Therapists in California

Hello everyone. I would first like to say that I am pleased to have the opportunity of being your counselor/therapist. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington with certification specializing in Women's Mental Health (WMHS-C). I know finding a therapist in todays society can be difficult but you've made it this far, and so it's a pleasure to meet you!

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my masters in clinical mental health counseling from California State University, Fullerton( go Titans!). I have practiced therapy for the past 6 years. I am a proud queer and gender diverse therapist that has experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and life transitions. I strive to provide LGBTQIA affirming care through all of my work.

Hello! I am a LPCC based in California and I hold the view that a person's upbringing and environment play a crucial role in shaping who they are. My passion lies in working with adults navigating challenges, parent-child dynamics, adults facing adversity and life transitions, grief, and offering support around LGBTQ+ identity issues. I take a trauma-informed and family systems approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques, internal family systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices. I specialize in grief and recovery, offering a compassionate space for you to process your emotions and experiences.

My name is Molly Higgins and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California. I have been doing therapy for almost 10 years and have worked with adults through telehealth since 2020, focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions and stress. I have a background in community mental health, where I focused on strengthening parent-child relationships. I individualize treatment for each clients, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, with a foundation of a person-centered approach.

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist working with adults and adolescents presenting with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, relationship and anger issues. I am passionate about supporting you to access your strengths and discover your full potential or as I describe it, as your "Best Self." I hold a Master of Arts in Spiritual and Counseling Psychology and my clinical training included community mental health settings, psychiatric/addiction residential treatment and school based settings as well as ongoing my private practice. ​ I believe we all have the inner resources and innate ability to access our strengths, intuition and knowledge in order to create the changes and growth we want in our lives in spite of life’s present challenges or past trauma. ​ I am committed to supporting my clients in releasing the self defeating thoughts, beliefs, emotions and addictive behaviors that keep you from experiencing emotional and spiritual wellness. My approach combines practical strategies with mindfulness and acceptance based interventions.

Jennifer M. Henry is a Doctor of Social Work and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been providing public mental health services for the past 17 years within Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. She is a Doctoral Graduate of Social Work at University of Southern California. She is also an alumna of the University of Phoenix, holding a Master of Science degree in Counseling, with emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. She has worked with a diverse population ranging from children, adolescents, families, adults with co-occurring disorders and survivors of trauma including domestic/intimate partner violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. She has conducted comprehensive mental health assessments, created individualized treatment plans, and provided holistic individual, family, and group therapy. She is trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT,) Seeking Safety (SS,) Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT,) Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS,) Matrix Model (MM,) A Window Between Worlds (AWBW,) Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS,) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT,) Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST,) Recovery Oriented Supervision (ROS,) Trauma Informed Care (TIC) practices, Risking Connections (RC), and Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-Act.)  Furthermore, she has undergone and has successfully completed a rigorous training to become a Seeking Safety Champion, which allows her to train in-house trainees/associates. She has evolved in her clinical practice throughout her professional experience. Her field and volunteer experience have also shaped her to be a versatile clinician. She is affiliated with Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Caucus (API SW) at USC, Phi Alpha Honor Society at USC, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT,) and Foothill Child Abuse Council. Her life’s mission is to be a vessel of change. An altruistic and humanistic legacy is what she aims to gift this world.

¡Hola! I’m Blanca Mendoza, LMFT a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families heal from the weight of inter-generational trauma and life’s many challenges. I work with adolescents, first-generation students, and adults navigating identity, life transitions, relationships, and cultural expectations. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally grounded, integrating mindfulness and practical tools to support healing, growth, and self-compassion.

Welcome to my professional profile. My name is Paul Quezada, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. Thank you for taking the time to consider me as a potential ally on your journey towards improved mental health and overall well-being. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge your courage in seeking help. Your mental health is paramount, and I commend you for prioritizing it. I am here to offer my support and guidance as you navigate life's obstacles and challenges. My role is to provide you with the necessary tools and support to manage the various struggles impacting your mental health. Whether you are grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating significant life transitions, I am here to accompany you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your therapeutic journey. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you in achieving your goals.

Mike Valenzuela, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is dedicated to helping adults overcome anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and depression. I employ evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, to provide effective support tailored to your needs. My collaborative and empowering approach ensures that you not only heal but also acquire practical skills that promote lasting well-being and resilience. Together, we can unlock your potential for a more fulfilling life.

I have been providing therapy for the last ten years. I am specialized in therapy for trauma and PTSD, as well as peri-partum mental health. My treatment approach is evidence-based and collaborative, which means that I will bring in the therapy that is backed by science to be effective, and I will work with you, the client, as an individual to create a holistic treatment plan that works for your specific needs. I take a gentle yet firm approach - I will maintain an unconditional positive regard toward you, embracing diversity and your own unique perspective. Yet, I believe good therapy is not necessarily easy and I will challenge you at times to examine new understandings, try new approaches, and maintain practices that are established in our sessions. Ultimately, my goal is that you work through what you have come to therapy for and become able to implement gains from therapy into your real life outside of the sessions.

Welcome! I'm Liz. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD). Have you noticed your outlook on your life growing increasingly grim? Perhaps struggling in your self-confidence, your ability to trust yourself or others in relationships, or enact positive change in your circumstances. I am a person-centered, integrative therapist that will instill hope to guide you to live a life rooted in your personal beliefs and values successfully. Whether you may be struggling with PTSD/trauma (including racial stress and acculturation), depression, anxiety, stress management, painful emotions, relationship difficulties, or making a healthy behavior change, I am here to tailor your treatment to you. I am an evidence-based therapist, who uses a multicultural approach to understand you, what has influenced your beliefs/values, and how your perspectives and life journey has evolved. I will partner with you on guiding you to a life worthy of you, using techniques that are proven to improve symptoms and achieve an optimal quality of life. I'm ready to collaborate with you!

Welcome! Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful and courageous decision. Whether you're seeking support for life transitions, navigating overwhelming emotions, or simply desiring a deeper connection with yourself, I am here to walk alongside you. You don’t need to have all the words or even know exactly where to begin—that’s what we uncover together. I offer a compassionate and grounded space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Vulnerability isn’t always easy, but I believe that when someone dares to step into that space, profound growth can happen.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside children, teens, young adults, and adults as they navigate life’s many challenges. I use an eclectic approach, which simply means I pull from different types of therapy models depending on what fits each person best. No two people are the same, so together we’ll find tools and approaches that work for your life and goals. Sometimes that looks like building new coping skills, sometimes it’s unpacking trauma, and sometimes it’s just having a space where you can fully be yourself. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood. Together, we can explore patterns, uncover strengths, and build strategies for lasting change. I believe therapy is not just about addressing struggles, it’s about cultivating growth, resilience, and self-discovery. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be honored to walk with you on your journey.

My name is Kathy Kelly, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed since 2009 and have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families in crisis. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adjustment disorders, and understanding behavior patterns that are set from childhood. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are experiencing difficult life changes, stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic mental health disorders. The most common approaches that I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotionally focused, mindfulness, solutions focused, grief, and trauma focused therapy. I am confortable working with various levels of life experiences, including childhood trauma, current stressors, life transitions, and I appreciate using psychodynamic and family systems therapy to help my clients understand and identify patterns of behavior, and negative thought patterns that originated from their past experiences. I provide a safe space with the goal of making my clients feel welcome, comfortable, and at ease. I have been very successful at teaching clients coping skills, and helping clients process their feelings and emotions with the goal of finding peace, happiness, and an overall sense of well being. Your journey begins today and I will be there with you to guide you and support you.

