Therapists in California

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background spans a variety of care settings, and I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered therapy as you navigate life’s challenges. I take a flexible, holistic approach to therapy, drawing on different therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, self-awareness, and practical tools for coping. Above all, my work is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to your well-being. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, identify areas of growth, and work toward building a more fulfilling life.

Most people don’t need more advice. They need space to slow down enough to hear what’s actually happening inside them. My work is less about fixing and more about listening; not just to the words, but to what’s underneath them. The pace of our conversations will be different from the rest of your life: slower, steadier, more honest. My goal is to help you come into contact with yourself again, to notice what’s true and what you really want.

I’m an LMFT/ CSAT/ CMAT doing private practice counseling and group therapy in Los Angeles. I’ve been a therapist for almost 7 years, experienced in treating sex/ porn addictions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, ADHD, and church hurt in private practice, recovery clinics, and faith-based settings. As a CSAT, I pay special attention to intimacy disorders, and believe the best way to treat addiction, depression, or sin is about finding real hope and meaningful connection rather than “managing bad behaviors.” What I really want you to know about me is that I believe so much in the therapy process, because my life was changed forever by the counselors that have helped me to overcome my own mental health struggles. A little more about me that makes me who I am as a therapist? I was a pastor for 17 years and I feel humbled when I can come alongside ministry leaders in a crisis of faith. As a gay Christian, I’m especially proud to share my story with other LGBTQ+ individuals who long for self-acceptance and inclusion in the church. I was a songwriter in my younger days and enjoy finding creative ways to help people heal. I believe we find our greatest purpose in the center of our pain, and I will probably get super excited when you do too.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I use a client-centered therapeutic approach, solution-focused, strength-based, and very supportive allowing my clients to find the answers within themselves. I have over 4 years of experience working at the Department of State Hospital as a Clinical Social Worker treating patients suffering from severe mental illness and 5 years working in all five of San Luis Obispo County Hospital's Emergency Departments, specializing in mental health crisis and stabilization.

Hello there.....My name is Maria Paola Cortes Elser, I was born in Colombia and have been living in the USA for 23 years now, and as an immigrant, I confronted different situations that helped me to grow personally, and spiritually and understand how special it is to be from somewhere else and become part of this extraordinary country. I understand the challenges that come from this transition from different land to America and all the life experiences that those changes include, mentally culturally and spiritually. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. I have been working in this field for 10 years, and I have experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as Substance abuse. I speak English and Spanish, and my motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and Mental illnesses through faith and professional clinical counseling.

I am a therapist dedicated to helping you move beyond feeling stuck in familiar, limiting patterns by exploring the deeper, often unconscious forces shaping your life. Drawing on a foundation in depth psychology and advanced training from the Pacifica Graduate Institute, I offer a unique, holistic approach that integrates both evidence-based, solution-oriented tools like CBT with transformative modalities such as Hypnotherapy and EMDR. Our work will go beyond symptom management to actively explore your inner world, including your personal myths and dreams, to uncover what's truly holding you back. You can expect a warm, safe, and creative partnership focused on achieving profound, lasting self-discovery and holistic

I provide individual and family therapy with a trauma-informed, culturally attuned approach. My work weaves together evidence-based methods like EMDR, CBT, and psychodynamics theory with deep compassion and intuition. As someone who values both emotional healing and spiritual growth, I help clients untangle the effects of trauma, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their inner resilience. At the heart of my work is a simple intention to help you heal, grow, and move forward with more clarity, strength, and hope.

Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women. I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices

Hola! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long-time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life while providing them with a safe place to be themselves in a safe environment. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions daily. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health. What attracted me to wanting to become a therapist was my true and honest desire to help others. Seeing how clients benefit from therapy, seeing how clients can truly overcome their mental illness, and seeing how clients can return to normal and healthy day-to-day living is what drives me to continue to do the work that I do. Today I invite you, to allow yourself to start your journey to a better tomorrow; I am inviting you to take a chance. Sadly we can't change what happened yesterday, nor do we know what will happen tomorrow, but we can hope for a better tomorrow by making positive decisions today.

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with seven years of experience, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the complexities of their inner lives. My specialization encompasses a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and communication. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a client-centered philosophy, meaning I prioritize your unique experiences and perspectives, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe that true healing and growth occur when clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take ownership of their journey. Therefore, I work collaboratively with you to identify your goals and develop personalized strategies to achieve them. My aim is to provide you with the tools and support necessary to not only address your immediate concerns but also to cultivate lasting personal growth and well-being. Ultimately, I am committed to creating a space where you can effectively process your experiences and achieve your therapeutic goals, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life.

