I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience based in CA. Although I specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum), I also see clients for a variety of reasons such as life transitions, depression, anxiety, parenting, grief and loss, stress management, relationship challenges, trauma, immigration, life goals, and people wanting to be the best version of themselves.
Hello! I know that choosing to seek therapy is hard and I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been working in the mental health field for over twenty years. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction, chronic illness, as well as relationship issues.
During my sessions, I provide empathy, support, validation and am a space of unconditional acceptance to help you to be YOU - only better.
Hello my name is Virginia Myricks, LMFT and my goal is to encourage, challenge and empower you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I understand that every individual struggles with life challenges in their own unique way and it would be my pleasure to work with you on identifying your goals, offering treatment interventions that are best suited to your individual needs and to assist you in experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Are you struggling to manage relationships, work and your over all health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Is it hard to learn to love yourself?
I work with individuals to resolve past trauma, identify thought distortions that hold one back from fully loving themselves and seeing their fullest potential can result in improved relationships and experiencing a more satisfying life experience.
I integrate various therapeutic modalities that meet you where you are. I’m honored to work with you and I’m passionate about helping others.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Ordained Minister and Pastoral Counselor.
*Please note that I require a free 15 minute consultation prior to our first appointment. I will reach out to you to provide you the consultation and to set up the first appointment as my schedule here on Grow therapy changes rapidly and may not reflect my true availability. I will work with you to find an appointment that works for us both.
Welcome! Seeking help and support is a huge first step that can be scary and I am honored to be considered to join you along your journey of healing, self-improvement, and working towards achieving your goals. I have worked in mental health for 19 years and have experience working in residential treatment centers, homeless shelters, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, juvi, jails, prisons, ERs, County crisis work, and private practice settings providing individual and group therapy in person and now virtually. I earned my Master's Degree in Marriage, Couple, Family, and Child Counseling at CSUS with my undergraduate degree in Psychology.
At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in sunny southern California, with my partner, of many years, John, and our three cats, three dogs, and tortoise, who by the way, is currently hibernating...and don't we all wish we could do that at times? I have many years of experience working with individuals, with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and relationship challenges. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings and with many ethnic populations. My style is down-to-earth, relatable, sometimes direct, and always with a touch of humor. I love what I do and consider it an honor to help you resolve whatever it might be that is holding you back. I look forward to working with you! By the way, a former client recently said: "I am so grateful to have worked with you, you are truly gifted, and I have learned so much!"
Hi! My name is Bhavan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I specialize in trauma-informed care, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, along with a variety of other issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique experiences. My work also encompasses cultural identity by focusing on you as an individual and supporting you explore how your cultural lens shapes your understanding of trauma and resilience. My aim is to support you along your healing journey towards well-being, by helping you reclaim your sense of self, safety, balance, and personal strength.
I am a client-centered professional with 15 years of experience providing broad mental health services to diverse populations of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified art therapist with specialization in utilizing multiple evidence-based modalities to address substance abuse, dual diagnoses, depression, anxiety, trauma, and domestic violence. I work with couples to increase effective communication skills in order to understand each other as well as grow emotional intimacy.
VirtualOffers in-person in San Luis Obispo, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned my Master’s from USC in 2014. If anxiety or depression has made you feel disconnected from who you are, I am here to help. I pride myself on seeing the fullness of every client I work with, embracing life's complexities and dualities to help you navigate your unique path toward healing.
Are you feeling stressed out? Do you give to everyone else, and then not have time or energy for yourself? I can help you. I work with individuals aged 20-75 that are negotiating work / life balance, challenging family dynamics (including parenting and caregiving struggles), and general life transitions. In our sessions, we will identify your strengths, practice communication skills, and you will be encouraged to meet your goals. After over ten years in the field, I am confident that we will work together to help you feel less stressed and more supported until your life feels calmer and more balanced.
