I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health facilities and organizations for over 19 years and have been a LMFT for 7 years.
I have experience working with:
-Runaway teen youth (12-17 years old)
-Children with autism/ADHD (under 12 years old)
-Parenting Skills and Anger Management instructor
-Transitional Aged-Youth (16-25 years old)
-Adult psychiatric hospital setting
-Adult outpatient treatment centers
-Adults with disabilities (assisting living independently)
-Integrative-Health in a health clinic (ages 5 - 65+ year olds).
Working with many age groups and ranges throughout my career has humbled me to believe we are all in a quest to maintain a good quality of life within all phases of life.
Let's meet to discuss ways we could work together for you to reach your desired outcomes!
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.
Hi there, I’m Michelle,
Have you not felt like yourself lately? Are you struggling to find that happy, healthy, hopeful place in life? Whether it be from relationships, personal, or just life, sometimes we can just feel overwhelmed and out of sync with who we were or who we would like to become.
I am here to help facilitate that change. Together we can target the obstacles in your life and make a plan of action to put you on the right path. By using an integrative approach with effective therapeutic modalities we focus on the whole being to get you in balance.
My style is eclectic utilizing an empathetic position to build rapport while empowering you to become the stronger happier version of self. I combine affirmations and metaphoric narrative to separate you from the problem, allowing you to externalize the issues rather than internalize them.
I will meet you right where you are and provide a safe place for you to thrive and move forward.
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.
I am a licensed mental health provider in California, Missouri and Texas and have helped clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that can assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.
Change is hard, not having the tools, direction and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy.
The atmosphere that is created in the therapy session is one of warmth, safety, and acceptance. I have a straightforward, interactive approach to treatment. I am passionate about my work and strongly believe in the healing benefits of therapy. Reach out to me, I’d love to help you help heal, connect, & thrive. Together we can create the life you want.
Hi I am Kao, I firmly believe that as humans we have an innate desire for growth and balance. Unfortunately, often we physically respond to ingrained negative cues and messages that get stuck in our body. Many times these old cues manifest themselves in our body as anxiety, depression, and other trauma responses. It can feel like we are living life just trying to cope with the loudness of these negative messages. What if instead of just gaining tools to “cope” with these trauma responses, we could eliminate them all together? How might your life look? My hope is that in our work together we will be able to address wounds and move towards healing so that you don’t have to “cope” anymore. Instead you can thrive and have a sense of self-awareness that brings constant peace and clarity.
I'm Jake, a guy who was always told he was too sensitive growing up and had ever-changing interests because of his ADHD. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in customer service for 14 years, six of those years in medical reception. In that time, I also worked four summers at a camp for kids with special needs. I've met and worked with a lot of different people and I've seen a lot. What I've learned is that everyone has challenges, some more than others, and that we can all use some support sometimes. I bring compassion, a systemic perspective, and my ability to make the scariest stuff feel easier to talk about so that you can get what you need from therapy.
Hi there.
My name is Alexis Morris and my preferred name is Lexi. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, my primary goal is to provide compassionate and effective therapy to individuals seeking support and guidance. With a foundation in evidence-based practices, I specialize in helping clients navigate through life's challenges and achieve their personal goals.
Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. My approach is collaborative, focusing on building a trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters openness and growth.
I believe in the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. Through exploration and self-discovery, my aim is to empower clients to cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies.
As a counselor committed to ethical standards and ongoing professional development, I strive to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field. My dedication to the well-being of my clients is reflected in my advocacy for their mental health and personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.
I can help every individual, couple, and family in diverse cultural backgrounds by supporting them to get a better understanding of their life, relationships and expectations in order to develop self-awareness, self confidence and creating a balance between mind, body and spirit. I work with individuals who are often facing a variety of mental health concerns including , domestic violence , relationship problems, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma.
link for booking:
https://growtherapy.com/book-appointment?id=10922&utm_source=provider-sourced&utm_medium=booking-link&utm_campaign=provider-dashboard
Hello! Welcome to my page! I’m Yisook, a Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of counseling experience supporting diverse individuals and families. I hold deep respect for the uniqueness of every client and I approach each therapeutic relationship with authenticity, curiosity, and openness.
