"You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
-A.A. Milne
We all struggle at times to see our inner strengths and capabilities due to the life experiences which have shaped us. I work in the belief that we each have everything we need to achieve a fulfilled and successful life already present within us; sometimes we just need a little help accessing it. Using a multi-modality approach I encourage my clients to work in the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring us to self awareness, acceptance, and lasting change.
I began my working career as an EMT in pre-hospital and Emergency Room settings. The desire to further my education and better serve my community led me to pursue becoming an LMFT. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandman University and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a dual emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Brandman University. I have additional training and experience in Clinical Pastoral Education from the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base and have worked in both residential treatment and clinical settings.
I have four sons and two grandchildren. In my off time I enjoy spending time in nature, photography, and attending baseball games with my husband of 25 years.
Welcome! I'm Ian, and I'm here to help you navigate life's challenges and uncover the strength to create meaningful change. Starting therapy can feel both exciting and intimidating, but my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore concerns like anxiety, depression, and self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication, healthy boundaries, and practical tools to enhance their relationships and overall quality of life.
Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, and together, we can work toward building the fulfilling life you deserve. I'm here when you're ready to take that step.
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I believe in this simple recipe: the quality of our relationships impact our happiness and self-worth. As humans, we have an innate need for connection and belonging. During our work together, we will delve into underlying issues and patterns contributing to persistent unhappiness, which often precipitates substance use disorder (SUD).
My own journey of recovery started in 2007, and I will bring my personal and professional experience to this relationship. I will be honest and walk through this process with you. I endeavor to cultivate a safe, nonjudgmental and collaborative environment conducive to self-expression, exploration, healing and problem-solving.
I started working in this field as a Primary Counselor/Therapist at San Quentin State Prison. I continued my career at residential treatment centers such as Serenity Knolls and Bayside Marin. My professional journey in inpatient/outpatient treatment facilities for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders dates back to 2018, supplemented by completing Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies at UC Berkeley. As a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, I have over 7 years of experience working in mental health, where I have collaboratively worked with people struggling with PTSD, co-occurring disorders, SUDs, anxiety, depression, and relational issues, among others. I currently work at Foundations, an Intensive Outpatient Program in San Francisco and see clients virtually in my private practice.
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, need, or should do it alone.”Lisa Olivera
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and approximately 7 years of experience in the field of therapeutic services. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with adults, adolescents, children, and families in a variety of clinical settings.
My professional background includes experience in psychiatric hospitalization settings, substance use treatment programs, and private practice. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of mental health needs across different levels of care and life stages.
In my work, I aim to provide a supportive and collaborative space where clients can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful change in their lives and relationships. I help clients feel more understood, supported, and less alone in what they are facing. I support people in managing symptoms, building coping skills, and improving emotional and relational functioning. Over time, I work to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves and others, while also moving toward a more meaningful and balanced life.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. I am passionate about providing a collaborative approach and empathic understanding of my client's needs. I focus on evidence-based approaches, that are effective at uncovering the root of individuals' struggles and finding solutions. I utilize a Telehealth platform in California and a Hybrid platform in Washington State.
In my spare time, I enjoy trail riding my horses and working on my farm. Gardening and skiing are also passions of mine.
I specialize in helping you improve your sense of self by uncovering and understanding the subconscious influences that shape your emotions and actions. This increased awareness is the first step. Then, through intentional action, we'll build and solidify new habits and healthy self-talk that support your personal transformation. Practice is key: I will guide you to integrate these proven steps into your routine until they become second nature, ensuring your change is sustainable.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from just outside of New York City and currently live in San Diego. Working to support the mental health of others is truly my greatest honor. We are often programmed by our previous experiences, culture, and past trauma to believe a false narrative about ourselves. Utilizing the therapeutic alliance, I help clients to resolve negative, false, or limiting beliefs that may be hindering their ability to step into their true identities. We do not have to continue to live out the script that we inherited or feel the need to live in the shadows. Instead, we can live with intension, purpose, and a sense of gratitude.
Hello, I am Guadalupe T. Rios, LCSW, licensed in California with professional work experience of 25 years. I have experience in helping clients in coping with childhood/adult trauma, grief and loss, intimate partner violence, military trauma, addictions, racism and work related stress. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I welcome the opportunity to support you in this journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process.
In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.
