Therapists in California

Hello and welcome! I’m Gassia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California (2016). As a therapist, my goal is to empower individuals, parents and teens, and couples to lead more fulfilling lives by fostering emotional well-being and stronger connections. I provide a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop healthier coping skills, and build resilience. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, going to the gym, being with loved ones, and traveling. I also practice mindfulness daily to stay grounded and balanced.

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.

Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California for 20 years and I hold a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Counseling. I am in my second marriage for 29 years now, after my 24-year first marriage failed. We have seven children between the two of us, 31 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I have had good success counseling couples who have given up on their relationship, especially those who have experienced infedelity. I don't counsel children until they are 18. I enjoy helping people understand how they became the way they are and therfore find ways to leave dysfunction behind.

Hi, I’m Fabiola Serrano, a first-generation Latina and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I help people who are navigating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and relationship struggles—especially those who often feel overwhelmed by strong emotions. My approach blends evidence-based tools like CBT and DBT with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Together, we’ll work on building emotional balance, confidence, and more meaningful connections in your life.

Hi, I’m Danielle, a psychotherapist with over 8 years of experience. I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a touch of humor—because healing doesn’t always have to feel so heavy. I blend evidence-based techniques with a personalized, down-to-earth style to ensure therapy feels like a collaborative and empowering journey.

Welcome, I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. I am a licensed clinician in 4 states (CA, NY, FL & MA) and enjoy helping clients improve their mental health and their lives. I find joy in seeing clients achieving their goals, and feeling that I made a difference in their lives. I am a digital nomad, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Greetings! I’m a Black woman who is also a mother, wife, sister, daughter and a proud community member. I believe that we all (as humans) are each others’ keeper. I’m a native Los Angelean and I practice with multiple methods but often view individuals through psychodynamic and cultural lenses. Any religious or spiritual background that prioritizes kindness is my jam.

My name is Katherine and I am a licensed therapist. I work with young adults and adults (18 years and older). I have worked in mental health clinics, counseling centers, schools and treatment centers. I have worked with people of all backgrounds, cultures, identities. I value taking a whole person approach. I am inclusive and am thoughtful in my approach with each of my clients.

Hello and welcome! My name is Cristina. I specialize in treating trauma and have used evidenced based modalities, such as EMDR to treat trauma related symptoms. I am in the process of obtaining my perinatal mental health certification through PSI (Postpartum Support International). I approach mental health as holistically as possible, exploring components of the mind, body and spirit to address healing. I like to work with you collaboratively to create goals and explore which areas of healing are necessary for you. I take a client-based approach and aim to make the space feel safe and a place where you feel comfortable to open up and share. We all deserve to feel seen and heard, and I hope that is your experience with me! I look forward to meeting you!

Hi, I have been providing social services for the last thirty years and have learned that at times we all need some support as life happens. I have also learned that people have benefited from being heard, provided emotional support, tools and greater understanding of solutions to unique challenges. It would be my honor to partner with you in your wellness journey.

Hello I'm Jessica! I am a therapist with a passion for supporting maternal/paternal and prenatal mental mental health, I understand the unique challenges and joys that come with starting a family and raising children, as well as those with special needs such as ADHD and autism. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for moms and parents to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to develop the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. With a compassionate and strengths-based approach, we will work collaboratively to identify your goals and priorities, and develop a personalized plan for achieving them. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, or simply looking for a supportive and understanding ally on your journey, I am here to help. With years of experience and training in various therapeutic modalities, I am committed to providing evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual client. My ultimate goal is to help moms and parents feel empowered, resilient, and confident in their ability to care for themselves and their families.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I consider myself to be a focused, inspired, compassionate, curious, solution-oriented, somatic, holistic, client-centered therapist. Providing the kind of support, understanding, and insights that give my clients the hope, motivation, and aha moments to elevate their self experience and personal healing to the next level. My intention is to provide the best and most consistent service to each person I have the privilege to meet.

