Family Therapy in West Central, Pasadena, CA

Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.

Are you living with the effects of trauma or an abusive relationship? It IS possible to move beyond difficult experiences. Therapy is a safe space to tackle the symptoms instead of yourself. Through collaboration we discover strengths inside you that will bring you healing. A traumatic childhood can shape the story you have about yourself and your ability to achieve healthy connections. Unhealthy/Unwanted romantic or sexual relationships can effect how you view love and what you deserve. Let's work together to rediscover YOU, understanding your experience in a way that brings relief, moving beyond events that cause pain.

I specialize in providing psychological services to children and adolescents. These include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy. Assessments can be invaluable tools that provide diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and the basis for academic accommodations. The therapeutic interventions I provide to young clients can be used to address a range of common challenges including, but not limited to emotional dysregulation and behavior problems. Based on the client, therapy may take various forms and could entail a talk or play-based approach. I regularly integrate parent or family sessions when appropriate.

We are in a very unique time in history that for many can increase their fear and/or anxiety. Don't do it alone! If you are struggling, please reach out.Get the support you need. My fees are very flexible to ensure that no one is going through this alone.My life experience combined with my education has equipped me to serve a variety of people. You can come with your struggles, whatever they may be - depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, traumatic experience, eating issues, body distortion, sexuality, self-destructive behavior, cultural, Christianity/spirituality and enter into a safe place to receive treatment.

Looking for growth, skills, connection and empowerment during challenging times? Our compassionate and expert Institute team is dedicated to empowering girls, women, families, and gender expansive individuals through strength-based services. We offer therapy (individual, group and family ), assessment, community education, and professional training. Our caring, experienced, and creative therapists work from various approaches to best meet the unique needs of our clients and their families. Our skill-building workshops and groups inspire children and teens to use their voices and build resilience and leadership.

If you're seeking help for your relationship with your partner, considering making a long-term commitment, struggling to reignite the "spark" you once had, or feeling desperate to stop the constant arguments, I would like to help you get your relationship back on the right track! Many couples wait too long to seek out professional relationship help, and suffer the pain and sadness of being out-of-sync with their partner for far too long. Unfortunately, when the commitment level has bottomed out, relationships often pass the point of no return and simply cannot be salvaged. Don't wait until it's too late!

My clinical experience has focused primarily on helping individuals in the adolescent to young adult age, which is a critical phase of development, addressing issues around identity formation and family conflict. Diagnoses and presenting problems most prevalent for this age include major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiance, ADHD, schizophrenia, self-harming/high risk behaviors (cutting, eating disorders, and substance use) and suicidal thoughts & behaviors. My work with this particular age population often includes helping the family system in areas such as conflict resolution, family communication patterns and repair in attachment & connection.

Maria Favela-Castro, is a bilingual Spanish-speaking, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist , supervised by Dr. Clara Aparicio, Psy.D. PSY28302. Ms. Favela-Castro received her Master degree from National University in Counseling Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Sociology. For the last 10years, Ms. Favela-Castro has gained experience in non-profit agencies assisting children, women, and their families.

Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/ family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.

If you are thinking about coming to therapy, chances are there is something going on that is prompting you to do so. Perhaps it is a stressful job or relationship; or you may be struggling with anxiety or depression. And, what may seem to be the "problem" on the surface could actually be related to something on a deeper level. As your therapist, I will work with you to try and understand what this deeper level is all about--all the thoughts, feelings and memories and the relationship they have to your current problem or situation.

I am a child & family specialist. I worked 8 years in residential treatment working with severely emotionally disturbed children & their families. I work with parents to help them handle their child's behavioral issues. I also have extensive experience working with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, stress & mental health issues. I am EMDR CERTIFIED by EMDRIA. I am LGBTQIA2+. I am a certified grief recovery specialist. I have experience treating substance abuse issues. I have extensive experience providing therapy to medical & nursing students due to my experience in medical social work.

I firmly believe that all of my clients are the experts of their lives. I thus use a strength-based and trauma-informed lens to assist individuals through navigating their relationships with themselves and others. My work as a therapist is informed by the belief that for us to heal, we must begin with an acceptance that our struggles are valid and deserving of attention. I strive to create an inclusive, affirmative space where individuals feel supported to speak their truth.

Christina Ojeda is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is wholeheartedly invested in supporting clients on their journey towards self-actualization. Christina understands that reaching out for support and finding the right therapist can be difficult and overwhelming. With that understanding, she is dedicated to creating a safe and soft landing spot for your healing and growth. Christina values the therapeutic relationship and is humbled and honored by the opportunity to connect with you and be a part of your journey.

"HELL is PROXIMITY without INTIMACY". If you are physically close to your partner, but feel like thousands of miles away, then you can certainly relate to this definition. I recognize that one of the HARDEST DECISIONS in your relationship IS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO GIVE UP OR TRY HARDER! If you are STUCK, counseling might help you get clarity. My passion is to bring couples emotionally closer, and to help them CONNECT again. I work with individuals and couples going through life transitions (i.e.birth of children) or difficult issues such as affairs, trust, jealousy, and communication issues.

As a mental health therapist my goal is to provide empathy and a safe space throughout your journey of self-empowerment and discovery. I am a huge believer in the idea that we all possess the knowledge to self-heal or solve our problems, though sometimes we need a helping professional to find the key to unlocking that knowledge.

I work with all adults, and I have extensive training in working with couples. You can create a satisfying relationship regardless of your childhood, past injuries, or current circumstances. A new relationship requires new strategies and tools that can be learned. They are proven strategies that will help you maximize shared happiness and minimize distress. Your problems are opportunities. Even a crisis can be the motivation to learn the right tools to succeed. You can heal and learn and make dramatic positive shifts in your relationship.

Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/ family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.

I believe that therapy is a truly personal experience. The decision to seek support is a courageous one. As your therapist, I feel the privilege of being allowed into your life in a way that you may have not allowed others to be. My approach is customized to each of my clients because each one of us is on our own personal journey. My treatments are rooted in psychodynamic, humanistic, and family systems theories. Based on your individual goals and needs, I may integrate mindfulness-based interventions, narrative therapy interventions, or evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive behavioral therapy.