My therapeutic style is grounded in a holistic and integrative framework, which empowers me to provide personalized care that aligns with each client's distinct situation and clinical needs. I am committed to cultivating a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As I walk alongside clients on their path to healing, I remain flexible and responsive, adjusting my approach to support their growth and development at every stage.

Hi there! I'm Adriana, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I obtained my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and have been practicing for 16 years. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to providing compassionate support to individuals and families as they navigate significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, relocation, career shifts, and other transitions. My therapeutic approach focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can openly explore and process their thoughts and emotions, ultimately fostering healing and personal growth. I have a passion for helping people transform into the best version of themselves, and I would love to come alongside you to inspire you to reach your maximum potential. Life can be overwhelming, but seeking support, understanding the past, gaining new insight, and developing new skills through therapy can bring relief and help you thrive. My goal is to help you tap into your own inner wisdom so that you can heal, grow, and thrive, ultimately living a more fulfilling life. Taking the first step toward growth and change takes courage, but the results can be life-changing. I provide services in both English and Spanish. My passion is to provide culturally sensitive and individualized services to help individuals and families overcome struggles and move on to more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Only you have the ability to make yourself happier, so congratulations on taking the first step! I look forward to hearing from you.

Do you ever feel stuck and don't know what to do? Does the thought of getting out of bed or completing a task feel so overwhelming that you'd rather just go back to bed and not think about it? It can be hard to carry on with the day to day activities that life brings us when we struggle with the stress, anxiety and overwhelming feelings around it. I enjoy working with clients to find the joy in life. I will listen to you, understand where you are coming from, and gently encourage you to move toward your goals. I will call you out on repetitive patterns that are getting you no where, and help brainstorm some ways of getting you out of that funk. You've done it your way, now let's work together to find a new way!

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services, nonprofit organizations, and hospital emergency departments. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration. Luke emphasizes healthy habit development, consistent focus on goals, and communication skills. Luke believes in solution focused therapy, positive psychology, reducing substance use, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve quality of life and achieve goals.

My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and dual diagnoses. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and focused on treating the whole person—I utilize evidence-based and self-empowering modalities to help clients gain insight, heal from within, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Hi there, I am Dr. Ola. Do you feel pulled, stressed, and hopeless, unable to find balance and healthy skills? Are you struggling to maintain your relationships, work, and mental health? Is it hard to show yourself compassion? I help diverse individuals manage life stressors and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a holistic and individualized approach to address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. I also integrate relaxation techniques to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, self-esteem issues, cycles of anxiety, depression, or other mental health needs, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary, but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the barriers and habits holding you back. Let's work together!

You might feel like you’ve been carrying too much for too long—trying to keep it together while life feels heavier than it should. Maybe anxiety keeps running the show. Maybe you’ve been stuck in habits or patterns that don’t serve you anymore. Maybe you’ve gone through heartbreak, loss, or betrayal and can’t quite find your footing again. Or maybe you just know something’s off, and you’re tired of pretending everything’s fine. Here’s how I can help. Together, we’ll slow things down and get to the root of what’s really driving your emotions and behaviors—not just the surface stress, but the deeper patterns that keep showing up. I’ll help you develop tools to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings in real time so you can start responding differently instead of reacting automatically. We’ll also focus on rebuilding your confidence and connection—with yourself and the people who matter most. That means learning how to trust your own instincts again, set boundaries without guilt, and create habits that actually last. Therapy with me isn’t about endlessly talking through problems—it’s about real movement. My goal is to help you feel lighter, more grounded, and genuinely hopeful about where you’re headed.

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters degree in Mental Health from Christian Theological Seminary in Butler University at Indiana. My Masters program is a Four year special degree program which is integrated with Psychology, Philosophy and Theology, that provides holistic approach to Psychotherapy. I work with adults who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, Anger, Trauma events such as military combat, physical and sexual abuse, neglect and Racism.

Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Ester Raha, and I’m a licensed therapist with 12 years of experience in the mental health field, including the past 7 years as a practicing therapist. My journey in this profession has been shaped by both my personal experiences as a female veteran and mother, a trauma survivor, and my passion for supporting others through life’s challenges.

Hi, I'm Eliana. I received my M.S. in Counseling at California State University, Los Angeles. I have been working in the mental health field since 2014. I began my professional career working in both outpatient and school-based services with children, adolescence, and parents. For the last 5 years I have been working with adults (18+) through telehealth. I have been able to demonstrate true compassion, dedication to clients’ well-being, and outstanding work ethic. I am also bilingual in Spanish and have been able to offer services to a diverse population.

