I am a Bay Area native woman who identifies as a Christian, mother, social worker, and African-American. Growing up, I had a rough childhood in which I stayed with multiple family members and was exposed to the “fast” life and dysfunctional relationships, as well as the “9 to 5 working”, church centered, married life. While both made me into the woman I am, it was really my grandparents taking me in as a teen and showing me unconditional love, that made me able to not become another statistic, and understand what love is. My healing journey was not easy, but it was necessary! It is the people who poured into me and believed in me when I didn’t love or believe in myself that help me transform from broken and angry to the confident woman who loves herself and steps out on faith and gives back to those who have past or current circumstances that are holding them back from being there best version of them. I am not here to judge or tell anyone how to live. I am here to help people release their traumas, hurts, and other obstacles so they can restore to a healthy level of functioning mentally, spiritually, and physically. I focus on the person as a whole as our health mentally, spiritually, and physically, has a direct impact on on well being, and an imbalance in any one can hinder our level of functioning.
My name is Mary Sowah-Quaye, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California State University in Bakersfield. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, and relationships issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences.
In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.
Hello, my name is Pak. I am a licensed therapist providing services for individuals in California, Texas, and Nevada.
If you're considering therapy, you're likely facing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your well-being and quality of life. It takes courage to acknowledge these struggles and seek help, and I want you to know that I understand how difficult this can be. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Healthy relationships will lead to emotional strength, which is ultimately my goal for all my clients.
Dr. Sterling focuses on specifically "women issues," grief, life transitions, cultural issues, anxiety, depressed moods, and will support other various challenges. Dr. Sterling practices a humanistic and person-centered approach when providing counseling and life coaching support. She is very compassionate while helping people with overcoming adversities and reaching their resilience. Also, she is genuine, real, and present during each conversation. Dr. Sterling displays a real authentic persona that is comfortable, relaxed, and filled with good energy! The objective she focuses on is to bring ease into a persons life no matter the situation or where they come from! Dr. Sterling will uplift your spirits and is someone to look forward to speaking with!
"I have a PhD. in Philosophy/Advanced Human Studies. I have over 17 years of experience educating higher learners & helping others through various lived experiences. I take nothing for granted, all I have is a blessing including working with people from this perspective within my life!"
Dr. Sterling has accomplished a lot, but she is truly genuine and humble. She will not only build you up, she will lift you up, and teach you how to get up no matter how many times you fall down!
"I'm here, lets talk!" ~Dr. Sterling
I am a licensed therapist providing compassionate, collaborate results oriented therapy for clients seeking to change their lives for the better. I am devoted to acceptance and commitment therapy with the understanding that people have the capacity to grow and resolve. I believe that clients have the answers within themselves to remove barriers and challenges in their lives and it is a privilege to assist them in recognizing it and bringing it out.
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments.
She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.
My goal is to increase self compassion and compassion for others as individual women navigate their personal, academic and professional lives. I am taking individual female clients over the age of 18 for virtual sessions throughout the state of California.
I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, filmmaking, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds.
I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college, I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago. While in Chicago, I was on the faculty at the Second City Training Center where I directed and co-wrote original sketch comedy revues and taught acting and improvisation to children, teens and adults. I received my master's in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. I am currently based in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!
Justin has been working in the field of behavioral healthcare since 2014. He began his career as a mental health technician within a locked psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles, supporting two units of adolescent and adult psychiatric patients. It was this experience that solidified Justin’s passion for providing compassionate, client-centered care in the mental health, and co-occurring dual diagnosis treatment field.
Justin has done extensive work providing direct client care as a facilitator of individual, group and family therapy providing crisis intervention and mental health services to youth and adults identified as at-risk in Los Angeles. Justin has served various treatment programs in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Over the years, Justin’s roles have included Residential Counselor, Case Manager, Primary Therapist, and Program Director.
Justin Cowell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). An alumnus of the University of Arizona and San José State University, where he earned his Master’s degree (MSW), has experience in mental health, counseling, and community-based settings.
Before joining the Grow team, Justin worked with diverse populations and adolescents. He enjoys incorporating CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology into his sessions and is eager to bring these modalities to work with the recovery population at Grow Therapy. Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, Justin loves all LA sports teams, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, and Rams, and loves going to games.
Both personally and professionally, Justin is a proponent of self-care, having fun, and trying new things, and is excited to be a member of the Grow team.
Hello to all! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Michigan, but with licenses in California, Texas, Michigan, Idaho, Delaware, and Montana. I received my Masters from Wayne State University and have been practicing for 20+ years.
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma related to relationship or family issues. During our initial sessions, we will focus on goals that are measurable, achievable, positive, and specific to your situation. We will focus on identifying common thinking issues and ultimately working towards adaptive thinking strategies.