I am licensed in California with 12 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship stress, life transitions, and long-standing patterns that leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. My approach is grounded, direct, and compassionate. I believe therapy should feel collaborative—not clinical or judgmental. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, beliefs, and survival strategies that may have once protected you but no longer serve you. I help clients build insight, emotional regulation, healthier boundaries, and practical tools they can actually use in daily life. I draw from trauma-informed care, mindfulness, CBT, DBT-informed skills, and parts-focused work to support meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, curious, and fully human.

Hello , I am a licensed social worker based in Ohio. And I also am licensed in California. I have been practicing for close to 40 years, so have a great deal of professional and life experience, that I can apply to my work with clients. I am motivated to help adults of any age, move forward with their lives. And also there to help clients develop healthy skills that they can utilize, to become their "best selves." My approach is SHORT TERM/SOLUTION FOCUSED. I also see myself as a LIFE COACH for many of my clients. I am a regular practitioner of yoga and meditation and enjoy bringing elements of these practices into my work as well. I also love animals and enjoy hiking and biking in nature. *I DO NOT WORK with clients who have HIGH RISK CONCERNS, such as recent suicidality, recent psychiatric hospitalization, domestic violence or substance abuse issues. Since I feel clients managing these issues, are better served seeing providers in a traditional office setting and more wrap around services. Clients who book with me presenting with these high risk concerns will be referred out by me to other providers or more appropriate resources.

I help high-functioning adults reconnect with themselves and learn to trust their own judgment again. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable adults who have spent years taking care of everyone else while quietly struggling themselves. They often appear successful on the outside but privately feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from who they used to be. You may be recovering from betrayal, navigating a difficult relationship or divorce, struggling with perfectionism or people-pleasing, healing from trauma, or facing a major life transition. Somewhere along the way, you may have begun second-guessing yourself, losing confidence in your instincts, or wondering why life feels so much harder than it looks from the outside. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. Together, we'll make sense of the patterns keeping you stuck, calm your nervous system, reduce shame, strengthen healthy boundaries, and build the confidence to make choices that align with your values instead of fear or self-doubt. Therapy should leave you feeling understood, supported, and equipped with practical tools that make everyday life feel lighter.

Hello!!! I’m Nadia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. My background consist of working with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing different levels of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance dependency and trauma. I’ve worked in outpatient settings such as treatment centers with individuals experiencing drug and alcohol dependency, the homeless population and now currently working with veterans. I focus on building strong rapport while also helping clients develop practical coping strategies.

Hola! Me llamo Laura! I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up exactly as you are, sin pena y sin juicio. As a first gen Latina, I understand the balance of honoring your roots while creating the life you want for yourself. Whether we explore culture, family dynamics, or simply focus on the today, we'll work together to help you feel more connected, confident and empowered. Healing isn't about having it all figured out, poco a poco, we can get there.

Therapy is a journey, and as your therapist, I step into the role of being your journeyman walking alongside you as we navigate the path together. We’ll take time to explore your life experiences and the challenges that brought you here, working in a way that honors your unique perspective and language. I aim to create a safe, collaborative space free from judgment or bias, where you can feel supported and truly understood. As your journeyman, I’m here to help you develop the skills and utilize the tools you need to manage life’s stressors in healthier, more fulfilling ways. Together, we’ll move toward clarity, growth, and balance.

My practice is built on compassion, curiosity, and open, honest communication. We create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and valued, making it possible to explore sensitive issues with love and understanding. With a background enriched by diverse professional and life experiences, we offer insights and interventions that resonate with a broad spectrum of clients, including ethnically and culturally diverse older adults, veterans, youth, and adult re-entry offenders, as well as those grappling with symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, anxiety, stress, and trauma.

Hi there, I'm Nicole. Do you feel overwhelmed by memories of the past or just overwhelmed in general and are not sure why? Do you ever wonder if there is any hope that you can overcome the effects of past abuse, trauma, or just really hard experiences? It is possible! I would love to hear your story and be a guide to help you start facing things that may be easier to run away from. Do you feel like you are never doing enough? Do you have negative self-talk or excessive guilt? Do you feel like you are always trying to please other people? You may have a case of perfectionism. I would love to share what I know to help you overcome this kind of anxiety!