I believe strongly in human resilience and in each person’s inherent capacity for healing. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and together—through a strong therapeutic alliance—we can navigate difficulties and move toward a thriving, fulfilling life.
I am a Hispanic Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from San Diego State University in Clinical Social Work, and have been practicing for four years. I provide bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural psychotherapy services to individuals 18+ struggling with mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders regain self-control and power. In my practice, I utilize a blend of holistic, multisystemic, and integrative evidence-based models tailored to your specific needs and concerns. I am gender and culturally affirming, incredibly compassionate and genuine, able to create an immediate warm and safe space that evokes clients to open up and share.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. Many of my clients have commented they like my insight and non-judgmental approach when discussing their issues. In my experience, I have observed many are struggling to make changes in their lives because they received the message they are not good enough. However, I am determined to provide a safe environment for all therapeutic participants by ensuring they can embrace themselves and recognize they are good enough.
I am a U.S. Navy Veteran who has personal experience with some of the hardships faced when families are separated due to long deployments. In addition, I have worked with men and women who have recently been released from incarceration. I have experience and training with domestic violence and other traumas as well.
Clients tell me that I have a calm demeanor and approachable character which help them connect with me.
I’m a 30 yr old who loves staying active...whether that’s going on runs, getting outside for hikes, or spending time at home with my cat. I love to be someone who can motivate others and serve as a strong, steady anchor during difficult times. I bring that same grounded, real-life energy into my work, creating a space that feels comfortable, supportive, and easy to show up in. Through my own life experiences, I’ve learned how to cope with challenging transitions and navigate relationship struggles, which allows me to show up in a genuine and grounded way with my clients.
I’m passionate about helping young women navigate anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and relationship struggles. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start, just showing up is enough. Together, we focus on building self-worth, setting healthy boundaries, and helping you feel more confident, grounded, and aligned in your life and relationships.
Hello. I'm Dr. Dutton. I am a licensed clinical forensic psychologist, and I have been working in the field since 2014. I have experience working with clients that are facing anxiety, depression, history of trauma, severe mental illness, forensic/legal issues, difficulty setting boundaries, self-esteem, career stress/burnout, and relationship issues. In addition, I work with military and veteran populations assisting them with a wide variety of psychosocial stressors. The best part of my job is being able to walk alongside my clients as they grow and heal, becoming the best possible version of themselves!
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a diverse clinical background supporting individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or big life transitions, I help you build clarity, confidence, and practical tools to move forward. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on real change. When you’re ready to feel more grounded and supported, I’m here to help — you can schedule a session anytime.
Janet Distefan, PhD LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego; an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Epidemiology from the University of California, San Diego. She has been licensed since 2006 providing comprehensive clinical care for issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, relational difficulties, grief and loss, and major life transitions. Her clinical practice is collaborative and strength-based, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, object relations and attachment theories; and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through a variety of life challenges. I have been practicing in school-based setting for over 6 years, helping clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and move toward meaningful personal growth. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I value truly listening to what each client hopes to achieve. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while equipping clients with practical skills to manage daily challenges and move confidently toward their personal goals.
I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish and am committed to providing culturally responsive care where clients feel understood and supported. I pride myself on developing strong, authentic relationships with my clients and consider it an honor to be included in their healing journey. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal oriented.
Is this the first time you thinking about having therapy? Let's talk about what therapy is and is not. Tell me your expectations. Therapy is in part, talking about how you are feeling whether you have depression, anxiety, or feel overwhelmed by your work, family or relationships or by all three . But that is just the beginning. My name is Judith Copeland, I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I want to help you achieve the positive changes would you like to see in your life.
Do you feel you cannot cope, have no self-esteem or don’t even know what will make you happy? Together we will uncover your strengths and you will learn the skills you need to better manage your emotions. I use several treatment methods including, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Integrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to tailor your care to your specific needs.
