Therapists in California

Hi, I'm James. I believe therapy should ultimately help create meaningful change. What change looks like is different for everyone. Whether you're beginning therapy for the first time, returning after time away, or realizing that something in your life isn't working the way you'd like, I would be glad to explore that with you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and Supervisor with 15 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working with people across a wide range of backgrounds, and levels of need. Much of my career has been spent serving and leading in community mental health, where I saw how our mental health can be shaped not only by our history, but by our families, communities, cultures, and the world around us. I am comfortable working with experiences that are often described as "high acuity," including significant trauma, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. I am equally interested in the quieter things that can make life harder than it needs to be, like the nagging doubts, persistent insecurities, difficult relationships, or old patterns that no longer serve you. Whatever brings you here, you don't need to have it figured out before we begin. My role is to listen, take your experiences seriously, and work alongside you to better understand what's happening and to facilitate change. I will honor your story and your pace while helping you move toward change that feels meaningful and authentic to you.

Hi. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric hospital setting as well as substance abuse outpatient treatment facility. I have worked with children, teens, and adults. I have worked with individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, adjusting to new environments/life changes, and those working on their sobriety.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping people understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that shape their lives. Grounded in evidence-based practices, I tailor every therapeutic approach to the unique needs, strengths, and stories of each client. Guided by a deep curiosity about human lives, I approach therapy with the belief that everyone has something to teach. Through the lens of Family Systems, I apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients in developing the internal resources they need to heal, grow, and create lasting change.

I'm Marisa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (115264) who received my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, specializing in children, youth, and families. I have expertise in working with individual adults specializing in Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Transitions, Relationship Issues, and Self Esteem. I utilize collaborative treatment approaches based on your individual needs because I feel that every person is unique with a different story. I strive to help you feel empowered and to develop a stronger relationship with yourself. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and anything related to the arts.

Welcome! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience supporting children, adolescents and adults navigating life's challenges. I believe that seeking therapy is a courageous step and I'm committed to providing a safe, compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood and supported . I enjoy working with individuals who are navigating life stressors, major life transitions, anxiety, relationship challenges and the emotional adjustments that come with becoming a new parent. My therapeutic approach is supportive and tailored to your unique needs and goals. I strive to help clients build resilience, improve relationships, manage stress more effectively and reconnect with the version of themselves they want to be.

I'm a CA and OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. I bring both deep clinical experience and a very human understanding of how hard it can be to ask for help. My approach is collaborative, honest, and practical. I use evidence-based modalities such as DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and systems-based work, always tailored to your goals and lived experience. Therapy with me is about gaining insight, building skills, and creating real, sustainable change. Clients often tell me they leave sessions feeling more grounded, more confident in their choices, and better equipped to handle emotions and relationships with clarity and self-trust. My goal is to help you feel less overwhelmed, more connected, and more aligned with the life you want to build.

I approach our first session with wanting to know what prompted you to book the session. This is because people usually book a therapy session with an issue in mind, or with a problem to solve. I assure you that if you are motivated to change your mindset and ready to work on yourself, that you will be able to feel more peaceful and calm with just one session, and you will leave knowing that you will be able to solve what is going on. We tend to be harsh and critical of ourselves thinking that will promote change when that only causes us to procrastinate and feel depression and anxiety. To address this I offer you my book endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on self-forgiveness- find it on Amazon and in Barnes & Noble, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." I offer you my podcast- "All Things Therapy," which can be found on iTunes and Spotify. It is a mental health and wellness-focused podcast with over 425 episodes related to mental health, fitness, and personal transformation for you to dig into. I intend that the show augments therapy and gives you a resource to look for topics you are facing in the show titles and then listen and apply what is offered and see how that changes things for you.

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.

Taking the first step towards therapy takes courage and you don't have to do it alone. I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you work toward healing and growth. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have extensive experience working with adults facing anxiety, depression, Complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, domestic violence, severe mental health needs. I specialize in helping clients who have spent years putting everyone else's needs first. Many of my clients struggle with chronic stress, people-pleasing, perfectionism, family conflict, low self esteem, and/or the lasting effects of childhood or relationship trauma. Together, we'll work to understand these patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of coping and connecting. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence based practices, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, strengths-based interventions, and neuroscience-informed concepts to help client understand how trauma and chronic stress affect the brain and nervous system. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival mode and build lasting resilience. Together, we'll begin identifying the patterns, stressors, or past experiences that may be contributing to your current challenges. I'll also explain how trauma, chronic stress, and the life experiences can affect the brain, emotions, and nervous system, helping you understand that many of your reactions are normal responses to difficult experiences.