Angelica has a passion for helping young children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. She works with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, adjustment, grief, family conflicts and sever medical diagnosis. Angelica has specialized experience working with those who have suffered extreme trauma or have unresolved feelings about past experiences. Angelica also specializes in support for children and adolescents with serious behavioral difficulties (including: cutting or other self-harming behaviors, anger outbursts, defiance, dis-respectfulness, etc) Angelica believes that understanding, respect, and honesty are at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. She works with clients to explore past experiences and practice real life challenges, providing clients with the tools to better manage themselves towards their goals.

My name is Wendy Bertram and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW) based out of Arizona with a Masters in Social Work from ASU. Currently I'm licensed in both Arizona and California, providing both in-person and teleheatlh services. I use a client centered approach and multiple therapy models, depending on your needs. I am here to partner with you to work through the issues causing disruptions in your life and to help you meet your goals. Everyone’s experience is unique, and the therapeutic experience should reflect this. My expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, stress and worry, caregiver stress, and those struggling with the impacts of medical diagnoses. By employing a client-centered approach, I work to foster a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I employ evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, and coping skills for positive change.

As a therapist, I am committed to guiding you toward meaningful change and lasting healing. I strive to create a space grounded in empathy and compassion where you feel seen, supported, and understood. I serve adult clients with a broad range of life experiences and challenges and specialize in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, trauma, and substance use challenges. For all of my clients, I tailor my approach to honor your unique experiences and strengths. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices and use a strength-based approach to support your growth and healing. My method is both structured and supportive, helping you build practical skills, process difficult experiences, and deepen your self-awareness. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel more balanced, resilient, and confident as you move forward.

Hi there! It’s my pleasure to greet you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and I can’t wait to partner with you on your wellness journey. There are times when life seems more difficult than we can bear. In today’s current climate, life can seem more confusing as the days go by. Managing social issues, employment challenges, relationship difficulties, and personal struggles can be all consuming. With over 6 years of experience, I am passionate about partnering with clients on how to see the best in themselves and how to establish autonomy and agency in their lives. As a wife and mother within a blended family, I am very familiar with life’s struggles and challenges. Stress, anxiety, depression, disappointments, don’t have to get the final say in your life. My role as a therapist is to support you with discovering peace, inspiration, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Deciding to seek therapy to help manage your day-to-day life is a huge first step. You are important and you’re worth taking that step. If you believe that I can support you as you re-establish goals for your life, I would love to connect with you.

Hi there! I'm Vanessa. I was a social worker for a long time before I became a therapist, and that is the foundation of my approach to therapy. I specialize in working with clients with chronic illness, those who care for them, and folks experiencing life transitions. I’m based in Silicon Valley, but provide service via Telehealth throughout California. I have a body-neutral stance and a person-centered, LGBTQ+-affirming practice.

I work with adults who carry a lot — often more than others realize. On the outside, you may seem capable and grounded. On the inside, anxiety feels persistent, old experiences still surface, and the ways you've been coping may no longer be working. Whether you're navigating trauma, burnout, a major life transition, or patterns that keep pulling you back, I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space to slow down, make sense of what's happening, and build something more sustainable. With over 10 years in mental health, I bring a trauma-informed, culturally aware perspective to every session — focused on your whole story, not just your symptoms.

Currently offering very short term therapy. I have worked as a social worker since 2015 and was licensed in 2024. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I understand how challenging it is to come to therapy and speak of subjects that can bring about fear, anxiety and feelings of being judged. Therapy is the safest of environments to bring up topics that have brought about great pain or arrest in one’s life. My hope for you is that therapy becomes a useful tool to transform your life into how you envision it to be. Life is too short not to be lived out to its fullest potential. By working with you, I hope to collaborate in a transformation process where life goals come to fruition. As your therapist, I am your advocate and will support you in all areas where challenges, obstacles and barriers are encountered. I hope this message finds you well and instills a sense of hope that anything, if one’s mind is put to it, is possible to change for the better.