Cynthia Rose has 20 years of experience working within the mental health field in the US and Europe. She has extensive experience treating mental health and substance abuse issues in jail and probation populations, domestic violence offenders, active and retired military personnel, and emergency mental health providers. She is an LMFT, is certified in DBT and is trained in EMDR as well as other modalities that can help.

My name is Jared and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I have 5 years of professional experience as an individual therapist, family therapist and clinical case manager. I have a school counseling credential and experience working with middle school through 12th grade students, in public schools and young adults who transition into adulthood (TAY). My expertise is helping reduce maladaptive behaviors, anxiety, stress, depression, family conflict, coaching parents, increasing motivation, building a healthy self-esteem, and being self-efficient. My hope is to build a safe space for you to gain insight, build self-awareness, and provide compassion to feel liberated. Therapy helps individuals recognize the roots of their suffering, let go of unhealthy attachments, and develop mindfulness. Therapy can provide a structured path to an idealized future by helping individuals heal, grow, and act with greater clarity, compassion, and responsibility.

I help my clients realize their personal goals through a trauma-informed and empathic approach. My expertise is working with people who have experienced a traumatic event and/or are experiencing mental health struggles/issues, helping them uncover obstacles that hinder their ability to reach their fullest potential. My lived experience brought me to help others as I would have loved to be helped: someone to tell me I’m not alone. Life is hard, and traumas become unbearable without someone in your corner to help process what you have been through.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide compassionate & professional support to individuals seeking guidance & healing. Whether you're facing personal challenges, seeking self-discovery, or navigating through difficult times, I am here to support you every step of the way. My approach is centered on nurturing and enriching the lives of those I work with. Together, we'll explore your concerns, develop coping strategies, and work towards achieving your goals. With a focus on empowerment and growth, my goal is to help you thrive emotionally, mentally, and personally.

I am a Bilingual Marriage, Child and Family therapist with 12 years of experience. I help individuals and families work through difficult challenges and guide them through a healing journey in which they set the destination. I enjoy and pride myself in working with individuals and families of various backgrounds. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are complex and strive to reach their full potential.

Hi there, I'm Jaenai. You made the right decision to seek out someone to talk to. We all deserve to have someone neutral to listen to our thoughts and feelings without judgement and to accept us for who we are. Are you struggling with figuring out what is happening with your emotions, behaviors, relationships, school/work, and/or health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself and others? I help with managing trauma, depression, and anxiety. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self, client-centered approach, addressing the needs of your mind and body. I also integrate mindfulness to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself and others. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy at all can feel intimidating, but you're making the right decision. You deserve a safe space to talk to find yourself to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and we will use evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Schedule your first appointment today. I also speak Spanish. COUPLES are CASH PAY ONLY.

I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I provide a person-centered approach that emphasizes helping my clients build self-compassion, as I believe that it is only from a place of self-compassion that we can feel grounded within ourselves enough to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, trauma informed, and practical, and I believe that we are all on a healing journey and see myself as a fellow traveler. It is an honor to walk by your side

I imagine you found yourself here because there is something in your life that is not working for you, creating distress, inner conflict, or bringing you pain. OR maybe you are desiring inner change, to evolve and grow as a human, parent, partner, or spiritually. Maybe you want to dive into exploring who you are at your core, what you are capable of, or what truly makes you happy. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist having worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have worked in a variety of psychology settings, including working with incarcerated populations; at-risk populations, and severe mental illness, as well as teaching at the graduate level. These different areas provided me with various skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I offer individual therapy to support and treat relational issues, anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, and life transitions. I take a collaborative approach with the intention to identify blocks and negative patterns and then release and clear them, while recognizing and building upon strengths, resources, and coping skills. I believe that therapy is an art as each client is unique. Together, we will develop the best therapeutic process for you. I will utilize the most credible interventions to support meaningful change.

I aim to create a calm, sturdy, trustworthy, emotionally grounded, and radically nonjudgmental therapeutic space where you can be deeply curious about your own experience. A patient space where you can take your time. A space where you can slow down, breathe, reflect, be silent or quiet. A space where you can be loud, angry, triggered, upset. A space where you don't have to make sense, but we can make sense of things together. Education: B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Northwestern University, Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Wright Institute.

Welcome! I'm John Dias. I work with adolescents and adults. Working through the lens of the effects of trauma and shame; I have helped these populations to manage and/or alleviate psychological and emotional struggles that result in anxiety, depression, and poor coping skills. I use an integrative approach to find what model suits each clients needs. In doing this, I have helped clients feel more apart of their journey in therapy. Helping them feel more secure and safe in a process that can be scary to some.