My name is Ani and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Bachelor's degree from UCLA in 2007 and obtained my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University in 2010. I have experience providing individual and family therapy, case management and crisis intervention. I am trained/certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, The Nurturing Parenting Program, Seeking Safety and Child and Parent Psychotherapy.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience and an additional background in integrative and functional medicine. I take a holistic mind-body approach to therapy, recognizing the connection between emotional health, physical wellness, stress, lifestyle, and nervous system functioning. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, chronic pain, life transitions, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical tools for lasting healing and personal growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting individuals, caregivers, foster families, and families navigating trauma, life transitions, medical stressors, and court-related systems. My background in hospital and child welfare setting has provided me with a strong understanding of complex family dynamics, caregiver stress, resilience and healing. I strive to create a s supportive and compassionate environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in reaching their goals.

I commend you on taking the first steps to find support! Whether its anxiety, depression, grief or otherwise unknown, I provide a virtual safe space to explore all of the emotions you may be experiencing and help guide you in finding healthier ways to cope. You'll get the opportunity to better understand the root of your emotional experiences while feeling more empowered to help yourself each step of the way.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. I provide a client-centered, warm and non-judgmental space where individuals can feel supported as they work towards improving their mental health and overall well-being. Together, we create a space where you can exhale, speak honestly and begin to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Maurer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've been working as a clinical therapist since 2017. I graduated with my MSW from Cal State University, Los Angeles and became licensed in 2021. I became a social worker because it aligned well with my belief in social justice and working as a therapist has only strengthened this belief. I am lucky to really love what I do and I feel honored to get to witness my clients' growth in the therapeutic process.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the State of California. I have been a practicing social worker for 25 years. I primarily work with individuals in their mid-life years, particularly those experiencing major life transitions. I have special training in working with couples navigating new parenthood. I support new mothers navigating postpartum depression, baby blues as well as the Perinatal mood season. I support clients working toward decreasing the external stressors in their lives.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring experience working with individuals across the lifespan, children to adults. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of social work settings, which has given me a broad perspective on the many ways people grow, heal, and overcome challenges. While I’ve valued each of these roles, my greatest passion lies in the therapeutic setting—supporting clients in discovering their strengths and fostering meaningful change. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and attachment-based interventions—all delivered through a trauma-informed lens. As a social worker, I am deeply committed to fostering a therapeutic environment that honors diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences each client brings to the process.

My name is Bolor Purvee, and I’m a Mongolian-American Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families, especially those with young children, as they navigate challenges and strengthen relationships. I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse communities and helping clients navigate challenges such as immigration trauma, cultural adjustment, homelessness, anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, and relationship concerns. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and rooted in meeting clients where they are as we work together toward healing, growth, and resilience. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing clients leave therapy feeling empowered, understood, and more connected to themselves and others.

I am a LCSW with experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. I provide person centered care and thoroughly love what I do. I have experience in various settings including psychiatric, private practice, and community-based care. I am trained in various modalities and can use an eclectic approach. I would enjoy working with you to meet your goals and objectives.

Hi There! I'm Rachel. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where we can explore your experiences together with honesty, curiosity, and compassion. I recognize that every person is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit each client's individual needs. Whether you're navigating a difficult season of life, feeling stuck in old patterns, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of yourself, I strive to help you feel supported while working toward meaningful and lasting growth. Outside of the therapy room, I love getting lost in a good book, spending time outdoors with friends, and baking. These activities help me stay grounded and connected to the things that bring joy and balance into my life.

Hi. I’m Anupama. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist in the state of California after graduating from UC Irvine and Pepperdine a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. I have worked with issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD. Panic disorder. I have lots of experience with couples issues and domestic violence. I have also worked with parenting issues I have a calming and gentle approach. I like to make my clients feel calm right away. I would love to meet you and will do my best to help you.

I specialize in helping adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. Using evidence based approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, CPT, and MBCT. I help clients develop practical skills to reduce distress, build resilience, and create lasting change. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. i am here to support you in this process.

Benzion is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their mental health journey. He holds a Master of Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2007. Benzion believes in a holistic approach to care, building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each client to foster hope and lasting change. "I am humbled by the courage and vulnerability my clients display every day. I am honored by the privilege of being with you in your most intimate places to develop trust and build hope for the future. Thank you for considering the journey of building a better future with me."

With more than 12 years of experience in the field, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients in many different settings as they process challenges, explore new perspectives, and build meaningful tools for growth. My style blends evidence‑based methods with a grounded, human approach—and a sense of humor when it’s helpful. I meet clients where they are and work collaboratively toward their goals. I hold a master’s in Psychology from JFK University and a bachelor’s degree from Holy Names University. I have worked across diverse roles in the mental health field, helping clients unpack their experiences, process life’s challenges, and develop skills that support long‑term growth. I use a range of therapeutic methods, incorporate humor when appropriate, and tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs.