I am a therapist who provides a supportive, collaborative space for clients to explore challenges, build on their strengths, and create meaningful change in their lives. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including solution-focused and strengths-based interventions. I aim to help clients feel understood while also empowering them to identify goals, develop insight, and take practical steps toward improved emotional well-being and resilience.

I like to approach our sessions with a structure agenda and allow for the client to take ownership of the sessions. I like to assign homework assignments to reinforce concepts discussed during the session. I also use check in all through out the session to assess how the client is responding to the treatment strategies. In addition, I like to motivate client by helping them break down their overall goals into small and attainable objectives.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience helping adults navigate life's challenges through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and emotionally intelligent care. I provide a safe, collaborative therapeutic environment where clients can strengthen coping skills, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with strengths-based interventions to support healing, growth, and overall well-being.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides counseling to adults and couples using a trauma-informed approach. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and I help clients process and heal from complex life experiences. I bring a unique depth of experience to my work, having served 25 years as a police officer and over 13 years supporting first responders through peer support programs. I am also a certified domestic violence counselor with experience working with both adults and children impacted by trauma, and a U.S. Army veteran with four years of active-duty service.

Hi and Welcome! My name is Amy Childers; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 years of counseling experience. I have experience working with many populations over the years. I am also specialized in the treatment of trauma and offer EMDR treatment. My approach is client centered eclectic, so I collaborate with my client to determine the best treatment approach and goals for success. I utilize Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and EMDR in my therapy practice. I currently provide therapy to ages 18 and up at this time. I look forward to meeting you.

I'm Kyra Shapiro, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working across outpatient, private practice, and intensive mental health settings. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationships, identity, and life transitions. My approach goes beyond symptom reduction—we work to understand the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shaped who you are today. I strive to create a space where clients feel both supported and challenged, combining warmth, curiosity, and honesty to help people build lasting change rather than temporary relief.

Hi. I'm an old white lady with years of experience living on this earth. I want to share what I've learned with you and assist you to recover from trauma, abuse, and attachment dysregulation. I'm culturally competent and have specific experience working with people who are first-generation Americans who are walking the line between two cultures, learning how to integrate all their parts into a cohesive whole.

I am a California licensed psychologist with more than 30 years of professional experience. I work to help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, as well as coping with grief and loss, and with life changes. I attempt to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

My name is Ashley Morgan. I am an LCSW by profession, and a mother, wife, daughter, friend, lover of the outdoors, horse girl and forever life learner by creation. I was drawn to a career in mental health due to my awareness and involvement with mental health crises from a young age. Pursuing my graduate degree in social work, with an emphasis in mental health, only strengthened my passion for working with others along their mental health journey. I have professionally been working in the mental health field as an LCSW for over ten years and still find my work extremely gratifying and fulfilling. I believe it is truly a privilege to work alongside individuals as they are experiencing some of their most vulnerable moments in life. I enjoy working with individuals ranging in ages from 12 to 90, as well as working with families. I utilize an eclectic approach, drawing from various modalities, seeing the individual and their life situation as a whole. My goal is to provide a safe and comforting space where I can be an active supporter in helping you heal, learn and grow.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in medical social work and leadership. I have supported individuals and families through a broad range of life's challenges with compassion and practical guidance. My experience has shaped my ability to understand both personal and systemic stressors that impact well-being. As a military veteran, I bring a grounded, resilient perspective to my work. I've also been married for 30 years and am a parent to three adopted children who are now young adults - experiences that deeply inform my appreciation for family dynamics, transitions, and the complexities of relationships. I enjoy spending time outdoors and value balance, connection, and growth. In therapy, I strive to create a safe and genuine space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work toward meaningful change.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working with individuals, couples and families for twenty three years. I use interventions based on cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reach your goals and overcome patterns of behavior that are not working well for you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and strive to work with you to understand and move forward toward your goals.

