Grief counselors and therapists in Encino, CA

My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

I have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to balance, mindfulness and joy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. This journey has reinforced my belief that each person's path to well-being is unique and deserves a personalized approach.

Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, my career has spanned work as a classroom teacher, registered financial advisor, technical and relational manager, and EAP counselor for Fortune 500 companies. With additional training in substance abuse, employee assistance programs, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, I combine practical real-world experience with compassionate, identity-affirming care.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15 years of experience supporting adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families through emotional and relationship challenges. I specialize in working with clients experiencing trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. I understand that each person brings their own experiences, relationships, and cultural background into therapy, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and respected. I’m fluent in English, Farsi, Armenian, and Assyrian and have experience working with individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

I work with anyone navigating adjustment/mood challenges, stress, trauma, grief, and co-occurring disorders. Using an integrative approach, I help clients make sustainable progress toward their goals and overall wellness.

• Empowering individuals and families to break generational cycles, heal from complex trauma, and confidently navigate life's toughest transitions.

I am a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. My career is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating life’s most vulnerable, chaotic moments with a deeply grounded, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed approach.

My background spans crisis intervention, community leadership, and family advocacy. I have specialized experience with youth and young adults, including aged-out foster youth, justice-involved young adults, and teens navigating severe crisis, self-harm, or substance use. I also specialize in family reunification and breaking generational cycles of abuse, having worked closely with child welfare and served as an international speaker on child abuse prevention and women's empowerment for DIF in Tijuana, Mexico. Additionally, I provide individual and group therapy for court-mandated domestic violence offenders, addressing accountability and toxic masculinity.

Whether you are a young adult rewriting your future, a parent fighting for your family's healing, or an individual ready to break old cycles, I provide a compassionate, safe, and culturally responsive space to guide you forward. Sana tus heridas en tu propio idioma.