VirtualOffers in-person in Santa Cruz, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable
Hello, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from the University Antioch Los Angeles and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults at different stages of life and transitions who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma to help nurture and restore a sense of balance. My approach to working with clients is centered around the individual as a whole - recognizing intrinsic uniqueness and reinforcing inner strength – supporting an individuals innate ability to grow and thrive.
Welcome to Grow Therapy. My name is Jose, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting children, individuals, and families. I focus on strengths, collaboration, and use practical strategies that support lasting personal growth. I strive to create a truly warm, respectful environment where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.
Hola! I'm Elliana. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University Dominguez Hills. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish, and have been providing clinical services in the community to individuals of all ages for the past 13+ years. I hope to be of service and provide the support you need to meet your goals.
I am a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist (LMFT) with a background in trauma and I understand the profound impact trauma can have on emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. My therapeutic approach is integrative, blending techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy), and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 15 years.
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my masters in clinical mental health counseling from California State University, Fullerton( go Titans!). I have practiced therapy for the past 7 years. I am a proud queer and gender diverse therapist that has experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and life transitions. I strive to provide LGBTQIA affirming care through all of my work.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have 15 years of experience helping individuals cope with the challenges they face in their lives. I have a specialty in treating individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use. I also have been trained in Brainspotting techniques that reduce the effect traumas and other upsetting life events have on a person's ability to find the happiness they want from life.
I’m a laid-back, client-centered therapist who believes in creating a relaxed, nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions. My approach is collaborative, meaning I’ll meet you where you’re at and work together to create a path forward that fits your unique needs and goals. I value authenticity, and I’m here to listen, offer support, and help you tap into your own strengths to create positive change at your own pace.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of experience providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I help individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover paths toward healing, growth, and self-understanding. My practice focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, build resilience, and develop meaningful coping strategies. Drawing from evidence-based methods, I support people struggling with relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and personal transitions. My goal is to empower clients to foster deeper self-awareness and create sustainable, positive change in their lives.
Hello, I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years and have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2010. I have worked in multiple settings (outpatient, inpatient, community-based) and with all ages across the spectrum of mental health issues, from severe and persistent mental illness to lifespan adjustment and transition issues, work-related stress, parenting or other relationship stress, etc. I work to help clients gain insight and develop skills for better symptom and life management. I am currently not accepting couples at this time; I am accepting individual adults of all ages at this time.
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors.
My name is James Clark and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California providing therapy through tele-health throughout California. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship and mutual understanding are key to reaching my client’s goals.
I have been a licensed therapist for 19 years. I believe the most important part of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is formed in a collaboration between myself and my clients in an environment of mutual acceptance and respect. In addition to my education, training and experience as a therapist I rely on my innate skills as an active listener, my good memory and genuine caring to guide me in my approach to therapy.
VirtualOffers in-person in Nevada City, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable
Hello my name is Belinda Valdivia and I am a bilingual therapist licensed in California and have been working in different settings with diverse populations. Are you constantly worried about your problems and having difficulties controlling your anxious thoughts? Do you feel sad and low motivation to do the activities you once enjoyed? Have you experienced recent or past trauma that you have tried to avoid thinking about but keeps replaying in your mind? Is your child having issues managing his emotions and not sure how to help them? Having difficulties sharing how you feel with others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help guide and empower you to meet your therapeutic goals.
I have been providing for the last ten years individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults as well as family therapy. As your therapist my goal is for you to have a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings and feel that someone is listening to you without judgment.
You can check out my website for more information at https://guzmanbelinda.wixsite.com/therapy-with-belinda
Soy un consejero con más de 25 años de experiencia trabajando con la población latina. Nací y crecí en México y llegué a los Estados Unidos en mis veintes. Entiendo la lucha y la riqueza de vivir en dos culturas. Soy bilingüe en inglés y español. Toda mi experiencia profesional ha sido trabajando con latinos y latinas, que hablan español, y que como yo son inmigrantes o de primera generación.
