Kathleen earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree from Chapman University College in Orange, California. Her years of specialized training and experience have equipped her with skills in various therapeutic approaches including solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR. She has a background in treating co-occurring disorders (substance abuse treatment and mental health). She customizes her approach to meet the needs and presenting problems of her clients and directs their treatment to establish a therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate the bridge to health.

Do you feel stuck, not sure which direction to go? I can help with that. Are you having trouble sleeping, or concentrating? Do you find yourself irritable out of nowhere or possibly sad for no reason? Is your child struggling with peers or grades? Is your home chaotic or full of tension? I believe we all have the tools needed to experience a fulfilling life however sometimes we lose sight of these tools and need a little help accessing these tools, therapy is a great step in the right direction.

Each client is an individual with unique needs that includes the whole person: mind, body, and spirit—all of which is interconnected. Anxiety/depression: is it interfering with a sense of purpose, success, hope for your future, relationships, and your job? Grief/unexpected losses of a loved one—human or beloved animal friend—lingering too long, holding you back from moving forward? Older, unresolved traumas : triggered when least expected...are children angry, acting out as they carry old and new worries? My 30+yr previous career in nursing also provides understanding to chronic illnesses, or sheds light on needed medical referrals.

I work well with children, adolescents, and their families. My goal is to help individuals and families transform their lives into healthy productive individuals so that they can fulfill the plan meant for their lives, and to fulfill their destiny despite set backs or challenges that may get them off track.

Premier Family Counseling Group offers in person sessions and telehealth. Free consultations. Bilingual English/Spanish. Accepting New Clients. Accept most PPO insurance. Leslie X. Mendez, AMFT, serving as an Associate Marriage Family and Child Therapist. I believe that every walk of life carries all levels of turbulence causing pain, confusion, fear, guilt anxiety and negative distortions. Practicing eclectic evidence-based approaches has provided effectiveness in addressing life’s problematic issues.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families within a compassionate, supportive environment. Whether you seek support for yourself or for your child, it is important to find a therapist that will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. You and I will determine and accomplish your goals together, whether they include short-term,specific goals or long-term,general goals.

Therapy is a valuable tool that can assist you in solving problems, set goals and ensure you meet those goals, improve relationships and communication skills, understand emotions and the functions of emotions in your life. Therapy is tool that can assist a person to transition from one phase in life to the next.

Are you feeling stuck? Are you struggling with relationships or work fulfillment? Do you want to feel joyful, satisfied, and less anxious? I care about your well-being and helping you find happiness and balance is my passion. My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. I can help you understand and change the negative patterns that contribute to your emotional distress. I’ll teach you innovative techniques to enhance your mood, improve your relationships, and live a happier, more meaningful life. As a former corporate high-tech employee, an immigrant, and an LGBTQ person of color, I can relate to many of your struggles.

I will tell you what you need to know, not with judgment, but with solutions. I will teach you how to speak so that you are heard and understood. I will ask you to be courageous and try new things with yourself and in your relationships. I will show you how living in honesty and humility will save you.

You don't have to continue repeating these old self-destructive patterns. Reaching out for help can feel scary, but it can also be the first step toward overcoming the obstacles and challenges that are keeping you from the fulfilling and meaningful life that you deserve. If old coping strategies are no longer serving you, or worse, are becoming self destructive, it may be time to reach out and accept help. I deeply empathize with the feeling of fear and isolation one feels when suffering in silence, as well as the tremendous courage it takes to reach out for support.

Life’s difficulties – when held properly – are like the grains of sand that form the pearl in the oyster. I am here to help you discover that pearl. Are you feeling tossed and confused by life’s sea changes? I’m here to guide you into discovering what generates the whirlwind in your mind, the ache in your body, the weight and grip in your belly. We’ll use art-making, mindfulness, dreamwork, and inner listening to dip beneath the surface.

The ability to be reflective and resilient is a cornerstone of mental fitness and a predictor of life long mental health. For the last 25 years, I have worked with adults, adolescents and children to help them cultivate a greater understanding of their experiences, feelings and thoughts. In collaborative partnership, I work with clients to develop greater responsiveness to the complexity of emotional life, relationships, developmental transitions, conflicts and trauma. To this end, I bring psychological knowledge, astute observational skills and a deep capacity for empathy to help individuals, couples and families grow and thrive.

Most people experience times or situations in their life in which additional support and help are needed. I offer a supportive, open and trusting environment to facilitate desired growth and change within the individual and/or the family. I have been working with teens, individuals, couples, and families since 1994 and have enjoyed watching people make positive life changes. I look forward to the opportunity of helping you.

"The world breaks everyone… but afterward many are strong in the broken places." E. Hemingway.

Do you live in constant fear? Are you overwhelmed by grief? Do you find yourself feeling sad, withdrawn, irritable, and lonely? Are you struggling to communicate with your teen? Do you often wonder why they behave in certain ways? If so, I would like to help. We all would like to think we are strong enough to overcome these issues on our own, but there comes a time when we need to reach out for additional help. I specialize in treating trauma (specifically sexually abuse), mood disorders, and grief. I also have worked extensively with teens and their families, so I know the problems that are unique to teens.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the founder of Organic Therapy Network. As someone who is outgoing, creative and intuitive, these characteristics transfer into my therapy session, as I try to create a safe space for my clients to grow. My goal is for my clients to express who they truly are, free of judgement or shame. I welcome all clients, regardless of race, identity and belief. I believe the role of a therapist is to explore, educate, develop and create culturally competent ways for clients to thrive!

*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS- IEHP and KAISER* We are warm, kind hearted therapists treating individuals and families. Life isn't always easy, and sometimes we need that nonjudgmental listener to help us get through the tough times. Let us help you work through those tough situations and improve your quality of life and relationships with others. Don't continue to struggle with depression, anxiety, behavioral outbursts, SI thoughts, or reoccurring traumatic experiences on your own. There is hope for a brighter tomorrow, the choice is yours! Hope to hear from you soon to help increase joy and happiness in your life!

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a core part of engaging in healthy life changes. Change is very difficult for most people and sometimes all it takes is to talk about your struggles and have someone to listen and try to understand. My belief is that the therapy relationship can help the healing process no matter what it is you are dealing with. The first step towards having a happy life is a healthy mind.

Thanks for considering me in your quest for self-improvement! I treat individuals, couples and families from adolescence through geriatric, offering a variety of approaches to meet your particular needs. While compassionate and empathetic, I also provide an interactive, straightforward approach to help you meet your goals quickly and learn to THRIVE. I've authored 4 published books and have appeared on numerous national radio and TV shows (e.g. Tyra Banks). I co-hosted a weekly, psychology-related, radio show. For more information on services and products, and a view of my blogs, please visit me at www.drdebraonline.com!