We will explore what is holding you back from achieving your goals and help you heal from past traumas. You will learn how your negative beliefs influence your mood and get in the way of your happiness. Often, we forget that everything is connected. Mind, Body, and Spirit. We need to take care of ourselves physically, psychologically, and spiritually. We often don’t really understand how deeply connected they are to our well-being. I will help you learn that self-care is just as important and or even more important as everything else you do.
We have within ourselves the ability to create the life we want and become the person we want to be. I would like to support you on this journey and look forward to meeting you.
I, truly, believe there is no "one size fits all" to therapy, so I tailor the therapy experience to match your individual and unique needs. I'll support you in your healing journey as your "co-pilot" to help you navigate difficult emotional terrain. I aim to meet you where you are and allow you, the expert of your own lived experience, to take the driver's seat, while serving as your sound board in the passenger seat, gently pointing out your blind spots, to help you identify the best path to wellness and fulfillment for a quality life that aligns with your values.
Hi there, I'm Gut (Goot)!
Thanks for looking at my profile, "the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step". I am a Veteran looking to assist others with their own "1000" mile journey.
My approach
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals on their perspective journeys. I utilize Solution Focused Brief Therapy primarily with couples.
My focus
I have found that my style and approach work well with individuals who prefer a straightforward, assertive approach.
My communication style is assertive, direct, with a curious undertone to solicit perspective.
My journey in mental healthcare
I wanted to assist with preventing Veteran suicides.
My goals for you
My goal is not that of a pastor; I do not want you to keep coming back, but to take what we have learned and continue the journey.
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who values depth, steadiness, and authenticity in the therapy space. My style is calm, thoughtful, and relational, with room for both reflection and gentle humor. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, unhurried, and genuinely seen—not pushed or “fixed.”
I’m especially attuned to how past experiences, relationships, and unspoken expectations shape the way we move through the world. I work at a pace that honors your nervous system, helping you build insight while also developing practical ways to feel more grounded and supported in daily life.
Above all, I aim to create a space where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself excessively, or have everything figured out. We slow things down, listen closely, and work toward change that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Hi, I’m Lorren, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I create a space where you can be fully yourself, where healing is about coming home to who you are with compassion and clarity. I work mostly with adults in their teens, 20s, and 30s, and center BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized identities in my work. I specialize in childhood trauma recovery, identity exploration, grief, and relationship therapy (including non-traditional structures like ethical non-monogamy). My approaches vary from EMDR, Person Centered Therapy, The Gottman Method for Couples/Relationship Therapy, and I have a deep commitment to social justice and systems awareness. When it fits, I bring creativity and nature into sessions as tools for healing.
Do you find yourself putting everyone else's needs before your own?
Perhaps you are the responsible one in your family—the person others depend on for support, and stability. You may appear successful on the outside, yet internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted from carrying responsibilities that never seem to end. Maybe you struggle to set boundaries without guilt, find yourself repeating the same relationship patterns, or wonder why you work so hard yet still feel like you're falling short. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
For over 20 years, I have helped adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and grief. Many of the clients I work with are Asian adults, adult children of immigrant parents, and individuals who have spent years taking care of others. Over the years, I have learned that growth is not about becoming someone else. It is about understanding ourselves more fully, letting go of patterns that no longer serve us, and creating relationships that reflect who we are today. I believe meaningful change begins with awareness, compassion, and courage. Therapy is not about becoming someone different. It is about reconnecting with who you are beneath the pressure, expectations, and self-doubt.
Hello, I am Michelle Wenzler, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals.
I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and difficult life situations. Together, we'll work toward greater self-understanding, emotional balance and a more fulfilling life.
Whether you are a young adult facing new transitions or a senior seeking meaning and peace in later stages of life, my goal is to support you in finding resilience, clarity, and confidence in your journey forward.
Im dedicated to helping people navigate life's more complicated emotional terrain with greater clarity, stability, and self understanding. I believe therapy should feel like a connection first. The therapuetic relationship matters, and I work to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and supportd while also challenged toward meaningful growth. My approach is collaborative, compasssionate, and practical. I integreate evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT , mindfulness, attachment -focused work, and trauma informed care to help clients develop healthier coping strategies, regulate emotions, and better understand long-standing patterns that may be keeping them stuck.