I am a counselor with over 25 years of experience working with the Latino population. I was born and raised in Mexico and came to the US in my twenties. I understand the struggle and the richness of living in two cultures. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. All my professional experience has been working with Latinos and Latinas, who speak in Spanish, and who are as myself migrants or first generation.
Hello, my name is Megan. I appreciate you taking the leap to want to do something different in your life. I know how hard talking about some of these big life issues can be like the death of our person, living through the struggle of infertility and acknowledging the weight of our anxiety is too much. Sometimes, we are stuck in our loop and yet, we do not have the perspective how to shift the big feelings to make you start to feel better.
In the beginning of working together, I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story. Everyone arrives wanting a witness to their grieving at different stages of their process. Your relationship is to different each person had a different relationship to their person. I believe the importance of listening to what is said in the room or what is not said. Many times we are not able to verbalize our pain of trying to live without our person. I think a very necessary part to our healing is to be witnessed by another. My goal is to always create safety in the room. I am a fairly transparent therapist sharing sometimes my personal journey to connect and help clients realize they are not alone in their pain.
I look forward to joining you in your healing journey.
Hi, I’m Kelly Castillo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals navigate some of life’s most painful and transformative moments. Many of the people I work with come to therapy carrying the weight of childhood trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions. Others feel stuck—uncertain about what’s next or how to move forward. Wherever you find yourself, you deserve a space where your experiences are validated and your healing is supported.
My mission is to help you reconnect with your strengths, rediscover your voice, and move toward the best version of yourself. Therapy can be a powerful pathway to insight, relief, and growth—a place where you don’t need to have everything figured out. Instead, it offers room to explore, question, heal, and gradually build the life you want with guidance and support.
I offer an honest, compassionate, and relatable approach to therapy. My goal is to create a safe, grounded environment where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered. I tailor each session to your individual needs and goals, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with integrative, client-centered approaches. This flexibility allows me to meet you where you are and support you as you move toward where you want to be.
Through my work in diverse clinical settings, I’ve learned that no two healing journeys are alike. Your story is uniquely your own—and your therapy should reflect that. I’m committed to walking alongside you, at your pace, using strategies that align with your values, strengths, and lived experience.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but together, we’ll navigate challenges, uncover your resilience, and build tools that foster clarity, confidence, and peace. I’m honored to support you in whatever comes next.
Hello, I am Elizabeth Kelly, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with individual adult clients aged 18 and older. If you are seeking help with working through grief, loss, difficult changes, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, aging challenges or any other issues that may be hard to overcome alone, I am here to help you through. I follow a client-centered approach, meaning that I believe that you have the internal strength and ability to grow. Together, we will create goals to best serve you. I will listen to your concerns and provide coping skills and resources to help you through your difficult situations.
Hello!
My name is Caitlin I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work with teens, emerging adults, and women under the age of 40 who are navigating anxiety, stress, and emotional health concerns related to PCOS (hormonal imbalance). My approach is laid-back and grounded in holistic health, integrating traditional therapy with wellness coaching to help clients cultivate balance and resilience.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California, Texas, and Florida. I graduated from University of Southern California and have been working in mental health for the past 10 years. I enjoy working with people in all phases of their lives to maximize their well-being and potential in their personal and professional lives.
I have specialized training in military culture and concerns and am well-versed in the systems, challenges, and rewards experienced by our active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
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.
Hello there! I'm Arkila J. Covington, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and groups grow personally and emotionally. With a diverse educational background and extensive experience, I've been fortunate to guide countless clients on their journeys, overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, and adopting practical behavior modifications that improve their personal and professional lives.
From the St. Louis, MO Housing Projects, I learned ambition, tenacity, and determination. Despite facing adversity, I excelled academically and pursued higher education alongside my siblings. With dual master's degrees in Sociology/Criminal Justice and Counseling Psychology, plus a bachelor's degree in Psychology, my educational background enriches my skills in my practice.
