Struggling to overcome what life throws at you? I believe everyone deserves a safe and non-judgmental space that can help them move beyond the difficulties that anxiety, depression, or heaviness of past traumas can bring. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who understands that therapy is a holistic approach that takes the whole individual and their environment into consideration. I know firsthand how exhausting it can be when anxiety, depression, or PTSD weigh down your daily life. My focus is on helping teens and adults not just cope, but truly heal. To do this, my approach is heavily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and existential approaches. Throughout our sessions, we will build the practical everyday skills you need to reclaim your energy and create a life to be truly excited about.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California as well as a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska. I also have a PhD in International Psychology from the Chicago School. I have 15 years of experience as a therapist, and 15 years previous to that teaching coping skills and working in group homes with adolescents that struggled emotionally.
I strive to provide a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, non-judgmental space for personal exploration, emotional vulnerability, and growth. Additionally, I am committed to offering LGBTQ+-affirming care.
I utilize a variety of modalities to provide an experience that is tailored to each person and their stage of life. My desire is that you find a calm, strength-based, and client-centered experience each time you meet with me.
I’m a warm, open-minded clinician who works with adults to manage anxiety, process complex emotions, and strengthen self-worth. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate space where you feel safe, seen, and accepted as you move toward healing. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and a range of diagnoses. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, drawing from a variety of evidence-based therapies.
I'm Emilee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background spanning community mental health and Adult Psychiatry outpatient clinic, and more importantly, someone who genuinely believes you don't have to navigate life's hardest moments alone. I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life transitions, using a blend of CBT, ACT, DBT skills, and trauma-informed care that's always tailored to your unique story. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I show up as a real person in our work together, not just a clinician with a checklist. If you've been thinking about reaching out, I'm glad you're here , let's figure it out together.
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my goal is to foster resilience, to help you reach your goals, uncover strengths, explore challenges, and create meaningful change in your life. I believe in allowing each individual to be an active participant in therapy, and my role as a therapist is to work with you by offering support, reflection, and insights to help you reach your goals. I strive to make therapy a collaborative process. I recognize the importance of tailoring sessions to suit your individual needs and would love to support you.
"Hello, my name is Peggy Stewart, and I have been practicing psychotherapy for over a decade. I am a professor at the University of Southern California, where I teach aspiring mental health professionals. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist (LCSW) and a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology. My approach to therapy is to assist my clients in achieving an improved quality of life."
I have been a therapist for 32 years now. I feel so fortunate that I found as a young adult this carreer in counseling and mental health and have been able to enjoy my work and help others along the way. For much of my career I have been working with clients suffering from chronic mental illness. But I also have extensive experience running my own private practice, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the LGBTQ community, sexual abuse survivors, folks who struggle with depression and personality disorders.
I am a bilingual and bicultural Vietnamese American Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am an immigrant who have lived, studied and worked in the US since 2003. I have practiced mental health counseling since 2010. I am married and have a grown daughter who has "flown away to be free." Outside of work, I love going fishing whenever I can and taking long walks daily.
My experience as a therapist is wide-ranging: I have worked in adult rehab, child development, college counseling, women's trauma recovery, and individual online and in-person work with teens, adults, and seniors. I currently work exclusively with adults and seniors in an online setting.
I found my way to therapy living and working across three continents, through careers in the theatre, and in teaching at all levels up to post-graduate professional development. My clinical and life experiences have helped teach me the value of community, and a strong and dynamic sense of self-worth.
Hi, my name is Madeleine (Maddie) Kelly. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, California with over 13 years experience helping adult individuals from all walks of life navigate life's various challenges as a collaborative therapeutic team. Growing up, I experienced a variety of personal struggles with my own mental health, which inspired me to seek an education in clinical psychology. I provide culturally informed and identity-conscious care to adults and offer a safe space that is non-judgmental, compassionate and empathetic.
Are you experiencing a recent life transition that causes you stress, anxiety, or depression? (e.g. moving, school, job, breakups, marriage, family changes, kids, coming out) Are you ready to begin healing from childhood traumas and learn ways to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Let's collaborate on prioritizing self-care and moving with more motivation, energy, and purpose. Are you struggling with various life stressors and want to learn healthier means of self-care? Are you having conflicts with family, coworkers, or friends? Let's collaborate to set healthy boundaries, learn to accept reality as it is, and take control of the choices that align with your values and goals. These are just a few of the many ways I can support you. I will sit with you through painful emotions and help you write a new story with more self compassion, self worth, and love. Whatever place you are in your journey of growth and self-healing, I will be present and ready to go to work with you. I look forward to being your supporter, mentor, ally, and coach. We will learn, grow, and celebrate every small and big step toward living a more authentic, meaningful, and healthy life together as a team. Moving forward, you are never alone in this journey.