Self-knowledge can only take us so far in dealing with our challenges. It may go deeper than that with our most persistent issues. It can be invaluable to have a trusted and non-judgmental person to help us see our blindspots and to provide insights that we can't see on our own. If you feel ready to talk about making more progress in your personal growth and recovery, I hope you'll schedule a session today.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University Los Angeles. I have been working in mental health for over 40 years, and as a licensed professional for 16 years. My area of expertise is mental health and supporting clients to be able to adjust and cope better with a myriad of life stressors.

I have 20 years of experience working at a hospice serving patients and their families, specializing in grief and loss. I also have experience treating people with mental illness and substance abuse. I have worked in residential programs and also doing case management for people with mental illness and substance abuse in San Francisco, CA I have run virtual community grief groups that are accessible and affordable. I enjoy working with people of all ages and steer my work from a place of compassion and with a genuine interest in your situation, striving for you to feel more in control of your path in life with growth towards greater happiness.

Hi there! My name is Jade and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. I am also licensed to provide Telehealth therapy to individuals in Idaho and Florida. I have worked in a variety of settings including higher levels of care and correctional settings prior to starting my own private practice in 2024. I specialize in treating adults who are struggling with anxiety and stress management, ADHD, gender identity and sexuality, self-esteem, body image and eating disorders. I'd love to connect!

I am a seasoned therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and specialize in fostering a warm and empathetic environment that is centered around your individual needs and time frame. I believe that we all have the ability to foster healthy relationships with ourselves and others and that our past doesn't define us. Together we can work towards change, one step at a time at your comfort. I have been in the role of Clinical Director for various psychiatric hospitals in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz County and comfortable with high acuity and at risk behaviors. I am currently the Clinical Director of a 16 bed PHF and 12 bed Crisis Program. I have various specializations in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Play Therapy and Family Therapy and I am excited about providing therapy to individuals on the weekends.

Hey everyone, my name is Thomas! I am an LCSW with over 5 years experience working with clients. I work with adults and couples navigating self-worth issues and relationship patterns rooted in past or present wounds. My approach is depth-oriented, relational, and focused on real change—not just insight. Clients often come seeking relief, clarity, and a more secure sense of self and connection.

Jungian therapy will look at the relationship of your “self” to your experiences and look at problems as a symptom of something deeper. ​ Whether it be a thought or perception, dream, belief, value or current relationship that brings you to therapy, we'll look for what messages are coming to you from within. Tapping into your own creativity, we can use myth and metaphor, poetry, dreams, literature and art to explore your relationship to the problem.

Hello! My name is Fidelia Onyejekwe. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with six years of experience working with individuals living with anxiety disorders, cultural issues, women's issues, depression, and stress management. I am here to provide services that will help support a better you. I offer telehealth services throughout the State of California. I offer talk therapy, life coaching and motivation, and support with identifying short and long term goals. I am currently accepting new clients! I am here to services your needs and be in allyship with you as you discover new way to cope and manage everyday life stressors.

Hello! My name is Colleen and I am passionate about what I do! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has worked within the State of California for 6 years now! I have extensive background working with many different populations as well as focuses! I have worked with active duty Military and their families, Anxiety, Depression, self-esteem enhancement and Trauma (both childhood and adult). I love to focus on a psychodynamic approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I love helping my clients connect all the dots of their thoughts and feelings together, as well as connecting the dots between childhood interactions and how we are as adults today! I am passionate and empathetic and it shows within my practice. I will be your biggest advocate as well as challenge you to step out of your comfort zone! I'm truly looking forward to getting to know you!

I’m a warm, down-to-earth therapist who believes meaningful change happens when you feel safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a supportive space where you can show up as you are—without judgment. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or disconnected in your relationship, we’ll work together to better understand what’s happening and how to move forward. I take a collaborative and practical approach to therapy. That means we don’t just talk about challenges—we explore tools and strategies you can use in your everyday life. I blend evidence-based techniques with a strong focus on relationships and emotional awareness. Together, we’ll look at patterns that may be keeping you stuck and build healthier ways of coping, communicating, and connecting. I work with individuals and couples who want to reduce anxiety, improve communication, and create more fulfilling relationships. My aim is to help you feel more confident, grounded, and capable—both in and outside of session.