With roles such as Membership Marketing Manager and Wraparound Facilitator, I understand human behavior and societal dynamics. My strengths lie in developing emotional intelligence and anger management skills. I specialize in trauma and support parents in compassionate parenting. Your thoughts and emotions are safe with me; I create a non-judgmental space. My integrative approach draws from various methods to meet your needs.
Building a solid therapeutic alliance is my priority. I thrive when working with individuals who are open to incorporating the Word of God as a tool to address mental health challenges. Together, we'll explore new techniques through assignments, role-play, and experimental therapy.
Let's work together and empower you to overcome any hurdles and achieve the fulfilling life you deserve!
Deborah enjoys working together with her clients to form a strong therapeutic bond. She is motivated to help her clients live there best authentic lives. She has experience helping people develop strong coping skills to reduce, manage and or alleviate their anxiety, depression and work/relational stress.
In her spare time Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and grandson, hiking, walking her dog, trying new recipes and planning for travel.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters dgree in Clinical Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2020, and have been practicing for over 5 years. I have experience working in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, as well as in most recent years working in private practice providing tele-health services. I truly enjoy having the ability to see clients throughout California from the comfort of their own home.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My passion for counseling started in 6th grade where I was nominated to be a peer counselor and I saw the power of how communication, active reflective listening and conflict resolution could shift relationships. I grew up in a chaotic household and studying psychology helped me to develop compassion, empathy and understanding where there was profound pain. My own experience with trauma, depression and anxiety helps me to understand clients from a lived perspective.
Welcome, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 8 years. I enjoy working with patience in achieving their mental health goals. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you are a seasoned client, I congratulate you on this next step of your journey.
My goal is to create a safe space for clients to feel heard and understood as they navigate through their journey. I aim to cultivate a warm and inviting environment where they are met with empathy and support while recognizing necessary elements such as change, personal strengths, and radical acceptance.
I am Anita M King, licensed marriage and family therapist. I work collaboratively with clients to help you get where you want to go. I received my degree from Chapman University and have been working with clients since 2018.
I know what it is like to work harder not smarter and feel like for every step forward there are many steps back. I am fully passionate about getting you unstuck and where you aspire to be.
I am passionate about helping people define and live your values to achieve a more authentic life and to help create stronger relationships.
Certified to treat the impact of Hormonal Shifts, PMS, PMDD, Postpartum, Perimenopause and Menopause.
You are more than what happened to you. Your thoughts, emotions, and past experiences do not define your worth or your future. Healing is possible—and you deserve a life that feels safe, grounded, and truly your own.
I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving individuals across California. I specialize in working with individuals impacted by trauma, with a focus on childhood abuse survivors, sexual assault survivors, and culturally specific trauma. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and paced to help you reconnect with yourself, build emotional clarity, and move forward with greater confidence and stability.
I'm a licensed MFT #81396. My ultimate goal in my therapy work is to help my clients believe in themselves as much as I believe in them. I work with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and countless life issues.
While I am deeply humanistic, I also frequently employ elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge clients' negative self-talk, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help them navigate big feelings. My work is informed by Object Relations theory, in which the therapist provides the client with empathy and attunement. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, which is an invaluable tool for clients struggling with trauma.
Hi! I am Anne Gimbel, licensed marriage and family therapist, and I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or need for healing. My goal with individuals, couples, or families is to explore and identify the thoughts that have a direct impact on your emotions and behaviors. Whether dealing with life-cycle issues, trauma, abuse, grief, recovery, or other changes that are occurring, I am active in the process to help you overcome these challenges. We will build a life you deserve by learning better communication and setting boundaries for your future.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I grew up in the Central Valley area of California. I enjoy helping others find their strengths. I found my passion for social work while volunteering at the Poverello House. I enjoyed giving back to my community. I am client centered/client focused. I have a holistic approach to therapy utilizing Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing skills.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of living a meaningful and purposeful life. I believe mental health and wellness is a lifestyle of putting yourself first mentally, emotionally, and physically.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Chapman University.
My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver stress, relationship issues, and stress management.