My name is Erika Ragland, LCSW and I have been working in mental health for 15 years. I grew up in a Military family and lived all over the world. The world is an incredibly beautiful and complex place full of wisdom and possibility. Life looks different for everyone, and no one's challenges are the same, but everyone can benefit from objective, honest communication and clinical expertise.
I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you!
I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you.
I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.
Hi! My name is Kayla, an LPCC in CA. My work is focused on working with individuals navigating generational and cultural traumas, church hurt, and challenges associated with perfectionism. I identify as a Christian therapist and can bring a faith-based approach when appropriate, but my practice is open to anyone, and is rooted in a deep commitment to helping you overcome challenges like anxiety, trauma, relational, and familial conflict with warmth and understanding. My niche is working with adults in transitional stages of life, from ages 18-35, as a support and sounding board for the unique challenges that come in this stage.
I come with a very gentle, client-centered approach, which means that one of my main focuses is to create a warm, supportive and encouraging space for you to discuss the things you want to discuss in the therapy room. My goal is to make sure you feel heard and supported - from there, we can work together to identify areas for growth and change!
Wherever you are in your journey, I’m here to provide compassionate guidance and gentle support. Let’s collaborate to build a path toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. I look forward to meeting you and partnering with you!
VirtualOffers in-person in Placentia, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable
You don't have to keep carrying this alone. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, or a life that feels overwhelming: relief is possible, and you deserve support that truly fits who you are.
I'm Matt Tapia, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), licensed in Arizona and California. My background is genuinely unique: I'm one of the few therapists who holds both a clinical therapy license and a behavioral science certification. That combination means I bring two powerful perspectives into every session: the emotional depth of relationship-centered therapy and the practical, evidence-based tools of behavioral science. We won't just talk about how you feel. We'll understand why you do what you do, and build a real plan to change it.
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and my practice is proudly neurodivergent-affirming. You belong here.
Greetings! My name is Crystal, I am a therapist with a passion for my work. I come from a client-centered approach because I believe you, the Client, is the expert on the current experience. My experience has taught me from this central humanistic standpoint, the relevant and helpful interventions are at arm's reach. I believe in educating my clients and partnering with them through their unique experience with therapy.
I enjoy living in the Joshua Tree area and exploring the beautiful desert. My new and healthier lifestyle is keeping me busy with exercise and cooking. The combination of the two has made my new life a true second chance!
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I use a person centered approach tailored to the individual to help individuals find peace within themselves and joy in their emotions. I have a background working with people experiencing psychosis, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. I believe that there is no such thing as “normal” as we all have our own path to walk. I am passionate about about helping others meet the highest version of themselves and grow into that version. I believe that a person is a whole creature - mind, body, and spirit, and all of that must be nurtured.
Hi, I’m a therapist based in Orange County, California with a deep commitment to helping others and continuing to grow in my understanding of people. I’ve had the privilege of working across a variety of settings—including residential treatment, PHP/IOP programs, school-based counseling, and telehealth—supporting individuals through a wide range of challenges.
I take a holistic approach to therapy, with a strong interest in the mind-body connection and ways we can support healing on every level. Outside of therapy, I love spending time outdoors, traveling, exploring new coffee shops, and continuing to learn more about wellness and personal growth—values I naturally bring into the work I do with my clients.
My name is Uchechi Alozie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is seeing my client within their environment and not just the issues they are presenting. My approach is trying to aid my clients holistically. I have worked with family units for more than 10 years. And have worked with individuals with chronic mental illness for 6 years.
I am used to working with families with different dynamics. I have a background in child welfare services, so I am very familiar with the trauma that comes from familial interpersonal relationships. I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric setting, working with individuals suffering from debilitating chronic mental illness.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I earned my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at Vanguard University. As your therapist, my hope is to create a supportive relationship where you will feel validated, heard, and seen within a safe environment. My clients have overcome depression, anxiety, toxic relationships, addictions, grief, and trauma. I look forward to us discovering the best you through our work.
Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 9 years of experience. I believe treatment and therapy should be different for each individual depending on their preferences, background, beliefs, and personality. I frequently use compassion focused techniques to help clients understand that they are worthy of happiness and love. I have been trained in EMDR Therapy, which is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms that stem from trauma or upsetting memories. I strive to help clients find the right balance of healthy behaviors and realistic thoughts through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also use many strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which incorporates mindfulness and acceptance.