I have worked with adults, teens and their parents and couples to improve their communication, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. I am interested in teaching people skills that are effective to help them to communicate their wants and needs in an effective way.
Please note that while I do couples therapy I can NOT bill insurance companies for problems in the relationship. If you would like to have couples therapy it will be $200 cash pay per session.
My name is Isai (E-sai-EE), and I’m a Therapist based out of Southern California. I have experience working with all ages and backgrounds. My training as a social worker focuses on individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. My professional interests and specialities include working with teens, young adults, older adults, family therapy, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relationship issues, men’s issues, autism, anger management, and those with difficulty understanding/controlling big emotions.
As a male therapist, I try to make my sessions feel like a conversation with a friend and offer a calm space to talk about difficult issues, a new perspective to help better understand situations, and can help you identify and understand how you might be feeling.
I work from a trauma-informed, somatic, and mindfulness-based approach that honors the whole person. I guide with compassion, supporting you in cultivating confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of wellness. Healing is a collaborative process of self-discovery and internal alignment. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally affirming space where you can freely express yourself, fostering growth, empowerment, and lasting transformation. I value guiding with empathy and supporting individuals on their journey of self-discovery. My approach emphasizes practical solutions, healthy coping, and deep healing while drawing on evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with integrative and holistic methods tailored to each person’s needs.
Hi there! I am a therapist that has worked and lived on the east coast and the west coast utilizing my Florida and California license. I have worked with an array of different populations prior to becoming a therapist as I was actively involved with community health organizations, psychiatric hospitals, foster care facilities, domestic violence group homes, adult day care facilities, and crisis and text lines. Through this array of different experiences, I was given the opportunity to explore a wide array of populations and mental health disorders. I personally lost my Mother and brother to suicide and this has given me further insight into the reality of mental health situations and survival.
Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care.
His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.
Hi, I’m Andrea Vega, and I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions. I work with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns of worry, or impacted by difficult past experiences. My approach is compassionate and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based therapies such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and elements of EMDR, along with cognitive and skills-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Together, we focus on helping you understand patterns, process difficult experiences, regulate emotions, and build practical tools so you can feel more grounded, resilient, and confident in your daily life.
Hello! My name is Katherine, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also a woman in my 40's and Filipino American. As a therapist I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment. As a Filipino American, I bring an awareness of cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, and the complexities of balancing community and self. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space where healing and growth can flourish. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, exploring local food spots, and going on adventures. I believe that therapy is a journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside those seeking change and self-discovery.
I was born in the US, but I was raised in Mexico. I lived in Tijuana for 10 years when my parents decided to move us across the border to Chula Vista, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I experienced a duality of cultures. I was often judged for either being “not Mexican enough” OR “not American enough.” I also faced enormous pressure to be successful – to justify my parents’ having left their beloved country so my sibling and I could have a better life. This is one of many reasons I decided to follow this path: to help those who feel alone in their journey. That’s how I felt when acculturating to this country.
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at San Diego State University (SDSU). I was going to go directly into the workforce and eventually go back for my master’s, but an awesome professor challenged me to apply right away so I wouldn’t lose momentum. So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California. It took some time and courage to finish all my licensing requirements, but it was worth it! I’ve been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 2019. I am certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT.
I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. In our individual sessions, we’ll explore how your past experiences shape your present feelings and behaviors, including any underlying self-doubt or anxiety. Together, we’ll examine the personal, relational, and cultural influences that have shaped your experiences, helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your unique story.
Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing, we’ll address the feelings associated with anxiety and self-doubt. I believe that healing involves both understanding our experiences and reconnecting with the wisdom of the body. Through exploring the stories you hold about yourself, increasing awareness of physical and emotional responses, and developing practical tools for coping, we can create new pathways toward growth and resilience. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can express yourself freely, explore new perspectives, reconnect with your values, celebrate your strengths, and begin to feel more grounded, connected, and open to life’s possibilities.