Hi! I'm a California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 14 years. I help teens and young adults overcome depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to inspire my clients to become the best version of themselves by identifying the root causes of their issues and helping them work through them.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I know personally how hard it can be to reach out for help, and I think it shows a lot of strength that you're trying to make your life better! I aim to provide a warm, non-judgemental environment where we can explore what tools might be helpful for you, and maybe even laugh a little! I have 15 years of experience in the field and I have been certified in researched, evidence-based therapies that we can try together, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), CPT, Motivational Interviewing and Seeking Safety. I'm here to help you find solutions that will help improve your life and help you connect with your values. We can try out several different research backed therapies until we find what is most helpful for you.

Welcome—I’m Sam Moglen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapy for individuals and couples in Berkeley, CA, and throughout California via online sessions. Whether you’re struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, therapy can help you find clarity and feel more connected to yourself and those around you. I am trained in a range of modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Rest and Restore Protocol, the Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapy approaches in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Hi! I'm Lesly. I’m a first-generation Latina LCSW and I help people who feel tired of being the “strong one,” overwhelmed by overthinking, or stuck between family expectations, culture, and who they want to be. Many of my clients come in feeling unseen, burnt out, or weighed down by old wounds that keep resurfacing. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish and specialize in supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity challenges. My goal is to offer a warm, affirming space where your story matters and your healing feels possible :)

I am not taking Couples, but I am taking individuals that are or are not in a relationship and need help. We were never taught how to be in a relationship of any kind. Yes there are tons of books of how to, however to put them to practical use can be very difficult. This can also relate to a relationship with a family member, friends or co-workers. Sometimes our own mental health can influence all of our relationships, and you may need coping techniques for anxiety and or depression type symptoms. I will work with you individually to help you gain insight to your own behavior that may be influencing your relationship. I am here to help beit coping strategies for anxiety and depression symptoms or learning how to communicate more effectively with others.

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 26 years in the human service field and 3 years of clinical experience. I’m certified in treating ADHD in adults and children and trained in Trauma-Informed Care, and refer to various treatment modalities. I am a firm believer that we as humans have the capacity to heal our inner selfs and/or have the strength to navigate life's challenges, but at times may simply require some help to do so. And that is where I come in. I am passionate about helping clients build resilience, heal from pain, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing treatment and care for vulnerable populations, including children and adults who require trauma-informed therapy, such as foster youth and individuals affected by domestic violence and/or interpersonal violence (IPV). My therapeutic approach utilizes attachment theory in combination with trauma-informed care, focusing on the development of skills for regulation, healthy communication, and boundaries.

Hi, I’m Betty Ortiz-Gallardo, LMFT, and I’m passionate about helping individuals find healing, clarity, and emotional balance. I create a supportive and culturally grounded space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. My approach is collaborative and compassionate—I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges, strengthen your relationships, and reconnect with your inner resilience. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions, we’ll work together to uncover what you need to feel more grounded, empowered, and understood.

It's easy to overlook our need for self-care when we're busy taking care of other aspects of our lives. Our priorities often revolve around work and our family's well-being, leaving us at the bottom of our list. My aim is to encourage self-determination through therapy. During our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to achieve your goals and find new ways to overcome obstacles and crises. We'll collaborate on identifying your strengths, as it's important to recognize how your current mindset and decisions are impacting the challenges you face in life.

Hello, my name is Monique and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I earned my Master's Social Work (MSW) from The University Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for over 15 years. I help adult women and men face, overcome and win the internal struggle within themselves. These struggles could be a result of trauma, anxiety, depression etc.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping clients explore new perspectives on mental health. I specialize in working with first responders and their families, offering a relaxed and inviting approach that creates a safe space for growth and healing. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals who are navigating everyday stress and looking to build healthier coping strategies. I often say, “Our toolboxes need to be big—because life requires a lot of tools.” My goal is to help clients expand their toolkits so they feel more equipped and empowered in their daily lives.

I'm Sheldon like the TV show! (Big Bang Theory). I help analytical high-achieving adults who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety and depression untangle their inner world and reconnect with their deeper self-using insight-driven therapy, dream exploration, and a creative lens that helps them uncover what's been buried beneath the surface. Do you often say, "I'm successful on the outside but exhausted and anxious inside," "overthinking everything, but still feeling stuck," or being in a "constant sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction," or being a person who "struggles to access or name emotions clearly." I help clients have greater awareness and emotional clarity and begin to feel grounded, self-trusting and more internally connected. I hope to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms through deeper insight and ability to recognize and break unconscious patterns. I help clients discover meaning through creative exploration, and dream work. I want clients to increase their confidence in navigating relationships and decisions and moving from analysis paralysis to self-acceptance and expression. My areas of expertise are in Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Mental Illness, Risk Assessment, Trauma, PTSD and Substance Abuse Disorders.