I have been practicing in the field for over a decade. I have specialized training in trauma, addictions, relationship enhancement, marital and premarital. I work with adults, and couples. I have a heart for seeing relationships thrive. I believe Love is Enough. I will walk along side you through transitions, hurt, pain, and making sense of the present and complex situations.
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. Unfortunately, I am not accepting couples for couples therapy at this time.
My journey to becoming a therapist started 29 years ago on a personal recovery journey, recovering from personal trauma and addiction in the entire system growing up including family, and coming from a low SES background, therapy became a way to reconcile the change I was going through in my life. Working with and helping others has always been a calling of mine, and becoming a therapist was a natural extension of that ongoing work on both myself and in my work with others.
Beginning with a humanistic approach means meeting the client where they are at, and then conceptualizing the approach with a combination of humanistic and positive psychology, systems theory, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
I provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals struggling with anxiety; a history plagued with substance use, abuse, and addiction; relationship difficulties; past trauma; and the effects of dysfunctional family relationships. If you are struggling in your personal or work relationships, if you are finding it hard to adjust to loss or trauma, or if you are finding it difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life, I can offer help in dealing with today's struggles--and hope for facing future challenges. I will work alongside you as you learn new ways to find success and happiness.
I approach life with curiosity and a sense of purpose. I have worked in the mental health field for the last 8 years from nonprofit organizations, outpatient substance abuse facilities, crisis on call agencies and the judicial system. Prior to my experience as a marriage and family therapist, I was a stand up comic. I try to bring humor into the room whenever possible as I believe laughter is the best medicine.
Hello,
By the time we reach adulthood, many of us find ourselves carrying the weight of unresolved concerns. This emotional “luggage” can give rise to feelings of sadness, loneliness, helplessness, low self-esteem, hopelessness, persistent worry, and many other challenges that affect our daily lives.
Let me introduce myself: I am Dr. Varda Hakobyan, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. I work with a broad spectrum of psychological concerns, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, problematic relationships, behavioral issues, and more. These challenges can place a heavy burden on both mind and body, often limiting our ability to build fulfilling personal, social, and professional lives.
In my work with you, I draw on an eclectic, integrative approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs so that our work together supports both healing and meaningful growth.
Most importantly, I want you to know that I strive to create a safe, positive, and non-judgmental environment, where we can build a strong foundation of trust. It is within this trustful therapeutic relationship that we can explore the deeper layers of your psyche and support your path toward well-being.
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Educational Psychologist with a strong background in community mental health and crisis response across diverse settings. I also serve as an adjunct professor, where I train future clinicians and stay closely connected to current best practices in the field. As a bilingual provider, I have extensive experience working within urban communities, bringing cultural responsiveness and accessibility into my work.
My experience includes supporting individuals across the lifespan, including those navigating complex trauma, severe mental health conditions, and neurodivergence. I take a collaborative, grounded approach to therapy, helping clients build insight, develop practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values authenticity, connection, and creating a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I believe therapy should be both practical and meaningful—helping you build tools for daily life while also gaining deeper insight into yourself and your experiences. I have experience providing in-person and telehealth therapy services to pregnant and parenting mothers as well as individuals with severe mental illness who needed follow-up after hospitalization or just an on-going therapeutic relationship.
Hello! I am an LCSW with over 10 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings and levels of care. I am a natural and empathetic listener, and am able to deeply connect with and understand others. I hold space with reverence and respect for your trust and bravery in showing up, and respond with genuine understanding, intelligence, insight, acceptance, and compassion. I seek to join with and help empower clients to recognize and question patterns within their own lives, and to use skills and different perspectives to create lasting change where desired.
Hi, my name is Laurie. I have been a Marriage and Family Therapist for 27 years. I have been able to help a variety of people who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, anger management, trauma, family conflict, military-related issues, parenting and couples who want to learn better communication skills.
I have worked with people from a variety of ethnicities and ages, from 5 to 75. I am compassionate, caring, and empathic.
My background includes; working with troubled teens, military members who struggle with deployment, etc., a drug and alcohol treatment center, couples, and those who struggle with trauma from childhood.
You've read the books. You have endlessly analyzed your sun, moon, and rising signs. Maybe you have even tried therapy before. And yet something still feels stuck, like there is a layer underneath the thinking that no amount of insight seems to reach.