As a queer, first-generation woman myself, I am passionate about working with people facing different life challenges. My specialty includes individual therapy with adults and teens with a focus on depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+/coming out challenges, immigrant/first-generation challenges, and trauma. I want my clients feel safe and respected in session with me in order to navigate life's challenges together with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. Drawing from an intersectional, culturally-responsive, attachment-based, and compassion-focused approach, my goal is to support clients to build insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.

I focus on understanding your history, its impact and how to help you make adjustments that ease your path forward. My expertise includes anxiety, depression, relationship and work/career concerns among others. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic approaches. Handouts and worksheets are often particularly helpful to clients. I truly care about the well-being of others and helping people navigate life’s challenges so that they feel better and can live a more fulfilling life. If I don't have an appointment available that works for you, feel free to reach out to me to ask if I may have any other times available soon.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Brandman University and have been practicing for the past 10 years. I help adults struggling with life stressors coupled with anxiety/depression or other mental health issues to overcome challenges and stressors to improve their overall quality of life. I utilize an approach that is specifically tailored to the clients needs and supports their goals and healing process.

Have you been struggling with invasive thoughts? Do you often wake up with nightmares that are recurrent? Do you find yourself having flashbacks from a traumatic event? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be ready to embark on a healing journey. My name is Rebekah Felleke and I would love to be a part of your journey. My job is to be the calming center while you process trauma by using evidence based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychotherapy to address negative beliefs, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist, I’ve worked with many individuals such as: adolescents, adults, and families struggling with negative patterns, high conflict, and grief. My passion is helping children, youth and families get to the rewarding parts of resolving problems and addressing questions that have arisen from trauma.

My name is Mary Sowah-Quaye, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California State University in Bakersfield. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, and relationships issues.

Welcome and it's a pleasure to meet you. I am a bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. I became a therapist to help people of color, people who are misunderstood, people who are judged by the way they look, underprivileged community, undocumented and minorities. I want to help remove that stigma away of mental health. I use mindfulness, motivational interviewing, CBT and psychoeducation approaches. I will work with you as a team in order to reduce your overall mental health symptoms. Need someone to vent to and not feel judged. I am that person and you're at a safe place. I help client's feel more confident, grounded and motivated to improve on themselves.

Congratulations on taking the first step in your journey of healing and self-discovery. I have experience working with adults from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. I work collaboratively with clients to address problems such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety/worry, struggles in interpersonal relationships, LGBTQ+ -related issues and challenges navigating life transitions. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, which allows me to draw on multiple theories and interventions such as process-oriented therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology to individualize treatment for the clients I serve.

My goal as your therapist is to help you create a meaningful and enjoyable life. Whether you come to treatment to manage a pre-existing condition/diagnosis, or are looking to improve the relationships in your life; I am happy to assist you until you get to where you would like to be. In today's society; stress, anxiety, and depression can often take over our health, wellbeing, and relationships leaving one with an unsatisfactory life. In treatment we can explore the obstacles that are causing you pain or are holding you back from your full potential, and work together towards creating happiness and contentment.

Kyle Hausheer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings two decades of sports coaching experience to his clinical practice. His therapeutic approach is centered on facilitating sustainable, positive change through incremental daily adjustments. Trained in EMDR, he holds extensive experience working with trauma and neurodivergent populations. Kyle is known for his creative, innovative methodology, offering a supportive environment for clients who may not have previously found a successful therapeutic fit. This unique perspective is informed by his extensive background working with athletes and adolescents, which he integrates to support a diverse clientele.

Hello! My name is Elaine and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that therapy should feel like a conversation with a trusted friend—open, honest, and without pretense. With a straightforward approach and a genuine interest in understanding your unique story, I aim to create a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, I'm here to help you navigate life's ups and downs with compassionate support. Let's work together to find the path that feels right for you. My specialties include: working with parents who have a child with special needs, LGBTQ+ issues, and grief. I know you are tired of not feeling like yourself. You deserve to start feeling good again.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my both my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Chapman University in California and have been practicing for over 16 years. I practice psychotherapy using an Existential-Humanistic approach, which focuses on the promotion of personal growth, self-awareness, and insight. A large portion of my clinical work has been dedicated to assisting adolescents and their families through trauma and tragedy. I also specialize with adults going through major life transitions, parenting concerns, interpersonal difficulties, and relationship conflicts.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up honestly without feeling judged, pressured, or like you have to have everything figured out first. I work with adults who are trying to manage the emotional weight of everyday life while also making sense of patterns, experiences, or stressors that may be keeping them stuck. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, self-aware, and confident in their ability to navigate challenges both inside and outside of therapy.