Hello! My name is Yvette Weeks, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is centered on fostering meaningful connections, emotional well-being, and personal growth. I work with individuals, children/adolescents, and families, focusing on a wide range of issues, including relationship difficulties, anxiety, communication challenges, behavior issues, parenting challenges, and life transitions. I'm committed to helping others through their challenges to discover their strengths, learn new techniques, and create positive change. I believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life- in whatever way that looks like to the individual person or family. As a therapist who has personally experienced trauma, depression, and anxiety, I deeply understand the challenges and feelings that accompany these struggles. It is not always easy to seek support from others (believe me, I took a very long time to reach out to someone), and knowing that I can play a part in helping others feel better and do better, drives me to continuously learn and provide the best possible care. It is an honor to be a therapist, and I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those I have the opportunity to work with.

I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to helping people, just like you. I use integrative techniques and tools to help you get in touch with your inner thoughts and intuition so you can lead a happier and more thoughtful life. I create a safe and empathetic space where we can truly talk about anything. I am here to be a guide. I love helping people learn more about who they are and how to enjoy their life more. I enjoy watching people learn how to advocate for themselves. I think having the chance to build a relationship with someone who is reaching out during a challenging time is a gift. I look forward to the times when my clients become empowered and grow throughout the process. I am privileged to hear every person’s life story and their experiences. I enjoy exploring how each client would like to change or add to their story.

Trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, I am available to help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, relational issues, communication skills, depression, and stress management . As a first generation Eritrean American born and raised in the Bay Area, I struggled with a sense of belonging throughout my adolescence, often straddling the line between multiple identities and insecurities surrounding the idea of not being “American enough" and not being “African enough.” Early on in college, I took a psychology class that helped me further understand the human condition and its applications in my own life. I learned transformative concepts in terms of moods, relationships, and behaviors, prompting me to further pursue the field of psychology. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to get advanced training in various therapeutic approaches, which I believe help clients get the most out of their therapy experience.

All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical health, you have to think, feel, and act better. Each has a corresponding effect on the other. However, the aspect of ourselves that we have the most direct control of is what we do, our acting. While we can influence other people, we cannot control other people. A great source of conflict and unhappiness results from our efforts to control others. If you want better relationships, the only thing we can control is what we do, how we choose to relate. We are responsible for what we do. Others are responsible for what they do. Accepting this fundamental reality and thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with it is how we increase our experience of power, freedom, belonging, meaning and, very importantly, fun. My professional experience includes over 30 years of post-Master’s clinical work, including leadership experience in foster care, chemical abuse and addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and hospitalization. I am experienced in working with ages three through the elderly. I have worked extensively with youth and families, diverse populations and life issues, providing services in various settings, including family homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, jails, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I take a client-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each session is tailored to the unique needs and goals of my clients. In my sessions, I would like to hear from you. Think of me as an observer in your art gallery, not as a critic, but as someone who appreciates your vision and the story you tell. You are the artist, and as such, you will explain to me your pieces, your vision, and your creations. I will take these all in and reflect back to you your work, and if appropriate, draw parallels from your earlier creations.

I am committed to helping people regain a sense of purpose and greater understanding about what they are struggling with. I work to empower them to have some control in a chaotic world around or within them. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families throughout the greater San Diego area over the past nine years. I can offer a safe and non-judgemental space to discuss your issues where you can feel seen and heard. My aim will be to understand who you are and the world you are in to create more meaning as you begin to heal. Sometimes we can lose our way, lose sight of ourselves, or even put distance between those we love. I am passionate about helping people find their way back to themselves and work towards reconnecting with their family or community.

“Just tell me what I should do!” Are you struggling with a specific issue, relationship conflict(s), or feeling stuck in a rut? Seeking support when you recognize that you can’t keep doing the same thing over-and-over is a brave, admirable step. Having your own personal, dedicated support will help you uncover your inner strength. Together we can define new ways to help move through situations with healthier outcomes. We all have the answers within, sometimes it takes a different perspective to help you recognize what your strengths are. Allow me to be that someone who helps you see yourself more clearly to allow yourself to make healthier decisions. My approach is driven by you. You will receive tools and techniques unique to you and your stage of change. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and help identify the steps that will get you there. With over 16 years of experience, you will have someone that listens to you non-judgmentally, will offer suggestions (and sometimes homework!) to help you improve and move through tough obstacles. Remember, “The only way to get through it is to go through it!” I would be honored to support your journey.