I'm Joanna, a licensed therapist in Long Beach, CA. I work with folks who are anxious, burned out, or carrying the weight of past experiences and are ready to try something that goes deeper than just talking about it. Using body-based techniques alongside conversation, I help people shift patterns they have been trying to change for years.
I work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, and are ready for change but unsure where to begin. You may find yourself overthinking, struggling with stress, or navigating a difficult life transition. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and begin to move forward with greater clarity.
My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I aim to help you better understand your thoughts and emotions, build effective coping strategies, and develop a stronger, more confident sense of self. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
To others it may seem like you've got it all together, but on the inside you're spinning out of control. Panic randomly punches you in the chest, taking your breath away, and you can't focus on anything else other than how to make it stop. You are consumed by trying to keep up with everyone else since they seem to have it all together, but you can barely function through the day. You feel like an awful mom because you are lashing out on your kids and hating the daily monotony instead of "embracing the joy of motherhood." You feel like you are failing your partner because somewhere along this journey you just lost yourself.
You want to be a better mom to your kids. And remember why you fell in love with your partner. And stop the tornado of anxiety that knocks you out on the regular. You want to stop living by the expectations of others and rediscover who you truly are. It's time to win back some peace of mind and self-worth and attract the life you want.
I have the DBT and mindfulness skills, which uses both mind and body exercises that will help you manage the crippling anxiety, love yourself better, be a more present and joyful mom, improve your relationships, and attract the life you want.
I’m a therapist who works with teens and adults navigating life transitions, processing trauma, and seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I bring warmth, empathy, and a touch of humor into our work to help create a space where you can feel comfortable and supported. Along the way, I also offer practical coping strategies and tools to help you manage challenges and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
Hello community,
I’d like to introduce myself. I’m a California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with six years of experience providing mental health therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I’ve worked in healthcare settings where I developed strong skills as both a therapist and clinical social worker.
My approach emphasizes treating the whole person, recognizing how emotional, social, and environmental factors all play an important role in mental health and well-being. I strive to create a compassionate and supportive space where individuals can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
I’m passionate about supporting individuals through complex life experiences and helping them feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing process.
Warm Welcome - I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been working with California based clients for over 9 years. I have experience working in various treatment settings including community mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, and psychiatric hospitals. I also oversaw a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program, specific for college students, within the hospital setting. Outside of therapy, my professional background includes working in university settings both in administration and as an educator. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with issues related to, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, relational issues, addiction, and burnout.
My goal as a therapist is to help clients face both the real and perceived challenges in their lives with clarity, support, and renewed strength. I approach each person as a unique human being with their own story, strengths, and struggles, and I see therapy as a collaborative process of moving forward together.
I work in a way that is direct and pragmatic, drawing on psychoeducation and clinical experience to give clients new ways of seeing, understanding, and coping with life’s difficulties. At the same time, my style is deeply connection-based, rooted in empathy and authenticity, with room for levity when appropriate.
I am a hopeful therapist who believes in the process of growth and in our ability as human beings to continually renew ourselves. I find it a genuine honor to share in a client’s journey, and I approach the work with respect, presence, and care.
I work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety and anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship and coupling challenges, parenting stress, OCD, and many others.
Life transitions and unexpected challenges can bring a mix of emotions, including stress, uncertainty, anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt. Whether you are navigating changes in relationships, school, work, identity, family dynamics, or other personal challenges, therapy can provide a supportive space to process these experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy in both English and Spanish. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Over the past several years, I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, and hospital emergency services, helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and interpersonal challenges.
My ideal is to help others help themselves around mental health issue created in the past and in the present. With this in mind, I went back to school at a later age and received a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in developmental psychology at Mills College in Oakland and then an additional master's in counseling at The Wright Institute in Berkely. These academic experiences were life changing due to knowledge gained. During my years of being a therapist I have helped others to gain similar knowledge leading to lives with increased sense of self and calm.
Hello, I am a neurodivergent human who enjoys reading, gardening, drinking coffee, binge-watching TV, listening to music, and drinking coffee/tea. One of my favorite hobbies is collecting hobbies! I love cats and dogs but am allergic to both--feel free to let your pets interrupt sessions! Early mornings are my least favorite part of the day so I avoid scheduling responsibilities before 10AM.
Hi, I’m Mashaal Khan, LMFT. I work with individuals across all stages of life who find themselves at a crossroads—seeking clarity, relief, or a deeper connection to themselves. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, or the quiet weight of relationship challenges, therapy becomes a space to gently untangle what feels overwhelming.