It is important for my clients to be comfortable, agreeable and involved throughout the treatment process. Treatment plans are individualized to meet your needs because one size does not fit all. I use a person centered strengths based approach using Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.
I am honored to be on this journey with you in therapy. I am a therapist who believes that healing begins with feeling seen, safe, and understood. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity--never judgment. I create a space where you can slow down, breathe, and explore what's been heavy at your own pace. Whether you're navigating past trauma, burnout, or a season of change, my goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of self and feel more at peace within. In our work together, you'll find warmth, understanding, and a space that honors your story.
I'm Shruti, a first generation, South Asian woman. I'm a passionate expressive arts-integrative therapist. I best serve womxn ages 25-35 who are coping with life stressors, trauma, or adjusting to a new phase in life. This journey isn't linear and can feel lonely and confusing, and the waves can be hard to manage. If you enjoy being in a validating and empathetic space while focusing on your strengths and creativity, I look forward to supporting you in finding tools to help you ride the waves. :)
Hi There! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with seven years of experience supporting individuals navigate life’s challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy and compassion, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel genuinely seen and heard. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and that each person is the expert of their own life. Together, we'll build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward lasting change.
I am a Latinx therapist who began practicing in 2013 and have experience helping people heal and continue on their mental health journeys. I love to support individuals in feeling confident in their own choices and finding their best self. I hope to help you too in finding your own healing path going at your own pace and deciding what you want to focus on.
Hello. I'm a bilingual English-Japanese Licensed Clinical Social worker based in Los Angeles, California. I've been practicing for 8 and a half years. The majority of my career is based on working for LA County mental health clinics. I've been working with adult clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, cultural assimilation issues and loss and grief (including loss of babies and infertility). I also work with adult clients who suffer from psychosis with the condition of medication compliance.
Hi! I'm Angelica, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary's University in Downtown Los Angeles. I work with adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as with clients who are having issues with low self-esteem and trouble in relationships with friends, family, coworkers or partners.
Hello, my name is Bryan Llorente, I am a licensed clinical social worker and have experience working in several clinical and therapeutic settings. I started my career at Advent Health Hospice Care, one of the largest non-profit hospital systems in the country. Through this position I gained experience in providing therapeutic counseling services to individuals and families who are going through major transitional period in their lives (receiving a terminal illness, death of loved one, living adjustments etc.) As a result I am well experienced in dealing with depression, anxiety, situational stress, loss of a loved one, grief, and am understanding of how medical issues can affect a person’s mental health. I have also worked for Orlando Health at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies covering the ED/Triage, antepartum and postpartum units of the hospital. This position gave me experience with providing crisis interventions and psychotherapeutic counseling to patient's who have a history of severe mental health issues, or who are actively experiencing medical emergencies, traumatic events, domestic violence, manic/depressive episodes, psychotic episodes, and suicidal ideations. In addition, I provided education on post partum depression and child care. In 2021 I began teaching classes as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Central Florida's College of Health Professions and Sciences. I have also worked for the National Suicide Prevention Line where I learned how to deal with a variety of mental health and emotional crisis situations over the phone. I feel well equipped to help my clients deal with a variety of issues, whether in person, or online. I take an objective and collaborative approach to understanding problems, and work with clients to create strategies to address problems head on so that clients learn the skills necessary to achieve their goals.
My name is Arakel Aristakessian and I am a first generation American of Armenian immigrants. There is never a lack of drama in my family and I think it is important to be mindful of cultural expectations and norms when navigating conflict. In this fashion, I use an individualized approach to meet my clients' needs. My style of therapy is grounded in the person-centered approach. I practice listening with empathy to my client’s lived experiences. I remind myself that it is not my place to judge anyone for their past choices. It is my responsibility to respond honestly and respectfully. My hope is to mediate shame, so that people feel comfortable and safe in opening up about what is troubling them. Once the therapeutic space feels safe, only then can various treatment methods truly be effective.