Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

My passion is to help you gain confidence and have support in whatever you are going through- addiction, depression, relationships, work, social difficulties, complex family dynamics, parenting, teen struggles- anxiety related to it all. My approach is compassionate as we work on sifting through trauma and how that plays out in your every day life. I give you practical tools and use techniques that help you move from being unstuck to living a full authentic life.

Since the start of the pandemic, so many of us have come to crossroads in our lives. When in isolation we have been forced to look closely at the relationships we value, the activities we enjoy, and what we wish to change. In the age of social media, the culture of comparison has dominated our inner psyches and altered our abilities to obtain lasting happiness. In our work together, I want to provide you with a warm, thoughtful, socioculturally-attuned, and collaborative environment. Here, we can explore your individual needs, the belief systems you hold, and your hopes for the future.

I have 20 years experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster and probation systems; as a full-time therapist with County Mental Health for 12 years I gained much experience and training as a specialist in stress, trauma and sexual abuse. I’m excited to be available to serve parents, youth, and adults seeking to heal from developmental stress or trauma. I use directive, engaging and short-term interventions to facilitate your power to restore a sense of peace and control in your life. I want to help you create the life you know you deserve, you are not the problem and you will see, you can be the solution.

I believe in the fundamental, basic goodness of all humans; when living from a place of depth there can be a gentleness, ease, and gratitude toward ourselves, life, and everything we do. Nature teaches us that stress and healing are cyclical. That they are an integral part of our experience. Yet sometimes we get stuck and life can feel heavy, overwhelming and dark. During these times, we might need others to support us. To guide us in finding new ways of relating to ourselves as well as these stressful and contracted states. Psychotherapy can offer that help.

I work from a depth and relationship based perspective while integrating play therapy and evidenced-based interventions to address the unique and personal needs of my clients. I have a special interest in working with individuals with trauma histories, including childhood maltreatment and abuse, and have completed formal comprehensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I encourage gaining awareness and curiosity for all parts of self to better understand how your past can influence your present and future as well as how individual strengths can help you heal and become whole.

The mission of Elements Counseling is to offer therapy, psychoeducation and support to individuals, families, and youth. Elements help foster healthy behaviors and choices for those referred by our community partners, the judicial system, veteran affairs and through self-referrals. Elements offers youth, families, and individuals’ best practices and evidence-based treatments for those struggling with relationships, substance abuse, mental health, and personal crisis. Elements provides an array of services for the family and the community.

Welcome! I have extensive experience working with trauma in a creative & holistic approach. I work with all ages but am passionate in using cultural healing methods, expressive arts, play therapy and Sandtray. I am passionate about working with Latinex first generation as I can relate from my professional and personal experience. Who would've thought this 6th grade dropout field worker would be able to give back. I also have over 15 years working in Academia. Bienvenidos, permítame asistir cons su salud mental para usted o sus hijos. Terapia es un proceso muy personal y usted tiene toda la herramienta para sanar.

Our developing years can often be filled with confusion, fear, and other big emotions. Whether I’m working with children or the inner child, speaking with someone who can present a different vantage point and offer tools of healing from a non-judgmental and supportive place can be what we need to achieve wholeness. From coping and managing stressors, self-esteem and confidence building, social and relationship concerns, or self-discovery, I'm dedicated to supporting the growth and development of children, teens and young adults.

Welcoming new Clients in Downtown Visalia. Let’s get you started on your counseling journey today so that you may reach your fullest potential! As a therapist with over 20 years of experience in the counseling field, I have experience in working with Individuals, Couples and families as they face difficult periods in their lives due to divorce, infidelities or life transitions. I also work with individuals to help you learn new skills to manage your trauma, depression or anxiety so that you can get back to enjoying your life.

Is your child struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulty expressing emotions safely? Are they having a difficult time coping with a trauma or loss? Maybe you want to strengthen your relationship with your child. Play is the natural way that children express themselves, and they need a special environment filled with toys and games to help them with the hard work of learning new skills and addressing unpleasant memories. Play and art therapy can be used to resolve trauma, teach and practice coping skills, increase emotional regulation, decrease anxiety and enhance attachments.