self.

Welcome! My name is Caroline and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and Illinois. I know that choosing to seek therapy is hard, but I am glad you are here. I am an inclusive, strengths-based, and solution-focused therapist. I am driven to providing each of my clients with a compassionate, supportive, and judgement-free space. I have been working in the mental health field for over 6 years. I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief & loss, life transitions, peer/interpersonal relationship issues, and stress management. My goal is to not only support you but empower you to build upon your inherit strengths as you navigate life's challenges. I find fulfillment in walking alongside my clients on their journey to healing and will be with you every step of the way. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! My name is Lisa Espinoza and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Central California. I like to encourage clients that no matter what they feel or their circumstances, they can improve their lives with the right support and tools. I have been in the mental health field for 16 years working with both adults and adolescents. I have worked in several settings over the years including inpatient and outpatient mental/behavioral health, and corrections and education. I want to be an encouragement to people who have lost hope that life can be any better. I enjoy seeing my clients thrive and make progress no matter how big or small.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with adults, older adults, children and families. My approach to therapy is to meet client’s where they’re at, creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to work through life’s challenges. I work together with my clients to establish and support their goals so that they will ultimately discover and develop their inner strengths. My goal is for clients to explore, develop and gain healthy coping skills to thrive. I provide support and guidance to individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as the stresses that can arise from relationships, career, aging and other life changes. My clinical approach is strength-based, and trauma informed. I also incorporate modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy and mindfulness.

I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. In our individual sessions, we’ll explore how your past experiences shape your present feelings and behaviors, including any underlying self-doubt or anxiety. By identifying these patterns, we can work together to build self-compassion and a deeper understanding of your story. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness, we’ll address the feelings associated with anxiety and self-doubt. I’ll help you develop practical strategies to navigate overwhelming emotions and cultivate a sense of presence and connection. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can express yourself freely, celebrate your strengths, and begin to feel more grounded and open to life’s possibilities.

Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, self-defeating behaviors, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression or you desire a deeper understanding of your life experience, I am committed to seeing you find relief. I've been a therapist for over 20 years working with a wide range of concerns and backgrounds. My aim is to help you feel more settled within yourself, develop more fulfilling and satisfying relationships, and create purpose and meaning in your life. Through our time together, it's my sincere hope you will begin to experience the joy and satisfaction that you seek in your life. I use a variety of modalities including classic insight-oriented depth therapies, experiential therapies, cognitive-behavioral-based therapies, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). I work with adult individual adult men and women along with those in the LGBTQ community.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, proudly based in Oakland, California. I have supported folks over the last decade and was called to social work while employed at an art studio for adults with various health needs. In 2017, I received my Master's in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I have been practicing as a social worker for 9 years. I support folks 18+ in navigating trauma and self worth. As a Lebanese-American therapist, I aim to work with folks who are seeking the opportunity to re-examine their cultural storyline and get creative in unpacking their identity. Together, let’s challenge societal expectations and strive to center your authentic self. A little about me, personally: I identify as an artist and child of the earth, as diaspora has scattered my ancestors across the Arab world, Africa, Europe, and North America. I am fascinated by intersectionality and the powerful ways that resilience shapes our multi-hyphenate individuality. It is important that I take care of myself so that I can be a pillar of support to my clients. The way that I release painful feelings is by channeling them into creative projects. I also work hard to stay connected to my body and my surroundings. Whether it’s through writing, building clay sculptures, beading, or making collages, self-expression is a healing practice. I encourage everyone to play a little bit!

Hello, my name is Tara. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor licensed in California, Texas and Colorado. I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and received a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have worked with individuals/ adults /college students and older teens for more than 10 years. I am an empathetic clinician who believes in change through a therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. **LGBTQ affirming.

Hi, I'm Kylie and I have been a therapist for 8 years, and am EMDR Certified. I support people who experience anxiety, symptoms from trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. I have a two step approach. First I teach people how to regulate themselves in-the-moment. That way they can get back to emotional safety when things are not feeling right. Then I help people find ways to stop what is bothering them before it even starts. That can look like setting a routine that helps reduce anxiety, processing past trauma, surrounding yourself with people that make you feel great, or figuring out what gives your life meaning and helping you do that.

Hi there, I'm Robyn. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed with life transitions or the pressure of daily life? Do you find it challenging to set healthy boundaries in relationships, both personal and work? Do you find yourself constantly ending up in toxic relationships? Are you finding yourself less satisfied, fulfilled and feeling anxious or depressed? I help people learn how to better understand the unhealthy dynamics of their relationships as well as navigate life stressors to develop better relationships and enhance life satisfaction. I will also provide skills and tools for managing anxiety or depression. I play an active role in the therapeutic process and we will work together to identify what's working and what's not working and work to bring back balance and satisfaction. My communication style is calm, warm and empathic and my goal is to create a safe and supportive space for you to feel comfortable sharing and being open.

My role is to partner with you and provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and to help you develop strategies to effectively manage and cope with life’s challenges. Remember, this is your journey and you are in control. We will work together to set goals that are important to you. Think of me as the persons walking beside you pointing out things to look at a little closer. I’m here to support you every step of the way."

Hello! I'm Mary "Katie" Romley. I'm an LPCC in the state of California specializing in therapy work with adults and adolescents. Do you ever feel like because of certain life experiences, you struggle in your daily life or relationships today? I enjoy helping people to find more of a sense of safety, within themselves. I like to make sure that my clients can develop a sense of trust when working with me. I love working with young adults (18-25) and also people going through retirement life changes. Some of the topics I enjoy helping clients with career counseling and coaching, personal relationships, self-concept and self-esteem, healing from abuse, and working with and fully supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. I also love working with people to strengthen their own personal boundaries in life. *Please note that any requests for additional administrative services like letters to courts of law, disability certification, fitness to return to work or other activities and special accommodations related to a psychological condition will need to be cleared with this therapist ahead of starting work together or will have to be provided by another mental health provider. Please consult this therapist first to see if she's able to provide this documentation for you as some may not be possible due to training and specialization requirements.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is licensed in California and Arizona; I have been working with clients since 2006. I enjoying working with all sorts of populations including people struggling with anxiety, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), men's issues and eating disorders. I believe we all have the capacity to change and grow, and we each have times in our life where we need a little bit of extra help. I hope to help you to reconnect with yourself and with others in your life.

My name is Patricia Pasillas (LCSW) and I'm a first generation Latina located here in the heart of Southern California. Throughout the last 14 years of my career as a licensed clinical social worker I've build a solid reputation for not only breaking down the barriers within society but it's my eagerness to help open the doors for others that truly separates me from others in this line of work.

Hello! My name is Ness Ruvalcaba. I am an Spanish and English speaking licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I work with individuals who are are needing some extra support understanding or creating some change in their lives. I specialize in trauma informed care, PTSD, anxiety and depression, self harm, and various other issues and needs. I also work with individuals around resolving conflict, improving communication, processing difficult experiences, and various other experiences. I have also very much enjoyed supporting parents individually to work on having better relationships with their children and identify the most effective ways they can support their child. I have worked in various settings including virtual therapy, office or clinic based services, school based services with adolescents and their families, and community based services with newcomer and immigrant youth, youth in foster care, adults, and their families maneuvering complex systems. At this time, I do not meet with couples looking for couples therapy.

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I utilize integrative approaches to help you explore the root causes of your concerns, while helping you develop effective and useful strategies to maintain your mental health. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to navigate and understand your experiences, uncover patterns, and create solutions that fit your unique needs.

Hello! I'm Emily; a San Francisco-based, dually licensed therapist with a deep belief in the healing power of self inquiry in the context of a therapeutic relationship. I trained as a drama therapist at California Institute of Integral Studies following several years working in theater and education. Are you anticipating (or already amidst) a life change? I specialize in therapeutic work related to what I respectfully call “portals”--- with an interest in helping you honor where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’d like to go next.