I have been a licensed therapist for over 15 years, licensed in California and Nevada. I understand that reaching out and starting the therapy process can be a little overwhelming in and of itself, so I work to set a pace that is comfortable for my client. If you are ready to dive into the deep end, we will go there. If you need some time to ease into the hard work of therapy, we will go at a pace that feels comfortable. I see myself as a guide in the process of therapy and, at times, more of a teacher, sharing strategies and information. My goal as a therapist is to help you develop the resources and strategies to feel confident in your ability to handle life challenges. Sometimes that involves really getting in touch with the way you think and what you believe, or exploring how you are talking to yourself, or it might involve healing childhood wounds. Since each client is unique I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, I incorporate evidenced based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and sometimes complimentary therapies such as Guided Imagery. I tend to be eclectic in my approach because each person is an individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to resolving life issues.

Hi there, I'm Loc. Do you find yourself struggling with life's challenges and in need of support to move forward? I help clients manage anxiety and depression while also preventing burnout. Together, we can identify what isn't working in your life and get you back to a state of balance and on track. Whether you're facing overwhelming relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel daunting, but it's a positive step to take. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll provide a trusting environment and focus on practical solutions to help you overcome the obstacles and habits that are holding you back. Let's work together!

I am a mom, bonus mom and wife with 15 years experience providing therapy as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am a dedicated therapist passionate about providing access to quality mental health care. I specialize in working with diverse individuals and family dynamics, fostering a compassionate and accepting environment. My approach is rooted in authenticity, as I believe in the power of genuine connection to promote healing and growth. I am committed to supporting each client on their unique journey towards mental wellness.

My name is Nikki, I’m a therapist with seven years of experience, specializing in helping clients address anxiety, depression, and trauma. Using EMDR and a personalized approach, I guide clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and building resilience for a more empowered, fulfilling life. Together, we can navigate life's obstacles, build resilience, and rediscover your inner strength. Taking that first step toward healing is an act of courage, and I’m here to provide the empathy and support you need along the way.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering supportive, strength-based therapy to adults and families. I have a B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and an M.A. in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Webster University in Irvine, California. Throughout my carrier, I have worked with clients with a variety of issues and from all socio-economic, cultural and religious backgrounds. My experience in College Hospital, a mental health facility, trained me to understand how different mental health issues can be compounded by trauma and substance abuse, as well as preparing me for dealing with clients with variety of mental health problems. I have extensive experience with children, adolescents and adults who had experienced different traumas. Among my areas of experience are anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, women's issues, adolescents' issues and family problems. I utilize many different treatment modalities and treatment techniques depending on the client's needs.

Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step into your therapeutic journey! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and my Bachelor's degree from CSU Channel Islands. I have over 14 years of experience working with various populations and settings. I believe that everyone has experienced something that shapes who they are today, and I'm passionate about using my own experiences to support others in achieving their goals and finding resilience. Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, I'm here to provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings, overcome obstacles, and move forward with confidence.

I am a dedicated Licensed Professional in Private Practice in the Los Angeles area, with over 20 years of direct counseling experience. I provide high-quality services aimed at helping clients achieve a balanced perspective on their mental health. My goal is to assist clients in developing the skills needed to maintain emotional well-being through life's challenges. Ultimately, my primary aim is to enhance the overall well-being and mental health of my clients.

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I grew up in the Central Valley area of California. I enjoy helping others find their strengths. I found my passion for social work while volunteering at the Poverello House. I enjoyed giving back to my community. I am client centered/client focused. I have a holistic approach to therapy utilizing Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing skills.

My name is Emilie Crist and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Special Studies Pre-Public Health and attained my Master’s of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. I have worked in community health and private practice and have a broad range of knowledge and experience that I am able to apply to my work as a clinician. I look forward to helping you on your healing journey to find deeper meaning and a better understanding of yourself to reach your full potential.

Seeking help takes courage and I am here to provide a safe, welcoming space that encourages healing and positive change. I am a licensed Marrage and Family thearpist that works with individuals dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and disruptive behavior/parenting concerns. I am currently licensed in California, and Virginia. For the past 17 years I have been providing individual counseling to children and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationsip issues. I have also been working with family with parenting issues including supporting a neurodiverse child, working with neurodiversity affirming parenting methods, behavioral concerns, ADHD, eating disorders, and family separation. I use variety of techiniques depending on your needs, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing.

