I utilize a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for well-balanced emotional/mental health. I believe a person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that everyone needs a slightly different approach to accomplish these goals, so I adjust in technique for each specific challenge. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life.
“Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Justin has been working in the field of behavioral healthcare since 2014. He began his career as a mental health technician within a locked psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles, supporting two units of adolescent and adult psychiatric patients. It was this experience that solidified Justin’s passion for providing compassionate, client-centered care in the mental health, and co-occurring dual diagnosis treatment field.
Justin has done extensive work providing direct client care as a facilitator of individual, group and family therapy providing crisis intervention and mental health services to youth and adults identified as at-risk in Los Angeles. Justin has served various treatment programs in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Over the years, Justin’s roles have included Residential Counselor, Case Manager, Primary Therapist, and Program Director.
Justin Cowell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). An alumnus of the University of Arizona and San José State University, where he earned his Master’s degree (MSW), has experience in mental health, counseling, and community-based settings.
Before joining the Grow team, Justin worked with diverse populations and adolescents. He enjoys incorporating CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology into his sessions and is eager to bring these modalities to work with the recovery population at Grow Therapy. Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, Justin loves all LA sports teams, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, and Rams, and loves going to games.
Both personally and professionally, Justin is a proponent of self-care, having fun, and trying new things, and is excited to be a member of the Grow team.
Hello, I'm Amber Potter, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are open to growth and curious about the patterns shaping their relationships and experiences. I’m especially drawn to clients who are learning to accept themselves more fully, including the parts that feel imperfect or stuck. Together, we will work toward greater understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
My name is Judy Jordan and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years years of professional experience in counseling with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I took an evening course in Psychology 5 when starting school, and by the end of it , I knew I wanted to become a therapist. I was drawn to understanding people on a deeper level and helping them through their struggles. With support from my dad, I left my job and went back to school starting from scratch. I loved every minute of learning and felt more certain with each class that I was on the right path. My dedication paid off...I earned straight A's and received the Academic Achievement Award in Psychology. More importantly I found a sense of purpose in supporting others on their mental health journeys.
Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.
Cherrie Phillips is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 2014, working in multiple settings including the community mental health setting, substance abuse residential facilities, and private practice. Cherrie has worked with various age groups ranging from as young as 5 years old up to later in life years. Cherrie prides herself on being a civil minded therapist, and particularly enjoys working with marginalized populations to guide them in unpacking and healing generational trauma.
Hi and thank you for your consideration. Please note, I currently only accept new clients who are insured by Kaiser.
Relationships with professors led to my providing therapy as an undergraduate student majoring in Community Service at University of Oregon. After receiving a Masters Degree in Social Work, the majority of my career was working 23 years for the National Center for PTSD. I had the extraordinary experience of creating my own job description as a Health Scientist in the emerging field of Disaster Mental Health. Over the course of these years, I responded to more than a dozen Presidentially-declared catastrophic events. At first, I worked with survivors or next-of-kin. As a first responder, I learned what every first responder learns when working with people in need. Without intention, we receive more than we give. It is, if you will, sacred work.
It has long been important to me to conceptualize what I am trying to achieve professionally. Toward that end, I published research, published guidelines to practice, etc. Eventually, I became a national, and then international consultant regarding emergency response policies, be they federal, state, county, or institutional. In 2018, I received a Fulbright grant to continue the work I began in Ukraine, following the revolution in 2014.
In 2022, I began offering telemental health therapy and have been enjoying the work and the progress with my clients.
I am a Bay Area native woman who identifies as a Christian, mother, social worker, and African-American. Growing up, I had a rough childhood in which I stayed with multiple family members and was exposed to the “fast” life and dysfunctional relationships, as well as the “9 to 5 working”, church centered, married life. While both made me into the woman I am, it was really my grandparents taking me in as a teen and showing me unconditional love, that made me able to not become another statistic, and understand what love is. My healing journey was not easy, but it was necessary! It is the people who poured into me and believed in me when I didn’t love or believe in myself that help me transform from broken and angry to the confident woman who loves herself and steps out on faith and gives back to those who have past or current circumstances that are holding them back from being there best version of them. I am not here to judge or tell anyone how to live. I am here to help people release their traumas, hurts, and other obstacles so they can restore to a healthy level of functioning mentally, spiritually, and physically. I focus on the person as a whole as our health mentally, spiritually, and physically, has a direct impact on on well being, and an imbalance in any one can hinder our level of functioning.
There is always room for growth no matter what age or where you are in life. It is my mission to help people in their personal growth and reach their full potential. I genuinely care for others and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. Life can get overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Through the Rogerian approach, I meet people where they’re at, being compassionate and warm, yet honest and straightforward. As a therapist I love utilizing a combination of therapeutic techniques from person-centered, CBT, TF-CBT, mindfulness, REBT, solution focused, psycho-dynamic, Gestalt and other modalities that have research proven results. Whatever you’re going through, I am here to support your journey. I am experienced and qualified to provide psychotherapy to individuals for issues varying from: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, low self-esteem, suicide ideation, to life stressors and more. You deserve to heal, grow, and live the life you want to live.
Dr. Sterling focuses on specifically "women issues," grief, life transitions, cultural issues, anxiety, depressed moods, and will support other various challenges. Dr. Sterling practices a humanistic and person-centered approach when providing counseling and life coaching support. She is very compassionate while helping people with overcoming adversities and reaching their resilience. Also, she is genuine, real, and present during each conversation. Dr. Sterling displays a real authentic persona that is comfortable, relaxed, and filled with good energy! The objective she focuses on is to bring ease into a persons life no matter the situation or where they come from! Dr. Sterling will uplift your spirits and is someone to look forward to speaking with!
"I have a PhD. in Philosophy/Advanced Human Studies. I have over 17 years of experience educating higher learners & helping others through various lived experiences. I take nothing for granted, all I have is a blessing including working with people from this perspective within my life!"
Dr. Sterling has accomplished a lot, but she is truly genuine and humble. She will not only build you up, she will lift you up, and teach you how to get up no matter how many times you fall down!
"I'm here, lets talk!" ~Dr. Sterling
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.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in the power of change, all you need are the right tools. I have invested in earning additional certificates to ensure that I am equipped to support you to meet, and surpass, your goals. I am a registered Art Therapist, EMDR and Energy Psychology practitioner.
After a thorough assessment and creation of a care plan, together we can work towards creating the life you've dreamed of, embracing who you are and moving through the traumas that have held you back.
As a therapist, I believe in possibilities. Anything is possible when you are willing to do the work. Are you ready to go beyond? Beyond your ideas or conclusions of what you can create. Together, we will go there.
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments.
She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences.
In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.
I use a client centered approach in therapy sessions. I am here to listen to your words and be understanding, I will also provide feedback as needed. You can count on a nonjudgmental, safe and confidential space. It has been a privilege to work with adults, families, and children. I look forward to joining you in discovering all that life has to offer.
Hello, my name is Pak. I am a licensed therapist providing services for individuals in California, Texas, and Nevada.
If you're considering therapy, you're likely facing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your well-being and quality of life. It takes courage to acknowledge these struggles and seek help, and I want you to know that I understand how difficult this can be. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Healthy relationships will lead to emotional strength, which is ultimately my goal for all my clients.
Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!
Hello to all! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Michigan, but with licenses in California, Texas, Michigan, Idaho, Delaware, and Montana. I received my Masters from Wayne State University and have been practicing for 20+ years.
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma related to relationship or family issues. During our initial sessions, we will focus on goals that are measurable, achievable, positive, and specific to your situation. We will focus on identifying common thinking issues and ultimately working towards adaptive thinking strategies.