Providing a space to just be YOU while you explore different aspects of your life and your mental health while learning to navigate your emotions more effectively. Before any title, I'm a human being who values authenticity, compassion, and connection. I bring both my humanity and my clinical expertise into every therapeutic relationship. I believe that real change happens when we can be honest with ourselves and with each other.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, fluent in both English and Spanish. With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and anxiety management. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings, including urgent care environments, where I have provided care to individuals in acute crises. Reaching out for therapy can often be a difficult and vulnerable step, but by doing so, you have already made a positive commitment to improving your mental health and well-being. My goal is to assist you in regaining control of your mental health by offering a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic space. I believe that effective therapy is a partnership between clinician and client, and I am dedicated to working with you as part of your team, guiding and supporting you as you work toward your goals. Together, we can create a plan that empowers you to achieve lasting personal growth and well-being.

Hi, I’m Judy, and I’m glad you’re here. I work with adults and seniors, to help navigate life’s transitions and challenges while providing support in creating a fulfilling, balanced life. If you are experiencing major life changes, adjustment periods, uncertainty, loss, or feeling overwhelmed. Together, we can build strength and resilience, create greater clarity, and develop your ability to manage emotions-- always at a pace that feels right for you. Reaching out for support can feel both daunting and courageous, and I would be honored to be part of your journey.

Hi, I'm Betty, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I'm passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges in a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment. My practice is centered on building genuine connections and providing personalized care, empowering clients to better understand themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change while fostering resilience, confidence, and hope for the future.

I have a background in community education and acute medical social work. I work 2 days a week in an acute medical/psychiatric ER. Together we will map your anxiety - a truly fascinating and vulnerable process. We will gradually distinguish medical issues from psychological/emotional distress and I will encourage you to build your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly habits to ensure your health. We will find insights, feel feelings (rather than judge or avoid them), attune to our needs and build a plan for healing and health.

Hi, I am Sandy Ortiz, LCSW, I specialize in helping adults navigate depression and anxiety challenges. My approach combines a warmth, compassion, empathetic, and evidenced-based therapy like CBT. Additionally, I also promote mindfulness to foster grounding. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you can fully express yourself, gain insight, and empower yourself and gain personal growth. I acquired my Master's in Social Work from USC and have been practicing since 2014.

Hello, I am Emily Donahue, Trauma Therapist. My passion has been to assist and support individuals on their healing paths and recovery. I work with survivors of trauma; sexual assault and abuse, human trafficking, PTSD. My clients also learn new strategies and skills for experiencing the fall out from those experiences; addiction, codependency, anger, life goals, fear, guilt, scare. I also have experience working with a mobile crises unit, that have both a crises worker and EMT. I have seen individuals gain insight and have aha moments. Trauma is only one aspect of your life, come find out about the rest!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide a safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I strive to help clients move beyond the point that prevents them from living fulfilling lives. In helping clients to realize their life goals, I'll assist them in identifying possible ineffective responses to life stressors and coping patterns in order to replace them with those that lead to a higher quality of living.

Hello! I am a bilingual therapist offering services in Spanish and English. I started working as a therapist in 2014. I provide therapy to adults who live in California through virtual sessions. I have experience supporting people facing anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life adjustments, and stress. I look forward to meeting you to determine if I am the right therapist for you.

Hello I am Gregory, Have you found yourself struggling with your day to day and personal relationships. I believe in empowering clients to take control of their life. In the therapeutic relationship I believe my job is to give you the skills to get where you would like to go. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 7 years experience. My specialties are in anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. Seeking therapy can feel daunting. I am here to help and will always allow you to drive your treatment. everyone has the ability to grow. during our sessions together I will provide you with a safe space nonjudgmental place to hone your coping skills to tackle life's challenges.

Hello, my name is Layla Hernandez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the mental health field. I'm fluent in English and Spanish and take a client-focused approach to therapy. I utilize evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), to ensure the best outcomes for my clients.

Hello, I'm Jamal Cameron, a licensed marriage and family therapist (133473) who has worked with patients throughout California for the past decade. I work with all types of people late stage teenagers and adults of all ages. In addition to therapy, I have conducted research including abduction prevention and the effects of peer mentorship with children and adolescents. My career has led me to focus on providing therapy to individuals with schizophrenia spectrum illness, depression, bipolar and substance abuse. In addition, I have taken on advocacy roles related to assisting families with academic and legal concerns.

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.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with clinical and social services experience - along with years of experience and knowledge of spiritual care (MDiv) - I enjoy partnering in the whole-person healing process. Understanding the person in their environment as well as being enlightened to a their intrinsic qualities, informs the therapeutic process and facilitates an effective healing journey .