I use an integrated approach. This work often supports relief from emotional distress, greater clarity, and a renewed sense of internal balance. I also incorporate strengths-based and systems-oriented perspectives, recognizing the importance of relationships, environment, and resilience in the healing process.
When working with couples, I draw from Gottman-informed approaches and systems theory to help partners strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and shift long-standing relational patterns. I support couples in building empathy, trust, and connection while learning new ways to navigate conflict and repair.
I believe every person has an innate capacity for healing. I also assist clients in connecting with resources and referrals when needed, so they feel supported not only in session, but in their day-to-day lives.
Working with me often means having a consistent, grounded space to slow down, make sense of what feels overwhelming, and begin moving toward meaningful change. My goal is to support clients in building insight, resilience, and practical tools so they can experience greater clarity, healthier relationships, and a more connected and fulfilling life.
Hi There! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and primarily work with folx who struggle with addiction and mental health. I have provided individual and group treatment for approximately seven years and have found this work truly fulfilling. I believe self-compassion is an important and often overlooked skill/tool, and I focus on using this in my sessions. I work from a perspective of cultural humility and enjoy meeting with folx who are BIPOC and/or part of the Lgbtq+ community. I also believe in the importance of fat acceptance and body positivity, which is something that is often neglected/overlooked.
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.
Hello and welcome. I’m Helma Jafari, a licensed psychotherapist with a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to care. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, healing, and growing in meaningful ways.
My work is grounded in compassion and curiosity. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based approaches to help you better understand yourself, process past experiences, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships within yourself and in your connection with the world around you.
As a bilingual therapist offering sessions in both English and Farsi, and as someone with a bicultural background, I bring an understanding of the complexities of identity, culture, and life transitions. I have experience working with diverse populations and aim to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and understood.
In our work together, we create space to better understand your experiences and connect with your inner wisdom and strength. I invite you to imagine a life beyond fear, where there is space for healing and connection, and where you can become the author of your own story.
Hi. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric hospital setting as well as substance abuse outpatient treatment facility. I have worked with children, teens, and adults. I have worked with individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, adjusting to new environments/life changes, and those working on their sobriety.
"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 am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, life transitions and relationship challenges. I believe therapy is a journey inward—one that honors the mind, heart, and spirit. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their inner strengths and their Best Self: the part of you that is grounded in clarity, resilience, and compassion. At any stage of life, your Best Self remains present—offering wisdom, healing, and the possibility of deep inner peace even in the presence of deep pain or long-standing challenges.
I hold a Master of Arts in Spiritual and Counseling Psychology and have trained in grief and loss, community mental health, psychiatric settings, and addiction treatment. In my private practice, I am deeply committed to creating a safe, shame-free, and growth-oriented space that honors each client’s unique healing process.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, relational, and grounded in deep caring and lived experience. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful patterns; mindfulness and acceptance-based practices to cultivate present-moment awareness and self-compassion; and humanistic and spiritual perspectives that invite exploration of meaning, authenticity, and purpose.
Therapy is a collaborative process. Together we work in a compassionate space to reconnect with your Best Self—honoring a lifetime of experience while cultivating peace, resilience, and self-compassion in all seasons of life.
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 am a psychodynamically oriented therapist who integrates attachment-based, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness-based approaches, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in understanding themselves more deeply and creating meaningful change. I am, also, always working on and open to learning new therapies to best help my clients!
My work is grounded in the belief that many emotional struggles—such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties—are connected to early relational experiences and the patterns we develop to cope, protect ourselves, and connect with others. In therapy, I help clients explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, while also building practical tools to manage distress in the present.
I offer a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, reflect, and make sense of your emotional world. I also pay close attention to what unfolds in the therapeutic relationship, as it can provide important insight and opportunities for healing and growth.
Depending on your needs, our work may include exploring past experiences, identifying emotional and relational patterns, strengthening awareness of thoughts and feelings, and learning skills to support regulation and coping. My goal is to help you develop greater clarity, emotional balance, and more secure and fulfilling relationships—with yourself and others.
Therapy with me is a space for both insight and change. Together, we work toward helping you feel more grounded, connected, and able to move through life with greater confidence and ease.
