Optum Therapists in Los Angeles, CA

I'm Maritess "Tess" Florez, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist working with CA clients via telehealth. I work mostly with individuals from adolescents to adults, as well as parents/children ages 3-8. I also see couples and offer family sessions as needed. I work from a trauma-informed lens and may utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Narrative Therapy, as well as various somatic-based interventions.

I'm a licensed MFT in practice since 2008. I am fully trained in EMDR; I obtained EFT Externship certification for couple therapy; I also received DBT and CBT training for anxiety at BECK Institute. I'm familiar with intercultural issues affecting mental health. I have treated individuals and couples from many different backgrounds. I'm fluent in Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.

I strive to create a warm and accepting environment so you feel comfortable to communicate the challenges you face in your life. If you are having problems with depression, anxiety or relationships, we can work collaboratively to figure out how to help you. I have experience working with children and adults with mood dysregulation and addiction issues.

It is not uncommon for many of us to cling to belief systems that ultimately do not serve us. We bend over backwards to put out a facade of confidence, dependability, and accomplishment to the outside world in an attempt to live up to society’s and our own unattainable standards. We give and give to our jobs, our families, and our community to the point of utter exhaustion. Despite all the hard work we put forth, on the inside, we often feel deeply unfulfilled and empty. This often leads to exhaustion, loneliness, and emotional pain that just won’t go away.

I am a Counseling Psychologist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist with a special interest in helping artists, writers, actors, musicians and creative spirits of all types achieve their full potential. I am also interested in working with men around issues of fatherhood, masculinity, and relationships. I have completed specialized training working with college, medical, and professional students (UCLA and USC Health Science Campus), as well as veterans (Minneapolis and Milwaukee VA).

Life can create obstacles and therapy is there to support you with tackling the things that are weighing you down. I create a safe place to process your thoughts/feelings and provide insight around your patterns/behaviors. It can be scary to make changes in life, but the results of facing hard things can be rewarding and empowering. My approach to therapy is strength based, client-centered, & holistically grounded.

Clinical Approach: I have a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals, families, and groups across many domains of life and in many clinical areas. I approach treatment from a holistic approach. I enjoy working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary staff to solve complex traumas and am honored to be able to utilize my clinical skills and God-given talents to help other people thrive and recover. I utilize and combination of therapeutic modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused CBT, and Harm Reduction interventions with populations across all cultures, ages, and diverse backgrounds.

I have over 13 years of experience as Mental Health Clinician, joining clients as they work through their symptoms of trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, relationship conflicts, and other presenting issues. I specialize in treating clients with trauma and PTSD, utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-focused CBT, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also specialize in family systems therapy, parenting and co-parenting, and parent-child dyadic therapy.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and substance abuse. I have provided therapy in various settings: public mental health, family agencies, hospitals, school systems, and in private practice. I have worked with a wide range of severity of problems and challenges. These experiences provided me with ways to relate to my clients, regardless of circumstance or background, in a way where they can be heard and understood and provided a treatment that is meaningful to them.

You’re tired of feeling ruled by this anxiety or uncertainty. From the outside, your life looks good—you have a lot to be proud of. But something still isn’t right: you might feel anxious, have trouble making decisions, or unfulfilled and disconnected in your relationships. You’re constantly criticizing yourself, second-guessing that text message you sent or what others are thinking of you. Somehow, it’s like life is happening to you, instead of you being the one in control. And although you’ve tried to address this on your own through things like journaling or mindfulness practices, you still just don’t feel like yourself.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California and have over 5 years of experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy and psychosocial assessments to adults 18+ years seeking treatment for depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics and interpersonal skills, burnout, grief and loss, and life transitions. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in music at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and received my Master's Degree in Social Work at San Diego State University.

Life is about feeling connected, sharing in the joys and sorrows, and striving for something better, a better you. Therapy is a place where you can share and explore the challenges and achievements that make each of us an individual. I believe that forming a safe, non-judgmental relationship is fundamental to therapy and what guides the healing process. We work together in order to gain insight and learn healthy coping skills in managing challenges faced and the feelings associated with them. I believe that the most difficult job is working on ourselves but it is also the most rewarding.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience. As a therapist, I’m not here to judge you or tell you what’s wrong. Instead, I am here to help you uncover your hidden strengths and harness those abilities to address any challenges or roadblocks you may face. You don’t have to do it alone; we can walk this path together.