Hello. I am here with 19 years of experience balanced with cultural competence and sensitivity to varied backgrounds, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender identity. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my training is rooted in psychotherapy and family systems theory. My approach is with an emphasis on valuing and utilizing the client's own expertise and understanding of their life circumstances, prioritizing individualized care, and recognizing that no single therapeutic modality fits every client or challenge.

Hello and Welcome! Hola y Bienvenido! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). In life, many of us experience a series of events either positive or negative. Such events impact us the way we respond to life circumstances, the way we view ourselves, and the world around us. I want to help you overcome the trauma and help you regain back your strength and power. Through our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to heal from your past and/or current stressors that are affecting you. We will work towards identifying triggers, self-insight work, self-awareness, acquiring healthy coping skills, and decreasing symptoms. I specialized in working with tweens/adolescents, adults, and older adults from all different backgrounds, many of whom have experienced various traumas in their lives. Whatever your needs may be or reasons for seeking therapy, I am here for you.

Hello! I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with a Master’s degree in Social Work focused on Children and Families. My practice is client-centered, culturally affirming, and rooted in evidence-based approaches. I have significant experience working with children, teens, young adults, and their families, helping them address challenges like anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, behavioral issues, grief, loss, trauma, self-esteem, family dynamics, divorce or separation, and life transitions.

Benzion is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their mental health journey. He holds a Master of Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2007. Benzion believes in a holistic approach to care, building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each client to foster hope and lasting change. "I am humbled by the courage and vulnerability my clients display every day. I am honored by the privilege of being with you in your most intimate places to develop trust and build hope for the future. Thank you for considering the journey of building a better future with me."

I am Filipino American and immigrated to the United States as a child. While I am not fluent in Tagalog, I can understand Tagalog. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Santa Clara County. I received my master's degree in social work from San Jose State University (SJSU). I have experience working with younger to older adults who struggle with depression and anxiety.

My name is Monica Smith, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, providing telehealth services to adults statewide. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to name a few. I help clients build awareness, develop coping skills, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

Beginning therapy is a courageous step, and I commend you for taking this significant leap. I specialize in working with young adults and first-generation individuals who are navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rooted in trauma-informed care, I integrate evidence-based practices like EMDR into my client-centered, collaborative approach. This ensures that each session is uniquely tailored to your needs and goals while providing a safe, supportive space where you can be your true self. I'm here whenever you feel ready to begin your transformative journey.

I enjoy working with adults who struggle with anger management. It's important to identify and understand the root cause of anger . Often, clients discover that hurt, shame, fear, embarrassment or loss are the triggers to unresolved anger. The good news is this can be solved, allowing clients to live more healthy, nurturing and fulfilled lives. I use a strength based, skill driven, cognitive approach that is backed by research. Focus is given on identifying and eliminating thinking patterns that lead to unwanted aggressive behavior, homework assignments are provided to track daily thoughts and emotions and communication skills are taught to help you say what you mean - in a meaningful way.

Teisha, the heart and soul behind Mental Wellness with Teisha, a mental health practice in California. Teisha is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of a Black, female-owned business, she is dedicated to offering mental health services that reflect her deep commitment to education, advocacy, and community support. Our practice is built on compassion, integrity, and collaboration. These core values guide us in providing the highest quality of care and ensure a respectful and empowering experience for all our clients.

Welcome. I’m Autumn Brock, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over five years of experience in the mental health field. I earned both my BSW and MSW from California State University, Chico, where my passion for helping others truly began to flourish. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in community mental health and substance use disorder treatment, serving a diverse range of individuals. My approach as an LCSW is eclectic, drawing from various techniques to suit the individual needs of each client, I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey, and am here to support you every step of the way. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, and ready to explore new paths toward healing, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a supportive space to begin your journey toward a more fulling and balanced life. I look forward to connecting with you!

Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed? Maybe you're noticing the same things happens again and again in your relationships and you don't know how to change it. I can help! I'm Chelsea, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience helping people make sense of their pasts to create the future they dream of. I am a trained EMDR therapist specializing in treating sexual and family violence. I provide virtual therapy to clients throughout California and I create a welcoming and collaborative space for you to safely explore your pain and to achieve healing.

Hello, My name is Steven Nelson. I'm a licensed Marital and Family Therapist for 8 years. I always find it to be an honor to help others find their solutions and journey. There can always be a positive aspect to a struggle or an unfortunate situation. "If you seek, you will find solutions." At times we just need that support to help see it. In addition to my Psychological Therapy license, I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.

I bring empathy, insight, and clinical skills, to the therapeutic process. I help clients struggling with stress/anxiety, depression, relationship or family issues, life transitions, learning disabilities, career struggles, and grief. I interact with clients in their growth process by increasing awareness of the source of their distress, implementing new ways of thinking to positively affect their experiences and helping them learn healthier coping responses in their life. Seeking therapy is a courageous choice, and I will join you in this endeavor by using an integrative and interactive approach to help you gain insight into your processes and live a more enjoyable life.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has worked with individuals that are experiencing a variation of difficulties. I specialize in helping patients with anxiety, depression, and stress. I also have experience helping individuals with ADHD, brain injury, relationships, self-esteem, school/career and other life difficulties. We all want to be heard when something is bothering us. Having someone hear us when we are upset can mean a lot. It can also feel good to have someone to vent to when a day has been long. I am interested in helping you through life's struggles and setting goals for the future. I'm also here to guide and support you through difficult experiences. I am here to listen because sometimes you may need to share when life changes or need help processing what has happened. I want to be there for you even when the day is neither good or bad. I am here.

Hello there! I'm so excited to connect with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with several years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I utilize a collaborative approach that requires working in partnership together to create positive change. I want to get to know you and your world and believe I bring compassion, humor, kindness, and curiosity into each session. Let’s work together in helping you make conscious choices instead of having unconscious reactions so you can live a more satisfying and fulfilling life!

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.

I’m a holistic, trauma-informed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of mental health and substance use. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck—exhausted by cycles of relapse, emotional pain, or instability. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can explore your story, uncover patterns, and develop tools for lasting change. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a deep respect for your unique experiences, empowering you to heal, connect, and create a life aligned with your values.

I am Brandy Stewart, a licensed clinical social worker in California with 19 years of clinical experience serving children, adolescents, transition age youth, adults and families. I help individuals who struggle with managing relationship issues resolve interpersonal conflicts to promote healthy overall functioning. I also help people manage emotional distress and conflict, as they heal from the past, in order to achieve a greater wellbeing.

I am Licensed MFT and I help my client to explore their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in a safe and confidential space. The goal is personal growth and improve mental wellbeing and navigate the client through anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship issues, through collaborative work my client able to gain the tools and insight to deal with the at hand problems and future issues. Developing rapport with my clients is a primary focus and understanding their struggles in their own words, by providing them with safe and nonjudgmental environment.

As a therapist, I am committed to helping you have healthier, more balanced, harmonious lives and relationships. My therapy approach includes traditional and holistic healing techniques that involve mind, body, heart and spirit as well as things unseen. My years of experience in community mental health include individual, child, couples, co-parenting and family therapy. I am able to relate well to many different cultural, ethnic, socio-economic groups. With an M.A. in transpersonal psychology and an M.B.A. from University of Chicago plus 25 years of corporate experience, I use a broad range of skills to help my clients explore their needs and goals. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, many of my clients have learned mindfulness techniques that enhance their recovery. All of us need confidential support for different things at times. My job is to compassionately support you in what you need, with your values, to have the life that you want.

Unfortunate fact: Psychotherapy rarely results in lasting positive change. That's why I specialize in intensive short-term psychotherapy. It helps people find the roots of their inner struggles, and work through them more quickly (i.e. 6-40 sessions). Working session-to-session, each encounter is structured to get the most out of it. We can get clarity on your troubles in the very first meeting. Why wait longer for greater peace of mind if you don't have to?

