Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in San Clemente, CA

I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.

Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

There are things you have learned to work around instead of talk about, and after a while that starts to feel normal. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across California, and often with whole families who are trying to get through something together. A lot of my work is with people carrying trauma they have never fully unpacked, parents navigating the emotional weight of pregnancy and new parenthood, and people trying to change a pattern of substance use that has already cost them more than they meant to lose. My goal is to meet you where you are, not where a treatment plan says you should be.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering to individuals of all ages. I have 8 years of experience in the field in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating through depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I am passionate about supporting individuals through my multi-modal therapeutic approach which integrates CBT and solution-focused, reality-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!