As a licensed therapist in California and Colorado, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life experiences, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where individuals can explore their inner world, heal from past wounds, and develop stronger self-understanding. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on areas like self-love, life purpose, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. My clinical work spans diverse challenges including workplace stress, family dynamics, body image concerns, and navigating significant life transitions. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, supporting clients in developing resilient coping strategies and rediscovering their inherent strength and potential. Through evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed lens, I aim to help clients move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to experiencing greater emotional freedom and authentic self-connection.

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the States of California and Oregon with over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of settings, working with differing populations and ages. I have helped others who are looking to start or maintain their healing journey or are experiencing obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, addictions and trauma (including multi-generational trauma). My clinical focus is on individual adult men and women from various ethnic backgrounds. It has become abundantly clear to me (especially since working within a global Telehealth format) that regardless of where we come from or our individual life story, we all share the common needs for purpose, meaning, and value in our lives. Those who have worked with me on BetterHelp know that I pay close attention to words, love metaphors, and use humor when it is appropriate to do so. My style is warm and actively engaging and my approach pulls from various sources including solution-focused, dialectical behavior, narrative, and experiential therapies. I can't believe it has been over 6 years since I joined BH. I have developed a model "in honor" of this milestone. I hope it brings clarity to you as to how I may approach your situation. I look forward to meeting you: Joy’s CHIPS Model© … Chipping away at human problems Cognitive Distortions - checking in on narratives Communication - listening vs hearing, stonewalling, ghosting Comparisons - soul killer Compassion - Kindness towards Self? Others? Regret & Resentments Context - environment, culture, religion, health Control - can/can’t (anxiety/panic, codependency, addictions), fear of losing Healthy Distractions - Skills & Tools Honesty - transparency Humility - gratitude? narcissism? I - Am I making it all about me? codependency? narcissism? I - Interpretations & Assumptions, Emotional Maturity Patience Paying Attention - and Mindfulness Petrified - including fear of feeling better Physical - health, including its cause for MH issues Projection - onto others & forecasting Proof - of assumptions Purpose Self-Awareness Self-Sabotage Substances Support System Gratitud porque el corazón aprendió Gratitude because the heart learned Que agradecer es vivir mejor That being thankful is living better

I hear the heartbeat of your spoken and unspoken struggles, as well as your dreams yet to be realized. Together we work to uncover the root cause and triggers that prevent you from being at peace with yourself and others, whether it involves issues of : • addiction, depression - Bi-polar or other mood disorders, ADD • codependency, low self-esteem, • PTSD, problems with anger management or conflict avoidance • problems with emotional and sexual intimacy in marriage. And, then, together we move on to resolve issues you bring so that you can learn to have satisfaction and transformation in your life. My experience spans 25 plus years of working with a wide range of people in private practice and in the mental health system. Not only that, but, my training was as a Doctor of Mental Health in Psychiatry at UCSF Medical Centre, San Francisco, with a 3- year residence, rotating in the crisis clinic, in-patient and out-patient psych units in Mount Zion Hospital, and Langley Porter Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Through this magnificent training I learned to grasp the delicate balance between the mind-body duo, and, subsequently I became adept at diagnosis and treatment, including ascertaining one's need for medication as an adjunct to the talk therapy. I am also trained in theology, having earned an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Above all, if you choose to work with me - you will gain an ally in your recovery - who is authentic, transparent, and, who will walk with you to the culmination of your treatment. My treatment approach is psychoanalytic. And, thus, I believe we all suffer hurts, habits and hang-ups from the past, which are at the root of our struggles that go back to unfinished business with family of origin. However, I also integrate facets of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy, as the need presents. Furthermore, I am a Christian with a worldview that is biblically based. And, so, I hear the “God void” that lies within the heart of all humankind which we seek to fill with other things. This means that while my counsel will never conflict with the authority of Scripture, I will not proselytize. With that said, I have and will continue to see anyone who chooses to work with me as their therapist, regardless of whether you have a religious affiliation or none. Last, I am also an author who wrote a book based on case histories of nine patients who gave me permission to tell their stories, interspersed with vignettes from my own life - about how to overcome the struggles with which we all suffer. My nascent book, entitled, "You Can't Heal A Wound By Saying It's Not There", 2nd edition, is an overview of how what I have described above helps people heal and move on with their lives, so that they can help someone else be better - one person at a time. Are you willing to begin a journey with me of overcoming the past and embracing your God-given future?

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #12959) with over 15 years of experience counseling/ accompanying persons through difficult parts of their life-journeys. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Isolation. loneliness, fearfulness, anxiety, intimacy/relationship issues, parenting and career challenges, addiction, physical and emotional abuse and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, curious and appropriately truth-telling.. I treat others with respect and consistent presence. I work to sustain and shame-free context that empowers persons to (re)claim their lies and future with dignity. I am an accompanist, using therapeutic tools gathered from several clinical approaches. I am relational, client centered, mindful, and strategic. I believe that direction and goals for therapy are shaped together with the client. We will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Your willingness to reach out for support shows your courage and desire for a better future. I encourage you to take this step, accompanied and supported I look forward to working with you.

Thank you for reading my profile – I hope I will get a chance to meet with you soon! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the state of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #117301, valid until 01/31/2028, with 11 years of counseling experience working with adults, children and teenagers, individually and in groups. When working with adults, I find it helpful to remember and honor the precious children they once were, and to strive to treat them with the sensitivity, kindness, patience and unconditional positive regard that they still need and deserve now that they are grown up. I look forward to working with you to increase your resilience and psychological flexibility, so that you can be more open, aware and engaged in life. I will encourage you to explore your own values and help you to take positive actions towards them. I hope to help you to feel better, have more fulfilling relationships and feel empowered to lead a meaningful life. My counseling style is based on a special client-centered relationship that is caring, respectful, genuine and accepting, to encourage your self-compassion and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach of evidence-based practices that best suit your individual strengths and needs, and that provides you with coping skills you can use when you need them. We can also explore the use of mindfulness and the power of metaphors to help you tap into your own brainpower. Even in difficult times we can find and create meaning, and move towards hope, individuation and joy! I would be honored to be a small part of your life journey and help you to explore and expand your own unique potential!

Hi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to individuals and families experiencing depression or anxiety, family stressors, grief and loss or relationship issues. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and compassionate therapeutic environment. Exploring counseling and choosing the right therapist is not always an easy task. At times, we all struggle and the stressors of life can be overwhelming. It is my endeavor to help you successfully navigate the challenges you are facing and provide the skills and techniques to help you reach your goals. Congratulations on making the first step towards personal growth and improving your Mental Health. I look forward to working with you.

My name is Dorothy: I have been a counselor /therapist for over 40 years. Twenty-Five years of my career has been in acute care hospitals. I dealt daily with, grief trauma, suicide and life changing illnesses. My critical thinking skills are finely tuned to help a patient or client process and take care of their family and selves at the most tragic times in their lives. Within these tragic situations, I have been able to assist and help clients find a path to go forward. In less stressful situations, I have used motivational interviewing to help a client within very chaotic situations not only move forward, but also to create goals for their lives and plans to achieve those goals. I have worked with Military families and children . I have worked for 2 years in a school-based homeless program providing meals, counseling, home visits and resources for families facing many challenges. I have coordinated with schools, courts and child protective services to help families remain together and focused on what they need to do to keep their families together in the most difficult of times. I have provided couples counseling, family counseling and groups. I have taught parenting skills while learning the most useful lessons from the parents themselves. Often my primary tool for family intervention is Systems theory. This theory is based on family and individual strengths. It basically theorizes that if a direct approach to change in a family doesn't work then another less obvious problem solving approach might work. Or that working on a positive change in another part of a client's world, might positively impact what can the desired change through a less direct route. This in turn may cause a ripple effect of other that impacts the entire family in a positive yet productive way. This method of intervention recognizes that families ultimately provide love and care as their roots of growth and nurture in a family. I trust the family process to produce the best results for a family. I work hard to help you or your family in any compassionate way that I can while always keeping in focus the safety and well being of the family and the children. I always expect and realize that families are working even harder at these goals than I am. We are a team . Sometimes only brief supportive interventions are helpful Other times, depending upon where the family is in its process, more intense interventions are appropriate. My intent in any dynamic is to be of service to you and your family. I listen to the verbal, spiritual energy of the family and attempt to participate in the family "flow " and help to continue to guide it in a positive direction. Often these goals are very do-able. If I can't be helpful, I will certainly guide your family to someone who can be helpful. I look forward to working with you as much as you may need. Thank you.

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed therapist in California with over twelve years of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and expertise. As a therapist of color, I bring a nuanced, culturally responsive approach to mental health care. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, workplace stress, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic style is collaborative and affirming. I work closely with clients to explore their unique experiences, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate strategies for personal growth. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for your healing journey. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build resilience, enhance self-love, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My approach honors each individual's distinct path and strengths.

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in California with 20 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have experience treating trauma and all types of abuse. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy c.an take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist with 24 years of experience in California, I specialize in supporting late adolescents (16-19), young adults (20–30), and their parents through life’s transitions and challenges with clarity and confidence. Please note: I do work with adults (35-64) on a case by case basis. Becoming an adult is not easy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, or issues with motivation, self-esteem, or confidence, I’m here to help. With parents of emerging adults, I offer compassionate guidance to navigate relational shifts while fostering a stronger, more meaningful connection with your young adult. My style is warm, direct, honest, and rooted in compassion. I believe in creating a safe, respectful space where we can collaborate to build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Your journey is unique, and I’m committed to meeting you exactly where you are. Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths, build your confidence, and help you create the life you want. I'm ready to take this journey with you!

As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients explore self-love, address communication challenges, and heal from experiences of isolation, trauma, and social anxiety. With a deep commitment to understanding intersectional experiences, I provide culturally responsive care that honors diverse identities and lived experiences. My approach is particularly attuned to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, men, and those confronting multicultural concerns. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, process challenging emotions, and cultivate meaningful connections. Whether you're struggling with life transitions, relationship dynamics, or personal growth, I offer a compassionate, affirming space to explore your journey. My therapeutic work is grounded in understanding the profound impact of identity, systemic challenges, and personal history. I'm dedicated to supporting clients as they build self-understanding, challenge internalized narratives, and move toward more authentic, empowered lives.

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.