Grief counselors and therapists in San Diego, CA

For nearly 13 years, I worked as a psychotherapist at a mens' long term substance abuse treatment program, The Fellowship Center, Inc. in Escondido California. I obtained several certifications as a drug and alcohol counselor, but I relied primarily on my training as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to perform individual psychotherapy for residents in the treatment program.

I also have obtained training in Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I believe provides a robust treatment intervention for trauma. I now have 10 years experience using EMDR both in person and by telehealth with more than one hundred fifty clients.

I also have a strong interest in mindfulness and somatic interventions which I believe are essential in the integration of the treatment of both substance abuse and trauma.

In addition to trauma and substance abuse, I most frequently work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, or complex grief.

Finally, I enjoy working with clients who are struggling in the midst of major life transitions.

Are you are experiencing verbal and/or mental abuse from a romantic partner, a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker? Do you struggle with your own internal thoughts (e.g. "you’re not good enough”, "it's all your fault", “you are not a priority”). Maybe you’ve lost someone and you’re grieving. You are emotionally exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You tell yourself the good is good but the bad is bad. You're scared and confused on what to do or how to "fix" things. These experiences create rumination, avoidance, trauma, anxiety, and more.

I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

Hello! I'm Kris and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and the founder of Village Wellness Center, a thriving group psychotherapy practice based in San Juan Capistrano. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, and I specialize in maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the unique needs of women and mothers.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University and returned to school 15 years later to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

The beginning of my career in mental health started in residential care helping at-risk youth, and over the course of 20 years, my work and experience evolved into leading and developing clinical programs for outpatient and court-mandated facilities while also building my specialty in perinatal mood disorders and maternal mental health in my private practice. Additionally over the past two decades, I was raising my family and actively contributing to the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness and thriving families. This became the catalyst to opening Village Wellness Center, where the ability to serve entire families and promote holistic mental wellness with a team of therapists can be achieved.

I believe deeply in the power of connection, healing, and human resilience. I’ve spent over 20 years walking alongside children, adults, and families through some of life’s hardest seasons.

What motivates me the most in this work is how meaningful change and healing can occur when a person feels truly seen, supported, and valued. I’ve witnessed incredible strength in the face of hardship. I’m continually inspired by the courage it takes to show up and do the work. It’s sacred work, and I’m grateful every day to be doing it.

I am a Latinx therapist who specializes in trauma and the healing journey that follows. My approach is grounded in both professionalism and personal experience. Having done my own therapy work, I understand the courage it takes to face painful experiences, navigate life's challenges, and commit to personal growth.

I recognize that healing is not always a linear process. Growth often involves discomfort, vulnerability, and persistence. Because of this, I strive to create a compassionate, culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they work toward meaningful change.

Whether you are processing trauma, navigating life transitions, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, authenticity, and respect for your unique experiences.

Seeking support is a brave and meaningful step, and I want to honor the courage it takes to be here. Grounded in trauma-informed care and the healing power of connection, I walk alongside clients with warmth and curiosity as they rediscover safety, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by both personal and professional experiences that deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the importance of meaningful support. I’ve worked with diverse populations in various settings where my focus was on supporting healing through a trauma-informed lens. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work degree from Baylor University, where I completed the clinical track and earned a certificate in trauma-informed care.

I provide therapy for adults, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, mood disorders, and complex relationship dynamics. In addition to individual work, I support parents and co-parents in strengthening communication and collaboration to promote healthier family systems.

(Hablo Español) I'm a warm, welcoming person who enjoys making others feel comfortable and heard. I approach conversations with an open mind, staying nonjudgmental and genuinely curious about different perspectives. I value kindness, honesty, and creating a space where people can be themselves. Whether we're solving a problem or just chatting, I aim to keep things approachable, positive, and easy to understand.