Soy Trabajador Social Clínico Licenciado y ayudo a adultos a manejar la ansiedad, la depresión y el estrés de la vida diaria. Muchas de las personas con las que trabajo se sienten abrumadas, estancadas o mentalmente agotadas, y buscan maneras prácticas de sentirse mejor. Mi estilo es de apoyo, directo y enfocado en estrategias reales que puedes aplicar en tu vida cotidiana. Mi objetivo es crear un espacio donde te sientas cómodo siendo tú mismo/a, mientras trabajamos juntos para desarrollar herramientas que te ayuden a avanzar.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in grief/loss, difficulty adjusting, anxiety and depression. I utilize an eclectic approach when working with clients, but primarily drawing from my work with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), as well as the DBT skills (dialectical behavioral therapy) mindfulness skills I have acquired in my experience. I have had an extensive background in healthcare as a community hospital social worker, as well as experience with hospice patients and their families.
You’re doing your best—but fear, anxiety, or overthinking keeps getting in the way. You're weighted down and blocked from opening up. You're bottling emotions, ignoring that empty feeling, making you drift further & further away from your family and friends. You're feeling irritated, tired from tossing and turning unable to sleep because you're overthinking about all the "things" when you need to sleep, but your head hurts from worrying. You wake up feeling tired, in a bad mood, and dreading the day. You can't focus on the simplest task and falling behind in school. Now you're even having trouble at work. Fear sets in that you're about to lose everything, even the people closest in your life. You're scared getting frustrated that you're not living the life wanted. You want the anxiety and rollercoaster of emotions to stop. You just want to feel at peace, be happy, and able to relax again.
Here's where I come in. I’m Tammy Brooks LMFT, a Solution Focused Brief Therapy Certified Level 3 Practitioner. I help adults find joy, connection, & peace again by using an approach is different than therapy with endless talk, rehashing pain & no real lasting change. Instead, we'll focus on want to achieve in therapy and talk about that version of yourself despite the problems you are facing.
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Hello, my name is Angela Reinhold, LCSW. I graduated with my Master from California State Long Beach (CSULB) and have spent over 15 years assessing and treating individual and psychosocial needs of patients from youth to adults.
My goal is to empower each client with the tools needed for a successful and healthy life. In doing so, I start with the fundamentals of rapport building.
When clients work with me I set the tone for them to feel heard, supported, and accepted for where they are in their therapeutic process.
Joseph has over 25 years working in different capacities within behavioral health including running a statewide public health campaign to prevent suicide and eliminate stigma and discrimination of mental health challenges and addressing health disparities as a county cultural competency manager. His personality is engaging, warm and down to earth and he takes an integrative, non-judgmental, client-centered, trauma-informed, culturally humble approach using evidence-based practices to help individuals heal. I provide virtual individual therapy to adults and older adults.
Isolation hurts, connection heals. Contact me to facilitate your healing.
Hello and welcome! My name is Joel Bovey and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here on Grow Therapy.
You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I know it’s not easy and often times brings up a lot of anxiety and fears. I’m here to support you along the way. I offer a safe space to open up and unpack all those difficult life experiences and help you put them back together in a more complete perfect imperfection.
Thanks again for stopping by along this journey called life and hope to hear from you soon!
Warm regards,
Joel Bovey, LCSW
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.
Hello! I’m a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, even in challenging times. Residing in a cozy cabin in the San Diego mountains, I often incorporate nature into the healing journey. I provide in-person therapy for individuals and couples around a campfire, as well as virtual sessions or a combination of both. As your clinician, I will meet you where you are, offering support without blame or judgment. While I may not have all the answers, I'm here to listen to your goals and accompany you on your path to achieving them. If you're feeling unsure about your direction, that is completely okay—we can navigate that together.
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.
I am an LCSW and a military veteran specializing in trauma and addiction. I believe that effective therapy must be a safe foundation, built on unwavering commitment and ethical practice. My practice is a collaborative space where rapport is established through trust while a custom plan of treatment is mutually established specifically for resolving resistance to your wellness and achieving long-term stability.
My name is mike kessler (they/he), and I'm a genderqueer, transmasculine, pansexual therapist with over 30 years of experience. I specialize in serving LGBTQIA+ people around exploring gender & attractions, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, dating & sex, coming out, family & relationship issues, body image and neurodivergence, among other things. I believe you are the expert on you, not me! I take a collaborative, client-centered & humanistic approach to therapy. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you identify & change unhelpful thought patterns, develop skills to manage your emotions & somatic work to foster a mind-body approach and help you get comfortable in your body. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
You know we all deal with our issues and sometimes we cannot do it alone. It is hard to talk to a stranger but give it a try. You won't be judged but welcomed and listened to. I am here to work together with you.
I am a licensed psychologist and love working with diverse clients from diverse backgrounds who are dealing with the issues like anxiety, depression, identity, relationship, and life change difficulties. As a Korean immigrant myself, I particularly have great knowledge and experience working with Asian/ Asian Americans, People of Color and immigrants. I have a Master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
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I have 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including work in both private practice and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and patterns related to self-criticism and emotional overwhelm. I use an integrative, evidence-based approach that draws from CBT, attachment-based work, ACT, EFT, and compassion-focused interventions to help clients better understand themselves and create meaningful change. My style is collaborative and supportive, with an emphasis on both insight and practical tools to improve emotional well-being and relationships.
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.
I’m Dr. John Biroc. I’ve been a professional baseball player, professional actor on stage and screen, professor of both theater and psychology at major universities in Southern California. I’ve been involved with working with rock bands, as well as being Clinical Director and Therapist Supervisor in mental health and addiction centers throughout Southern California. I lean quite heavily on the creative process and it’s reliance on others.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who supports adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles, and my Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Adult Mental Health and Wellness from the University of Southern California. I have experience working with clients ages 5 to 65 from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, with specialties in domestic violence, grief, and trauma. I provide a warm, empowering, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their experiences. Using a blend of CBT, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused therapy, I help clients build practical coping skills, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Most of my experience as a psychotherapist has been in treating individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, and other significant life changes (workplace stress, chronic illness, aging). I have worked in health and human services in different parts of California for the past 30 years. I have been a telehealth psychotherapist since 2021. Just before the pandemic I was working with people who needed support to find housing and provide for their basic needs, as well as people needing substance use treatment. As a social worker I have also worked with people experiencing trauma, chronic health conditions/disabilities, age-related circumstances and grief/loss. (Also, I have a good understanding of social services and mental health resources in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially Contra Costa County.
In my free time I enjoy baking, hiking, playing with my Boston Terrier, Bruno and watching baseball.
Welcome! My name is Olivia White, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and am dedicated to supporting people heal from trauma and regain the ability to feel the full spectrum of their emotions and aliveness.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help and I am honored to meet you in this moment and walk alongside you on your healing journey. You don't have to do this alone.
I have a Masters Degree in Integral Counselling Psychology from the Institute of Integral Studies which specialized in cultivating healing at the level of mind, body and spirit.
In my free time you can find me dancing, playing harp or hand pan, hiking, practicing yoga, making art or being with my loved ones. I recharge by meditating and spending time in nature.
I am queer and experienced with working with the queer community and with people living alternative lifestyles such as non-monogamy.
My name is James Clark and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California providing therapy through tele-health throughout California. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship and mutual understanding are key to reaching my client’s goals.
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.
Hi, I'm Lindsay...I'm a therapist who believes in blending practical tools and behaviors for change here and now with the deeper exploration necessary to make that change sustainable. I believe that we all have the natural capacity to heal given the right conditions and relationships. I believe in helping you reconnect to your intuition and your own inner healing energy.
Hello, my name is Alberto Campos. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping individuals live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.
I am dedicated to a life-long journey of informing communities about mental health and creating a safe space for healing to transpire.
My focus is on helping clients gain insight and awareness into themselves, their challenges or barriers, and relationships, so they can become active agents of change in their lives. I hold a background in working with diverse populations providing psychotherapy and conducting psychological evaluations for outpatient, school, and forensic settings with adults, adolescents, and families. My focus is to strengthen the individual's capacity and internal resources to overcome life and mental health challenges.
I am an authentic adult woman who has had life experience in addiction, followed by years of education and professional experiences that all combined make me knowledgeable, empathetic, recovery focused and able to provide hope, courage and solutions to anyone who is struggling. I know from my own personal journey that recovery from childhood struggles, low self-esteem, addiction, and hopelessness, can be acknowledged, addressed and healed with the support of the right therapist. I am present and nonjudgmental. I will validate your personal experiences and walk with you on the path of recovery, moving toward happiness and personal fulfillment.
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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.