Are you struggling with the ability to practice self-love? Or maybe you are not entirely sure exactly what that is. Perhaps you are tired of feeling bad about yourself, your appearance, guilty for not being "enough" to others, and lacking energy. For some people, feeling like this leads them to try and feel better by eating, overspending money, overexercising, or investing in bad relationships. Often enough, time spent in these ways (and more) can leave someone feeling even more depleted. If you can relate to any of this, you are certainly not alone. Together we will tackle your discontent stemming from your challenges to understand and practice self-love. You will learn what self-love consists of, understand how to shift any unhelpful thought patterns, build better boundaries, and put into practice what you have learned during weekly sessions and through homework assignments in between sessions to improve your ability to demonstrate that you love being YOU! I have over 7 years of experience as a licensed therapist working with individuals and couples. I am also a licensed CPA so I integrate a practical and structured approach to therapy where I will validate your concerns while supporting your movement towards solutions.

As a dedicated Licensed Trauma-Focused Clinician, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where individuals and couples can explore emotions, process difficult feelings, and discover their underlying strengths to manage life stressors. My work in guiding people towards improving their lives is my passion. My therapeutic approach is very authentic, warm, with a touch of humor, ensuring that you feel comfortable and understood throughout our journey together. Many of my therapeutic techniques are backed by scientifically proven mental health theories or statistical research, and I am continuously learning new modalities through ongoing trainings. Imagine a therapy session that is not only effective but also feels like a genuine conversation with a trusted friend. My approach is direct, open-minded, and solution-focused, tailored to meet your unique needs as you reflect on your life. I believe in the power of concise communication, making each session impactful and focused on your progress. I am passionate about empowering my clients to face life’s challenges by tapping into their natural capabilities. In my practice, you'll find a non-judgmental and welcoming environment, where your concerns are met with compassion and understanding. My goal is to provide a safe and judgment-free space for you to explore life's unique challenges we all face. I'll walk alongside you to guide and assist in managing life stressors impacting your journey. With my support, we will develop solutions, coping skills, and an understanding of emotions to improve your quality of life. It is essential to me you leave each session with more insight, self-awareness, and self-acceptance than before. I am experienced in working with individuals, couples, children of all ages, diversity of ethnicities, genders, and different cultural frameworks, which I embrace with warm understanding and appreciation. Let's devote time to your personal growth and healing together.

Hi there! I'm Jenna. I'm a newly licensed psychologist (PhD) based in Northeastern Ohio. My patients are the experts in their own lives, and my job is to create space to process, explore, and learn how to relate to experiences differently. Whether it's learning skill-building and relaxation techniques to improve one's ability to regulate emotions or learning how to "say no" assertively, therapy will be informative, collaborative, comfortable, and transparent.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I am committed to bridging cultural and linguistic gaps to provide comprehensive and inclusive care to individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. My approach is grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where client can explore their unique experiences, values, and challenges. My goal is to empower each person I work with to navigate emotional difficulties, strengthen relationships, and build resilience in the face of life's complexities.

Hello/Hola, I'm Jessica Reyes-Feliscian, a bilingual (Spanish Speaking) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals overcome self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression and stress, process grief; navigate life transitions. My goal is to empower you to develop healthy coping strategies, find inner strength, and foster a deeper understanding of yourself. I offer a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space where you can grow and heal. I look forward to joining you on your journey to self-discovery and emotional well-being.

Congratulations on starting your journey to healing. I believe that healing is possible for everyone. My passion as a therapist is helping people discover their strength, resilience, and ability to grow through life’s challenges. Over the past several years, I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults from many different walks of life—survivors of trauma, youth in foster care, immigrant families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. These experiences have taught me that no two journeys are alike, and that therapy should always honor your unique story and strengths.

Hi There! My name is Karen Hernandez, a first generation Latinx Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I earned my Masters Degree at California State University, Long Beach in 2019 (Go Beach!) I have been in the profession of Social Work for the past 5 years. I had my start in the field of Palliative Care as a medical social worker for children, teens and young adults with life limiting illnesses providing supportive therapy. I then moved into the field of school social work supporting teens and their mental health at a comprehensive high school providing group & individual therapy as well as crisis support. My ultimate goals for my clients is to create a safe, empathic, non-judgmental supportive space and presence. In order to work towards this I offer a person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive approach with some humor sprinkled throughout.