I believe that therapy can heal, but I also know that telling a stranger about your deepest pain can be a strange feeling. Perhaps you've been feeling sad, depressed or worried, and hopeless that anything in your life can change. Or maybe you aren't sure what you would even want help with. You know you feel bad, but if someone were to ask you "How can I help?", you aren't sure what you would say. These problems can feel permanent and unsolvable. After all, something feels broken and unfixable, so how could you not feel that it takes all the energy you have just to get up in the morning and go about your day? Depression or anxiety can also feel isolating, as if nobody else could possibly understand. You may have even received advice from people who you feel mean well but can't understand what you're going through. Depression and anxiety are not permanent or unfixable, and therapy can help. Imagine feeling peace of mind, and excited about life and its possibilities. It starts by learning about you and going at your pace. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 16 years experience working with adults and teens, I've seen therapy work, and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that journey for others.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University. Classes in the MFT program also met the requirements for the American Art therapy Association for art therapy. I am also a Christian and provide therapy from that perspective for those who want their faith to be a part of the therapy process. I believe our spiritual well-being and relationship with God can have a significant influence on all other areas of our lives including mental health. I have a holistic approach to therapy looking at how mental, physical, and spiritual health impact each other in both positive and negative ways. I have experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supporting clients in gaining a healthier relationship with their thoughts and feelings. I have worked extensively with clients in coping with depression, stress and anxiety, as well as in processing grief, loss, and life transitions. I am passionate about making mental health services more readily available to those who need it and normalizing the need for them.

My name is Anita Cabil, and I am an LCSW with over 20 years of experience in outpatient therapy and hospital social work. I hold an MSW from USC and a BA in Psychology from UCLA. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and specialize in treating depression, anxiety disorders, women’s health, stress management, and trauma-informed care. While I use CBT, I believe that each individual is unique, so I also incorporate an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities to best meet each person's needs. I believe that with the right coping tools, problem-solving strategies, and the support of an experienced therapist, anyone can overcome life's challenges.

I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California for 13 years. I think our earliest patterns of relating can be repeated until we become aware and utilize choice. It’s important to include the social setting in which we’re raised, including race, class, and social justice issues. It’s also important to learn how to help our nervous systems cope with stress in the present day. I love to work on dreams and other ways to access our internal landscape beyond intellect. I think building skills around Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness is so helpful in our anxiety-provoking times.

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.

I am a licensed psychotherapist providing individual, family, adolescent and child therapy. I will collaborate with you to identify your goals and learn what is getting in the way of your sense of well-­being. We can work together to support your strengths while addressing the issues that are causing you problems. I provide an environment conducive to discussing difficult issues and exploring creative possibilities for change.

Hi there! I’m Laura. It’s nice to meet you! I’m a marriage and family therapist based in California. I’ve been practicing for over 10 years now. I earned my master’s degree from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Taking the first step towards bettering your mental health is the best thing you can do for you. Counseling can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly empowering. I create a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your concerns about anxiety, depression, and self-care. My goal is to help you develop assertive communication and boundaries with yourself and others, which can significantly improve your quality of life. Counseling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and help you build the life you truly deserve. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m here to support you whenever you’re ready to share.

If you’re reading this, it means you exist. Based on your religion, culture, or general belief, you may have a meaning for existence. However, no matter your meaning, one thing is clear - existence can be very challenging for us. There are many ways to cope with the challenges of existing, resulting in different experiences. Therapy is just one way to manage the challenges. Therapy There are many ways to approach therapy. One way I like to approach it is to view an individual as a system. In therapy then, we check the system to see what’s working well, what’s neutral, and what’s not going well. In doing this, the goal is to get an individual to admit the reality of things, not what the individual wants or hopes but the present true reality. It's important to identify and understand the reality of an individual because often there are significant fears and or unstable belief in the individual’s ability to manage challenges and get desired results. Lack of control – one of the foundational fears for us is the lack of control we seem to have over ourselves and others. How does one cope with seemingly so little control - from how one comes into existence to how will my friend react if I said no. Whether you’re a veteran in going to therapy or trying it for the first time, we will work as a team to see if we can get you to be how you want to be given the infinite things that are not in your control.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of Orange County, California. I received my Master of Social Work from The University of Southern California (USC) and I’m a proud Trojan! I have done hospital based brief therapy for the last 15 years, but also have clinic experience. I am so excited to get back to longer-term individual therapy.

Life is really complex and challenging so I’m glad you’re checking in to find ways to support a fulfilled, happy and thriving YOU. Whether you are here to process trauma, sort out your future plans or relationships, learn new coping to manage stress, or some other area of your experience that is having an impact on you, I’m honored that you’ve considered how I can support you. In a process you are empowered to design, we will create a space where you can grow, heal and feel better using a variety of evidence-based techniques, a safe virtual environment and our therapeutic relationship!