My name is Nate (he/him) and I'm a transgender Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I provide individual therapy to adults and older adults navigating a range of challenges, from symptoms to life transitions. I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel truly seen and accepted. My understanding of stigma and systemic barriers comes firsthand, informing my commitment to social justice and empowerment. I offer evidence-based therapeutic tools while honoring each person's inherent wisdom and autonomy in their healing process.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Using a blend of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused techniques. I aim to empower my clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve their personal goals. Outside the therapy room, I love spending time being active in my community and quality time with my family.
After earning my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, I spent a number of years traveling the world and then went on to earn two Master’s degrees, the second in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been working as a therapist for close to seven years, but have worked as a counselor with children, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I built my own academic counseling business after my first graduate school, in which I fostered relationships with families and the community. This experience working closely with hundreds of local families gave me great insight into the power of supportive, goal oriented, client centered, positive relationships as catalysts for change in individuals and relational systems.
I approach my clients with the belief that they are capable and valuable, and that with my support in identifying their strengths and resources, both internal and external, they can gain skills and achieve goals that can instill a sense of hope which enables them to move forward successfully.
I have spent a great deal of time traveling, living, and working in diverse parts of the world, and I believe my own experiences coupled with my genuine positive regard for people has cultivated a broad perspective of understanding that contributes to my success as a therapist.
Do you struggle with people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, internalized and/or externalized anger, or managing emotions in general in a healthy manner? Did you experience childhood trauma and feel like you grew up too fast? Were you labeled "different," "the "caretaker," "black sheep," or "troublemaker"? I teach people how to prioritize and honor all parts of themselves, not just the "desirable" ones. We will work through parts people generally dismiss and ignore such as anger, resentment, shame, and disgust, and learn how to embrace them gracefully. I'll teach you the skills to feel more at peace.
As your therapist, I will be challenging and direct, yet empathetic and compassionate. I will challenge you through introspective questioning that will lead you to your own answers. I help you take what you've learned and apply it to your own life by giving you things to think about and work on between sessions, along with resources and handouts to remember.
I hope you'll witness yourself feeling more empowered, confident, and more at peace with yourself as my other clients have. You will notice your relationships evolve and change, which can be scary! Rest assured, you will be provided with skills to gracefully go through them.
Everything you seek is already inside you. All I’m doing is helping you remember.
I am a clinical psychologist and performance psychologist. I run men's groups and offer one-to-one sessions. I am also an author. On a personal level, I embrace community, fitness, fun, family, and adventure as part of keeping a healthy nervous system, and my why is to assist others in improving their health and quality of life through caring for themselves and their mental health in new and improved ways.
Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.
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Linehan Board-Certified DBT Specialist | Holistic Wellness Advocate
Clinical Expertise & Background
With 25 years of clinical experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s complexities with balance and resilience. I am a Linehan Board-Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT), a credential that reflects my deep commitment to providing the highest standard of evidence-based care.
My academic foundation began at St. Louis University (MO), where I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Social Work. This rigorous training, combined with decades of practice, allows me to offer a space that is as clinically sound as it is compassionate and nonjudgmental.
My Approach
I provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy for adolescents and adults (ages 16+). My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of your unique journey. I specialize in integrating DBT strategies to help you overcome barriers and build a life that feels truly worth living.
A Holistic Perspective
I believe that mental health is inextricably linked to physical well-being. When I’m not in the clinician’s chair, I’m likely moving. I am certified in spinning/cycling and have a deep passion for power walking, latin dance, yoga, and Pilates. This personal commitment to the mind-body connection informs my therapeutic perspective—I understand the discipline and rhythm required to foster lasting change.
The "Co-Therapist"
Healing often comes in small, furry packages. I have a 6-year-old toy Yorkie who frequently joins me. While he isn’t a registered service dog, he is an expert in providing comfort and a calming presence. He is available to join our sessions upon request (and rest assured, he is excellent at maintaining client confidentiality).
Languages & Inclusion:
My native language is English and I am proficient in Farsi. I warmly welcome Farsi-speaking clients to my practice.
Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life, balancing responsibilities at work and home. I work with youth and adults, facing challenges related to intimacy, communication, or personal fulfillment. My ideal client can also be a parent, juggling the demands of raising children while maintaining their own well-being. Together we can explore a deeper understanding of self and emotions, desires to develop healthier coping mechanisms, build resilience, and enhance your self-esteem.
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.