My approach is both grounded and intuitive, blending evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT with a deeper, reflective process. Together, we slow things down—listening closely to your inner world, making sense of patterns, and creating space for something new to emerge.
This is a place where you are met with care, discretion, and intention. A place to feel understood, to restore balance, and to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and ease.
I’m a clinician committed to helping individuals and families learn how to achieve identified goals from a person centered approach, working collaboratively with the client to ensure they feel supported while working on reducing the negative symptoms and behaviors that may be standing in their way of success. My work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs, while utilizing strength based interventions to assist clients with identifying their greatest potential and normalizing the feelings of isolation and loneliness that may be holding them back. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals in a safe environment build on trust and confidentiality.
I work alongside all my clients, collaboratively, developing goals that matter to them. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I work on fostering a special bond between myself and each client, taking a client-centered approach that respects the unique experiences that every individual brings. I work collaboratively with clients to help set meaningful goals and offer support for a wide range of concerns, including: Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorders and Autism.
I'm Brandon! Nice to meet you. I am happy you have found me here on your journey of health and recovery. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Military Veteran. I was an Intelligence Analyst for the Navy for 6 years before becoming a Licensed Social Worker, which has had me in the field for over 10 years. I can help by developing a trusting relationship to guide and navigate your reasons for therapy.
Each of us has our own story and sometimes our experiences leaves us feeling confused, frightened, sad, and often tremendously isolated. I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you.
My approach to therapy always starts with listening to my client's needs. My methods evolve through constant customization and mutual collaboration. Therapy with me will include exploring aspects of life that are not working well and constructing solutions.
Hi, I’m Patricia Samantha Bitar, a holistic EMDR therapist devoted to helping you reconnect with your emotional truth, inner wisdom, and personal peace.
With a warm, grounded approach, I create nurturing spaces where healing becomes possible through insight, empathy, and clarity. I specialize in supporting people navigate burnout and emotional overwhelm. I combine practical tools with deep presence, offering more than just talk therapy. My work integrates trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT/DBT, mindfulness, and energy healing –helping you not just cope—but thrive.
Whether you're working through grief, identity shifts, relationship wounds, or simply seeking a softer way of living—I’m here to walk beside you with empathy, insight, and care.
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.
Hi, I'm Amanda — and I'm glad you're here.
Maybe your mind never really quiets down. The anxiety hums beneath everything, the depression settles like a fog that won't lift, or you're caught in a cycle of moods that feels impossible to break free from. You're exhausted — not from life, but from the constant effort of battling your own thoughts and feelings.
That's exactly who I'm here for.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual work with adults and young adults. Over the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of people as they moved from survival mode to a life that actually feels like their own. I hold a Master's degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and I bring both the clinical depth of that training and the wisdom of real-world practice to every session.
My approach is collaborative and personalized — because you're not a diagnosis or a checklist, and therapy shouldn't feel like one. I'm a creative thinker by nature, and I use that to bring fresh perspectives to our work together, while also providing the structure and direction that meaningful progress requires. In our early sessions, we'll take time to understand what's really going on and build a clear, intentional plan that makes sense for your life. Most of my clients notice a real, positive shift within the first month.
You don't have to keep fighting alone. If you're ready to stop just managing and start actually living, I'd love to connect.
Do you feel like you have the insight but don’t quite know what to do with it- how to process it or heal? You are not alone. I help individuals and couples move beyond the surface to work through what is keeping them stuck. I use IFS, EMDR and other modalities to connect you to your wounds, unprocessed memories, and blocks. Together, we set to discover the parts of you that hold pain and unlock your full potential by exploring what is holding you back.
Couples:
If it feels like you’re speaking different languages or having the same argument over and over, you may be stuck in a negative cycle that’s hard to see from the inside. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), rooted in attachment theory, to help partners reconnect, communicate vulnerably, and rebuild.
Oftentimes, what stands in our way is fear—because we have a deeply rooted need to feel safe. I understand. It’s much easier to stay in something comfortable than to risk the unknown; our minds and bodies are wired that way. My hope is to reflect your strength and worth, and to provide a safe, trusting space where you can feel seen, heard, and valued.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California, committed to helping adults and couples navigate life’s challenges with empathy and expertise. My work focuses on addressing mood disorders, anxiety, personality-related concerns, grief, life transitions, and relationship complications. I also provide support for overcoming trauma, building self-confidence, and enhancing self-esteem.I am fluent in both English and Farsi (Persian) and have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.