LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California since 2008. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique life story.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, health issues, and interpersonal relationship challenges, trauma, grief, aging, and end-of-life concerns. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths while moving toward greater clarity, healing, and emotional balance.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. My approach is compassionate, direct, and solution-focused, with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care. I work collaboratively with clients to understand not only what they're experiencing today, but also how past experiences may be shaping their present. Whether you're navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, or major life transitions, I strive to create a safe, confidential space where you can explore difficult emotions, develop practical coping skills, and move toward lasting change. My goal is to help you build resilience, gain insight, and leave each session feeling supported, empowered, and hopeful.

I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

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.

I am a bilingual (Spanish and English) Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, parents, and couples.

I hold a psychology degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California since 1991 and earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix in 2008.

My work focuses on strengthening relationships and addressing emotional or mental issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial factors, life challenges, and personal goals.