Hi, I am a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, relationship challenges, and emotional intensity. I am trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, EFT, and DBT-informed care, and I integrate Certified Trauma Stabilization (TIST) to support clients in building safety, regulation, and deeper self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, direct, and focused on helping you break unhelpful patterns, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded and in control of your life.

As a clinician, I am dedicated to achieving results for my clients. I believe my clients can find their best solutions, and my job is to help them navigate towards these goals. I take a collaborative approach, working together with my clients to explore and distinguish difficult emotions and their underlying story. Once my client has a good understanding of where they’ve been and where they are, we can work together to plot a course towards where they want to me.

Hello, I was born and raised in Stockton, California. I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and in 1997, after 25 yeas of service, I retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Marine Corps, I worked as a Farrier (Horseshoer), as well as a structural welder (Ironworker), as those were the most marketable skill that I had. I came to a point where old injuries came back to haunt me and I could no longer walk (several years later, thanks to a surgery through the VA, I can walk again; thankful for that). At this point, I changed professions and out of a desire to work with veterans, I returned to school, accomplishing all that was necessary to become a licensed counselor. I spent another career working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically as a counselor in the Readjustment Counseling Service (Vet Center). I recently retired from the Vet Center and now I work part-time here with Grow Therapy. As a retired Marine senior staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) and disabled combat veteran myself, the Vet Center was the perfect job. Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling to combat veterans and provide counseling to survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). Vet Centers also provide group counseling, bereavement counseling and couples counseling when this is determined to be of support to the veteran. Readjustment counseling many times consists of treating/addressing symptoms related to post-traumatic stress (PTSD), I.e., anxiety, depression, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, etc. Many veterans go on to work as first responders and working with many first responders as well as medical personal, has provided me with a great deal of additional experience.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of California and Arizona. I received my masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing therapy in California for about 13 years in various settings. I recently obtained my license to work with clients residing in Arizona. I have experience working in a healthcare setting, school campuses, domestic violence shelters, and with substance abuse.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Southern California. I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Social Work. I work with people facing a variety of challenges, including those related to health, work, life changes, and other stressors that life can bring. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to identify their strengths, enhance their coping, and take steps toward positive change.

I have enjoyed practicing and helping individuals navigate challenging times and achieve meaningful life improvements for over 30 years. My background includes an MS in Counseling from San Diego State University and an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Fielding Graduate Institute. Throughout my career, I've supported both adults and children across diverse environments, including private practice, nonprofit organizations, and the US Navy. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each client’s unique needs, emphasizing resilience, growth, and lasting change.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I have been in the helping professions since 2005 and as a licensed therapist for 16 years. I’ve worked with a variety of clients of different cultures throughout. Early in my training, there was a heavy emphasis on the Western approach to address symptomology, but now as my career and experience have grown, I blend Western approach with Eastern influence, emphasizing the link between the mind and the body, and how trauma lives within the body, not just in our minds.

I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Hi my name is Maria Mercedes Giol, I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, California, Utah and Washington. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in Miami, Florida. I have lived in sunny (sometimes Florida, lol ) for 29 years and I am a devoted mother to a 16-year-old son and 1 small dog. I enjoy boating with my family, watching sunsets, hiking, bicycling, singing, and making homemade soaps.

Zairhey is a compassionate clinician with five years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She works collaboratively with clients to build practical skills, foster emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. Zairhey is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients of all ages feel heard and understood. She believes in meeting each person where they are, tailoring treatment to their unique needs, and empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Hi, I’m Cathleen Huet, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California. I provide telehealth therapy to clients throughout California. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 and have been working in the social work field for over five years. My professional experience spans a variety of settings, including hospitals, homeless services, reentry programs, and inpatient psychiatric care. These diverse experiences have shaped a compassionate, grounded approach to therapy, allowing me to meet clients with empathy, understanding, and respect for their unique life experiences.