Well done on taking the first steps to a better you! Simply acknowledging you need support and then reaching out can be the most difficult, yet empowering part of the process to a happier you. As a clinician, I specialize in working with teens, young adults and women as they navigate chapters throughout life. My goal is to facilitate a safe and nonjudgemental space for clients to verbalize thoughts and feelings. I provide a holistic approach that assesses overall physical health and its impact on mental health; looking at sleep patterns, nutrition, and social relationships. Utilizing a variety of different clinical modalities, I work alongside my clients to aid them in identifying strengths and maladaptive patterns that may interfere with happiness. Applying a strength-based approach, I guide clients in self-care practices and the development of a coping skills 'tool kit' that both empowers and equips client's with the skills necessary to build a happier and more confident life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I have been serving the community for 28 years working with individuals, children, and families. It gives me great joy to work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I also find it meaningful to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, as I have a multi-ethic back ground, and am multilingual. My specialties include: trauma, depression, self esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamics, multi-generational issues, adjustment to life situations, stress management, grief, anger management, etc. I value the client-therapist relationship. It is an honor I am being invited and included in this part of your journey! I regard the client-therapist relationship as a partnership. As a therapist, my goal is to empower you in overcoming barriers and pursue the life you deserve. It will require a commitment from both of us to participate and engage in our clinical alliance. It gives me a deep sense of gratification to work with clients who are motivated to move forward. I look forward to our meeting!

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because of my fascination with human behavior and how our brains work and how to help people live more authentic and full lives. I understand it can be scary to ask for help. Sometimes we feel we have the answers and that it is "weak" to reach out. It takes strength to admit you need help instead of bottling up your pain. I invite you to take this step.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and I have been offering Psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups for the past 5 years. My own journey of healing, including navigating posttraumatic stress disorder, has profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. This personal experience, combined with years of professional practice, informs my integrative approach, which focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. I specialize in working with the nervous system and addressing conditions such as trauma, OCD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My approach is rooted in understanding how these challenges affect the whole person, not just their thoughts or emotions, but also their physical and energetic well-being.

Welcome! I'm Patricia Soto, a compassionate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist committed to guiding individuals towards mental well-being and empowerment though all seasons in life. With a focus on addressing depression, self-esteem, anxiety, grief, life transitions, work-related stress, and challenges within relationships and families, I'm dedicated to helping you harness your innate strengths and work on your journey to healing and happiness.

"You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -A.A. Milne We all struggle at times to see our inner strengths and capabilities due to the life experiences which have shaped us. I work in the belief that we each have everything we need to achieve a fulfilled and successful life already present within us; sometimes we just need a little help accessing it. Using a multi-modality approach I encourage my clients to work in the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring us to self awareness, acceptance, and lasting change. I began my working career as an EMT in pre-hospital and Emergency Room settings. The desire to further my education and better serve my community led me to pursue becoming an LMFT. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandman University and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a dual emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Brandman University. I have additional training and experience in Clinical Pastoral Education from the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base and have worked in both residential treatment and clinical settings. I have four sons and two grandchildren. In my off time I enjoy spending time in nature, photography, and attending baseball games with my husband of 25 years.

I earned my doctorate and post-graduate master's degrees in psychology and my master's degree in counseling from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Professionally, I retired from the United States Air Force as a senior non-commissioned officer, and since retiring, have worked in several different behavioral health settings. In addition to my private practice, I am a graduate-level adjunct professor of counseling psychology.

There is nothing wrong with you! This is the first and possibly the most surprising thing you will learn from me. You will also learn that it is true, and that will be the most freeing thing you will ever learn from anyone. In our very first session, expect to be HEARD and SEEN. Clients often come in with diagnoses already tacked onto them. Depression, anxiety, and/or severe adjustment disorders are often part of the stories they tell me about themselves. I have tremendous compassion for you. I am not interested in the negative labels or self-defeating stories that you have been carrying around like heavy burdens. I am interested in going right through them and discovering who YOU are.

I believe in the value of building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to tap into your internal strength, self-expertise, and self-expression to promote growth and support healing. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #126521, in California, and I graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2015.