Hello and welcome! I am a doctor of Psychology, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional clinical counselor. I am located in California and have 14 years of experience in helping individuals navigate their emotional challenges through various evidence-based treatment methods. My goal is to empower you to understand yourself better, heal from past traumas, and improve your relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

Ever feel like your brain won't turn off or that you are constantly worrying about one thing or another? Feel like you are always anxious or have some trauma in your past? Do you wish you could wake up and be excited about your day and it's possibilities As someone who's been there, I am here to support you on your journey to a calmer and happier life. Together, we'll create a safe and understanding space where your unique experiences are valued, and our sessions are customized to fit your needs. Let's work together to help you find relief, strength, and joy in your daily life. Imagine a life where you wake up feeling refreshed and calm, ready to face the day with confidence and clarity. By addressing the root causes of your anxiety or other concerns you can experience a significant reduction in your symptoms, allowing you to enjoy more meaningful relationships, increased productivity, and a renewed sense of peace. Together we can do this. I have experience with helping clients navigate these kinds of struggles and am ready to walk alongside you through this journey.

I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My approach to therapy is integrative and personalized, drawing from a variety of modalities-including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Humanistic Therapy. I believe that meaningful change begins with self-awareness and compassionate understanding. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck, I’m here to help you identify what’s holding you back and support you in reaching your personal goals. Through CBT and DBT, I help clients challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build emotional resilience. With Brainspotting and EMDR, we can gently access and process unresolved trauma and deeply held emotional pain. My humanistic lens ensures that our work always centers on your unique values, strengths, and capacity for growth. No matter where you are on your journey, I’ll meet you with empathy, encouragement, and practical tools to help you move forward. My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life.

Are you fed up with not reaching your goals? Do you feel stuck and are struggling with making the changes on your own? You have come to the right place! I am a EMDRIA certified therapist and I have 8 years experience treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and work with a variety of other issues such a procrastination and other work related issues.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. For almost a decade, I have worked to help many diverse clients, including adults, teens, children, and seniors. Treatment areas have included depression, anxiety, mood disorders, crisis intervention, self-esteem, marital counseling, pre-marital counseling, grief, and more. I am a client-centered therapist who works collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals. The most common theoretical approaches I use in my practice include CBT, DBT, Trauma-focused therapy, and the Gottman Method. My sessions can be described as warm, inviting, supportive, collaborative, and educational. When working with me, I will not only listen to your concerns but also help you identify ways to address and overcome them.

Hi! I'm Angelica, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary's University in Downtown Los Angeles. I work with adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as with clients who are having issues with low self-esteem and trouble in relationships with friends, family, coworkers or partners.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, with six years of experience after graduating from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My focus is on helping adults navigate career stress, transitions, marital issues, and burnout to achieve their fullest potential. Additionally, I specialize in supporting adults transitioning back to their communities after military service and deployments, empowering them to reintegrate positively into civilian life.

Sometimes, the most profound connections are formed when someone truly listens.I’m Cintia, here not just to hear, but to deeply understand you. In a world where trauma and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart’s true narrative. What a degree in Clinical Psychology and a seven-year journey as a therapist has allowed me to is delve deep into the realms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. While these are my primary focuses, I also bring profound insights into PTSD, intricate family dynamics, relationship challenges, and concerns faced by the LGBTQ community.

Parisa Gallinger, Psy.D., LMFT I hold a doctorate in psychology and am certified by the California Board as a marriage and family therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. My mission is to create a supportive space where we can face fears with compassion, courageously embrace openness, and find relief in human connections. Our sense of identity can be in crisis due to the burdensome societal expectations placed on us. So much of what I love about my work as a therapist and faculty member at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where I teach clinical psychology graduate courses, is getting to know people and helping them through life, one step at a time, no matter who they are or where they are on their path.

Thank you for taking this step in your journey to be right here. I am a strengths-based, EMDR Trained LCSW with the decades long experience, tools, and expertise to launch you toward your unlimited life. With a whole lot of unconditional acceptance, a judgment free space, and a bit of humor, I am a provider who will hold your life story with awe and a strengths-based perspective every step of the way.

Hi there, I’m Raquel Keck, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in the state of California. I bring a warm, grounded, and compassionate presence to therapy, creating a space where you can feel truly seen and supported. I work collaboratively with clients to explore patterns, build self-understanding, and develop practical tools for navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity, ease, and confidence.

Hi, I’m Patricia Samantha Bitar, a holistic 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, 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! My name is Mackenzie Maurer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've been working as a clinical therapist for the last 7 years. I graduated with my MSW from Cal State University, Los Angeles in 2017 and became licensed in 2021. I became a social worker because it aligned well with my belief in social justice and working as a therapist has only strengthened this belief. I am lucky to really love what I do and I feel honored to get to witness my clients' growth in the therapeutic process.

Dr. Joseph McCowan is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of individual and group therapy experience and an extensive background in relational, humanistic, trauma-informed & mindfulness-based approaches. Joseph views healing as the process of discovering, connecting with & activating our innate internal resources. He is passionate about supporting individuals across cultures and a variety of psychological, emotional & relational challenges. Outside of his individual therapy experience, Joseph has been involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy research, including working as co-therapist and Supervisor in the MAPS-sponsored phase III clinical trials of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD and the COMPASS-sponsored phase III clinical trials of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Depression. Additionally, Joseph serves as a Trainer and Educator in the MAPS MDMA Therapy Education program. Joseph has authored multiple essays and publications exploring the intersections of race, culture, trauma, and mental health. Joseph received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara & his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of clinical experience. I have worked in County Mental, Substance Abuse, and Health Care settings with a wide range of individuals throughout the age spectrum. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. It takes courage and strength to reach out, yet it is the beginning of the healing process. I work from a client-centered whole-person approach that draws on your strengths to collaborate with you to bring about healing. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, struggle to stay focused, not being able to complete tasks, unable to find time to enjoy the things you like to do, and/or struggling with relationships; now is the time to take that step. Let's work together to create solutions to bring about a better quality of life. Today is the day to change your tomorrow.

I’m Raphael, a dedicated therapist specializing in transformative self-discovery and emotional resilience. Drawing on Somatics, Buddhist and Western psychological, mythological and philosophical traditions, IFS- inspired parts work and attachment theory, I guide individuals who feel stuck, overly dependent, or uncertain about their path to uncover their strengths, overcome trauma and chart a meaningful future. My clients range from those navigating personal transitions to professionals aiming to overcome self-doubt. Through structured, empathetic sessions, I help you process your past, align your present actions with your values, and build confidence to pursue purposeful goals. My approach fosters sovereignty, challenges doubt, and empowers you to face life’s challenges with courage and clarity. Whether you’re seeking to break free from limiting patterns or define a vision that inspires, I’m here to help you create lasting, authentic change in a safe, reflective space.

Hello and welcome to my practice. Trauma and shame keep you feeling like you should be on the sidelines instead of starring in the game. You might not know exactly how, but you know it’s because of your painful past. So many women never mention sexual abuse or other trauma because they’re ashamed of it… or they believe they should “be over it.” So, they try to “file it away” so it has minimal impact on their lives. But it never works. The pain festers, and keeping your story hidden away prevents you from living fully and authentically – with others AND yourself. Through our work together, the women I work with move from merely coping to thriving- reclaiming their power, speaking their truth with clarity, and taking up space in the world with calm, unapologetic confidence. The result is a life that feels grounded, whole, and one you are deeply connected with. It will be my profound honor to go on this healing journey with you.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, Bachelors in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, co-dependency, school issues, trauma, among other issues, to help them discover how to become a better version of themselves.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the states of California and Arizona. I gained valuable experience working in community mental health clinics and schools, honing my skills in providing individual and family therapy. I have a passion for helping people create stronger, healthier relationships—both with others and themselves. I tailor each session to your unique needs. My style is warm, collaborative, and practical, blending insight into the roots of your struggles with clear, actionable tools for change.

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.

Hi! My name is Juliette and I'm a licensed therapist in California, Washington and Virginia states. I have extensive experience across all levels of care, as a Clinical Director and therapist, including detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings. I've worked in community clinics, college mental health, primary care, non-profits, and private practice. I support clients in their healing from trauma, body image issues, disordered eating/eating disorder recovery, identity development, anxiety, depression, addiction, major life and career transitions, and relationship challenges. My clinical work is guided by a person-centered, integrative approach, drawing on EMDR, DBT, CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, somatic techniques, and creative arts modalities. Aside from my work as a therapist, I've always been involved in the performing arts for fun! I served as a Board President of a mental health and arts nonprofit for a few years and have long advocated for holistic healing through movement, self-expression, and the creative arts.

I am an advocate for social justice , inclusiveness and equity. I enjoy working with clients from diverse background. I aspire to reduce stigma related to mental health and normalizing getting help for mental health problems. I believe in building strong therapeutic relationship and holding a safe place for my clients in sessions. My approach is strength based, empathetic and empowering towards my clients.

I have been providing therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and support groups for seven years. My approach is based on client-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapies that focus on self-acceptance and self-discovery by helping you build insight and access your strengths where you can feel empowered and understood. As your therapist, I intend to provide an open, safe, and collaborative space for healing. I am here to provide you with the support you need and create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Seeking help is an act of courage and self-care.

Hi, I’m Mattie. I’m a therapist who works with high-achieving individuals and creatives, people who are driven, successful on the outside, but often feel stuck, disconnected, or burnt out underneath it all. I help clients who are tired of just talking about their problems and are ready to actually see change. My approach is results-oriented and practical, but still deeply human, blending insight, structure, and emotional depth to help you feel more grounded, fulfilled, and connected to yourself and others.

Hi, welcome. I am Maricela, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. I believe that therapy is a journey of personal growth and healing. It takes courage and can be challenging, but you don’t have to embark alone. My hope is that, as your therapist, I can be the holder of hope and a source of support. After obtaining my Master's in Counseling degree in 2015, I have had a wide range of experience. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and families as they work through a wide range of issues including traumatic experiences, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Hi, I'm Celina. As a second-generation Latina, I bring an informed perspective to the challenges many communities of color face, including the impact of systemic inequities, identity struggles, and cultural barriers. I also know that everyone—no matter their background—can experience moments in life that feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past trauma, or maybe the stress of everyday life feels like too much. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for support is not always easy, but it’s a powerful and courageous step toward healing and growth. For years, I’ve dedicated myself to serving my community in a variety of settings, from community clinics to crisis counseling. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+, as well as with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and other life transitions. My work as a 911 crisis counselor especially taught me the importance of holding space during life’s most difficult moments. I believe that everyone's story matters and I’m here to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore and heal. Together, we can build insight, break patterns, and create new paths forward. My goal is to walk beside you on your journey toward wellness so that when you leave, you feel empowered, grounded, and ready for what's ahead.

I'm so glad you found your way here. Seeking treatment is an indication of being ready for change and having a new experience of life. I'm an insight oriented therapist meaning I assist clients in illuminating their inner workings and wounds that have created struggles in their lives. I work at a level of healing and empowering with the intention to offer guidance rather than to instruct. You are the expert of your life. Together we take a look at what needs to be addressed and resolved then move into recognizing one's own strengths, value, and worth. This allows individuals to move into greater appreciation and acceptance of self. I have worked for several years with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a strong focus on personal acceptance, self-compassion, and resolution of internal conflicts based in trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship strain, or lack of direction and focus in one’s life. I specialize in substance abuse and addiction treatment. Having been in recovery for 10 years myself, I understand the journey of ending the cycle of self destruction and moving to a place of healing and greater peace.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters degree from California State University, Fresno. I take pride in building healthy and transparent therapist-client relationships allowing us to work together to meet goals. I help young children and their families to build better relationships and gain understanding of each other. I have experience using child parent psychotherapy (CPP) to support with symptom reduction.

My name is Andrea Montano and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. My purpose and passion are inviting others into the process of transformation through greater authenticity, awareness, and choice. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. Additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I work with adolescents and adults to navigate the challenges of emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, boundary setting, and develop healthy communication patterns. After clients have told their story and why they’ve chosen to commit to therapy, themes will be addressed then narrowed down to specific goals to target. I am a down-to-earth, respectful, open-minded person using an empathetic approach to assist an individual with the relief of symptoms and sort through stressors while practicing effective coping skills.

Hello! My name is Brenda and I am a licensed clinical social worker. As a dedicated and empathetic mental health professional with over 6 years of experience, I am deeply committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate their emotional and psychological challenges. My journey into therapy began with a profound personal interest in understanding human behavior and a desire to support others in their pursuit of mental well-being.

I'm so glad you're here! It takes a lot of courage to be able to face our "stuff" and commit to growth. I would love to work with you to help achieve your goals! My core experience is in helping people explore questions about life, identity, and belonging so they can build the kind of lives they want to live. We can work together to identify your values, increase self-compassion, re-write internal narratives that no longer work for you, and address the impacts of trauma. I work primarily in the areas of substance use/process addiction and grief and loss. As a queer woman, I love to work with folks from a range of backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ folks and allies. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of connection, and my style of therapy is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and rooted in the concept of post-traumatic growth.

I have been working in the area of behavioral health since 1990, have various degrees from educational institutions, worked several internships for required training, helped move clients from a Developmental Center into homes to live and be a part of the community, have a love of working with older adults, and feel I am a compassionate, kind, person who is client centered and wants to help others to become empowered, if wanted. I have been a social worker for several entities and before that I was a Licensed Psychiatric Technician working on a crisis unit for Sonoma county.

As a **licensed marriage and family therapist** with 15 years of experience, I've had the opportunity to work with diverse clients, from individuals as young as three to adults of all ages, as well as couples and families. I began my career in substance abuse counseling and DUI classes. Over the years, I’ve specialized in **talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy**, with a focus on helping clients resolve **unresolved trauma**. I'm also trained in **Parent-Child Interaction Therapy** and can provide these services via telehealth. Most recently, I spent six years as the **Behavioral Health Program Director** for a foster agency in California. This role was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to work with children in foster care, their biological and foster parents, and adoptive families. Although I loved my work as a director, I truly missed the hands-on experience of working directly with individuals and families in a therapeutic setting, which is why I am back in private practice.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, proudly based in Oakland, California. I have supported folks over the last decade and was called to social work while employed at an art studio for adults with various health needs. In 2017, I received my Master's in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I have been practicing as a social worker for 9 years. I support folks 18+ in navigating trauma and self worth. As a Lebanese-American therapist, I aim to work with folks who are seeking the opportunity to re-examine their cultural storyline and get creative in unpacking their identity. Together, let’s challenge societal expectations and strive to center your authentic self. A little about me, personally: I identify as an artist and child of the earth, as diaspora has scattered my ancestors across the Arab world, Africa, Europe, and North America. I am fascinated by intersectionality and the powerful ways that resilience shapes our multi-hyphenate individuality. It is important that I take care of myself so that I can be a pillar of support to my clients. The way that I release painful feelings is by channeling them into creative projects. I also work hard to stay connected to my body and my surroundings. Whether it’s through writing, building clay sculptures, beading, or making collages, self-expression is a healing practice. I encourage everyone to play a little bit!

Are you struggling with balancing the demands of everyday life? Do you or a member of your family feel overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation or an inability to connect? Do you long for a sense of intimacy, community and overall well being? Step by step I will guide you in navigating obstacles while developing compassion and trust in yourself. I will assist you in learning how to build connections that feel genuine and reciprocal. If you feel prepared to take on these challenges an learn new coping strategies for a more meaningful, calm and mindful life, contact me and we can begin this journey together. For the past 15 years I have worked with teens, adults and families providing client centered therapeutic services. I personally model my treatment to the individual and work collaboratively with clients based on their personal and treatment goals. Reaching out for help can feel daunting. However, once you decide to take on the challenge for self-improvement and life betterment the rewards are endless. Please contact me for a complimentary telephone consultation.

You deserve to feel well and live your most authentic life. I provide tools to help you embrace a deeper understanding of yourself, strengthen your coping mechanisms, improve your mood, and thrive with increased daily functioning, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-awareness, and authentic self-expression. When life feels overwhelming, our minds can convince us that we are alone in our daily challenges and during our most difficult times. We get used to handling it on our own. I believe there is a better way. Working with a psychotherapist who can deeply connect with where you are on your healing journey can be transformative. Transformation might look like addressing symptoms, resolving a problem, or seeking something more. By guiding you to deeper insights and clearer understandings, together, we are better able to confront the barriers that may be holding you back from the life you want to live.