Hello, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers therapy in both English and Spanish. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both emotional insight and practical tools. I help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, shift unhelpful patterns, and feel more steady and confident in their day-to-day lives.
I am a solution-focused social work counselor who values creative and experiential approaches to therapy. I support teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional distress by integrating evidence‑based practices with mindfulness and creativity. My approach is collaborative, non‑judgmental, and geared towards helping you build practical skills, deepen self‑awareness, and reconnect with your strengths in meaningful ways. We can work through the tough times together.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am a compassionate advocate for healing and growth. With a background deeply rooted in understanding the profound impact of trauma, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from a diverse range of evidence-based modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Through a lens of empathy and validation, I guide my clients on a journey of self-discovery, empowering them to navigate the complexities of their experiences. I prioritize creating a safe and nurturing space where healing can unfold organically. Specializing in trauma-informed care, I am committed to fostering resilience and supporting individuals in reclaiming their narratives. If you are ready to embark on a transformative path towards healing, I am here to provide the guidance and support you need.
Hello, My name is Debbie!
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey to wellbeing. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and obtained my Master's in Counseling at the University of San Diego. My interest in helping others started in early childhood. Supporting others was something I always found very rewarding, and continue to feel that way to this day. For the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to help others in a variety of mental health settings. I have worked in residential group homes, provided one on one mental health skills coaching, been a school counselor, and recently have been a therapist for the last 6 years.
I've been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years. I graduated with a bachelor's degree from University of California Los Angeles then worked a few years in the "corporate world" before going to graduate school. I got my Master of Social Work at University of Southern California. Since then I have worked with a wide variety of people; from those with terminal illnesses, to those coping with childhood trauma, to those with situational depression and anxiety. The one thing all my clients have in common is the opportunity to be truly seen and heard. Sometimes that is with quiet compassion and sometimes it's by having me cheer them on as they move toward their goals.
Hello there! My name is Leanna Park. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families through their toughest times, can celebrate with you through the good times, and be there with you through everything else in between. I can't wait to watch you grow as you meet your personal needs! My approach is client-centered/person-centered. I will meet you where you're at, with unconditional positive regard, and empathy, and allow you to have a space to create the life you feel like you need and deserve. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients to allow them to become the best versions of themselves along their therapeutic journey.
I specialize in helping clients break out of codependency and being stuck in repetitive cycles of behavior by addressing self-sabotage, low self-esteem, and developing self-sufficiency.
I focus on helping you understand and manage your physical responses to the world, which leads to managing overstimulation and emotions. You'll develop a sense of control and understanding of your experiences, finding freedom from impulsivity and overwhelm so you can feel calmer and make more intentional, healthy choices.
I work with individual adults (18+) only. I do not see couples, minors, or families.
Specialties:
-Individuation & identity development
-Codependency & relationship patterns
-Life transitions & life stage challenges
-Boundaries, self-worth & people-pleasing
-Self-discovery & personal growth
-Anxiety related to change & uncertainty
I am a fully licensed therapist who helps adult women and men who feel stuck in habits, emotions and thoughts that they know are holding them back. Professionals, moms, athletes, students and believers who know they have more potential in them. I help my client's get a clearer picture of how to let go, move forward and grow. Get started with the motivation you have now.
Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
I am a licensed therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, children, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, family conflict, and major life transitions. I bring patience, compassion, and strong communication skills to my work, prioritizing flexibility and adaptability to meet each client’s unique needs. My background includes significant exposure to crisis intervention as a member of a crisis intervention team, which strengthened my ability to remain calm and objective during periods of extreme stress. I thrive when supporting clients of all ages in processing emotions, building coping skills, and reducing symptoms related to everyday stressors. Together, we work to identify triggers, recognize warning signs, and prepare for challenges with effective strategies. I am trained in CBT, DBT, SFT, and trauma informed care approaches proven to be effective and always tailored to prioritize each client’s individual experience and the therapeutic relationship.
With 15 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, I specialize in helping create lasting, positive change through integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored to each client's unique needs. My work with clients emphasizes building emotional resilience, improving communication, and fostering deep connections. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and develop the tools they need for meaningful, fulfilling lives.
My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded in helping you better understand what is underneath the stress you are carrying. Together, we can make sense of old patterns, build healthier coping tools, strengthen self-esteem, and find more effective ways to move through anxiety, depression, family strain, and relationship stress. I also support parents, caregivers, and women navigating pregnancy, postpartum changes, and the emotional weight that can come with those seasons.
My name is Kathy and I have 8 years of therapy experience and 17 years of social work experience. Trauma or difficult dynamics with caregivers can leave us feeling hurt, angry, confused, or anxious. We also might feel like we don't know ourselves, like everything is our fault, that we have to be perfect, or like bad things are bound to happen. Trauma can get played out in our relationships which can cause conflict, confusion, and hurt. Because trauma happened in relationships, it can be healed in relationship. In my work with clients, I try and create a sense of safety, care, and emotional warmth so we can begin the important work of healing. These elements can give people a restorative experience where they can express feelings and truly feel held and seen.
I also use a psychodynamic lens; looking at the past and childhood to make sense of current feelings and behaviors. This perspective also involves looking toward the unconscious to help reveal important themes and emotional needs. I value a collaborative and strengths-based approach, working together to build on your strengths to work towards ways in which you hope to grow, change, expand or explore important themes in your life. Together, we can work toward creating a more stable or stronger core sense of self.
I’m also newly trained in EMDR and have found this incredibly helpful for clients needing to reprocess difficult experiences and memories.
In my sessions, I’m hoping clients will feel my authenticity, sincerity, warmth, and humor. I hope to create a space where people look forward to coming and spending time together as we explore and make space for healing and self discovery.
Taking the first step towards therapy takes courage and you don't have to do it alone. I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you work toward healing and growth.
As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have extensive experience working with adults facing anxiety, depression, Complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, domestic violence, severe mental health needs.
I specialize in helping clients who have spent years putting everyone else's needs first. Many of my clients struggle with chronic stress, people-pleasing, perfectionism, family conflict, low self esteem, and/or the lasting effects of childhood or relationship trauma. Together, we'll work to understand these patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of coping and connecting.
My therapeutic approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence based practices, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, strengths-based interventions, and neuroscience-informed concepts to help client understand how trauma and chronic stress affect the brain and nervous system. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival mode and build lasting resilience.
Together, we'll begin identifying the patterns, stressors, or past experiences that may be contributing to your current challenges. I'll also explain how trauma, chronic stress, and the life experiences can affect the brain, emotions, and nervous system, helping you understand that many of your reactions are normal responses to difficult experiences.
I am a Mexican American, first generation Licensed Clinical Social Worker and bilingual therapist offering services in both English and Spanish. My practice is centered on supporting young adults, adults, and older adults in a warm, culturally affirming, and trauma informed environment. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, family and relationship stress, and emotional challenges while building insight, resilience, and practical coping skills. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered in your healing journey.
Sometimes life can be a lot and we weren't meant to navigate it alone. Seeking support is an act of self love and an investment in your wellbeing. I offer someone to walk with you as we work through whatever life challenges have brought you to therapy at this time. I will meet you where you are at and together we will unravel and explore what comes up in session. We will identify your goals and work towards resourcing you so that you can reach them. I feel a strong ethical obligation to the people I serve and support and will always treat you with the utmost respect and dignity, acknowledging that talking to a therapist can be vulnerable.
I am almost 20 years into my career in social work and have practiced primarily in urban settings, but also in Latin America and I have seen, heard and helped navigate many of life's greatest and most painful challenges. This is a dynamic relationship between us and together we will figure out a path forward for you, so that you may live your most fulfilled life.
A discreet and compassionate therapist who has lived experience with all major phases of life, I'm dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families find healing, authenticity, and balance. I've completed extensive training programs in EMDR and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Both are evidence-based treatment approaches that tap directly into the subconscious where the roots of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors truly lie. I'm a California Certified Sexual Assault Counselor, a mom to two adult sons, and have been married for over 26 years.
Offers in-person in Santa Cruz, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable