Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Gardena, CA covered by Aetna

There's a version of getting through life that looks completely fine from the outside and feels exhausting on the inside. I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are carrying more than it shows: anxiety, the aftereffects of trauma, major life transitions, or relationship patterns that keep repeating in ways that are hard to explain. I have a particular focus on trauma and attachment wounds and work with many clients who've spent years managing symptoms without ever addressing what's underneath them. My practice is warm and genuinely collaborative. I'll show up as a real partner in your growth, not a distant presence behind a notepad.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

I am non-judgmental, open-minded and solution focused. I have a trauma history of my own and I get it. I can shine a light on the path out of there. I will meet you where you are at and walk with you to a place that is happier and healthier. I am an art therapist, and believe in past life-times that have had an effect on who we have become. I was born into a conservative religion and escaped. I specialize in helping people leave organized religion.

My passion is helping adolescents and adults realize healthy perceptions of themselves while developing resilient habits and lasting coping strategies.

I am a SF native with over 20 years as a clinician and director of multiple community based organizations and tech startups. Additionally, I am an avid Bay Area sports fan, professional photographer, aspiring globe trotter, and unabashed performer of dad jokes.

I use family systems thinking to understand how relationships shape your experiences, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I'm also interested in how attachment styles influence your choices and connections. I believe in meeting you where you are and tailoring our work to what fits you best.

As an African American social worker educated in Alabama, I bring both cultural awareness and a deeply grounded, compassionate approach to my practice. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.

My style is collaborative, empathetic, and empowering—I believe in meeting clients where they are while helping them identify their strengths and develop practical tools for growth. I draw on evidence-based practices through a trauma-informed and person-centered lens, supporting clients in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, and recovery.

Having trained and practiced in diverse communities, I understand the importance of cultural context, lived experience, and social environment in shaping one’s well-being. Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, healing from trauma, or strengthening coping strategies, I’m here to walk alongside you in the process of building a more balanced and fulfilling life.

My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience spanning child welfare, institutional settings like the Department of Corrections and Kaiser Permanente, and private practice. This give me a uniquely grounded perspective on the full range of human experience. I've worked extensively with families, adolescents, and adults, helping people navigate mood and personality disorders, domestic violence, anger management, and the complex aftermath of adoption and reunification. I am culturally competent and committed to meeting every client exactly where they are, with unconditional positive regard and a deep belief that there are always underlying causes behind the symptoms and behaviors that bring someone to therapy.

I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in both Spanish and English, from colloquial to professional levels. My work has included supporting individuals facing HIV/AIDS-related challenges, domestic violence, substance use, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, dual diagnosis, sexuality-related concerns, aging-related issues, and the broader impact these experiences can have on families and support systems. Across community, academic, and clinical settings in Mexico and the U.S., I’ve built a strong foundation in helping people navigate both personal suffering and societal distress.

Growing up near a national park, I am consistently reminded of and influenced by the importance of nature on our physical, mental, and emotional health in my mental health practice. As an LMFT, I've worked with a variety of populations, most of whom experienced major trauma or complex trauma, and aid them in reconnecting to their sense of self and safety. I received my MS from California Lutheran University with a specialization in trauma and BA from CSU Chico. I have been licensed for 4 years and have provided therapy for the last 8 years including an associate and traineeship.