Grief counselors and therapists in Tustin, CA

Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

Before earning my Masters in Counseling, I earned a PhD in social and personality psychology. This background deeply informs how I show up as a therapist. I help clients address unresolved trauma and grief, anxiety and OCD, address relationship issues, as well as "problems of everyday living." My style is active, engaged, and practical.

Hello, my name is Francisca, I have experience working with community mental health, with undeserved communities and individuals from all walks of life. I've gained a lot of experience helping clients heal from traumatic experiences, process grief, and facilitated their empowerment to take on the reins of their healing journey.

I am a proud Mexican American woman who believes that we all possess inherit gifts and capacity to heal and when identified and fostered this can be our catalyst for change. I am interested in learning each person's story and offering ongoing evolving support through the alliance that we will cultivate.

I am well versed in a myriad of modalities that are trauma informed as well as psychodynamic, somatic treatment frameworks. Overall, I am an ongoing student. Aside from my professional trainings, I have learned via my individual healing journey, and from the individuals I have helped. I am passionate about helping each individual realize their path to healing.

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already carrying a lot. My goal is to offer a space where you can take a breath, feel understood, and not have to explain or justify what you’re going through. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals and couples navigating stress, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and just life in general. Many of the people I work with are caring, capable, and thoughtful—yet sometimes feel misunderstood and drained by all of their responsibilities, oftentimes putting their own needs last. I can help guide you as you sort things out and move towards finding more peace and joy in your life.

A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves