Meet the Licensed Therapists
Dr. Karla Heredia, PsyD, LMFT
Thank you for taking the time to read through my website.
It takes a lot of bravery and courage to share your story with someone. I hope that in reaching this step you may be on your way toward healing, insight and finding new meaning. I am here to walk beside you in a journey of discovering self joy, happiness, transparency, even in your most-darkest places.I will walk along your side through difficult, painful places in order to walk into a room full of light and freedom.
I embrace a strength based, nonpathologizing (Meaning I will not categorize you or label you with a diagnosis. Your experience is unique and your narrative will be told from your point of view and not a book) and collaborative form of therapy that will allow you to discover your natural capacity for personal growth and wellness. By providing a safe, supportive & nonjudgmental setting we will work together to guide you in the direction you are looking for. In voicing an alternative path we will reconstruct your desired story in order to highlight your unique qualities, strengths and natural competencies to guide your life.
Education
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. I then began to work as an elementary teacher. I furthered my education and received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. After three years working as a classroom elementary teacher, I decided to continue to my educational journey and earned a second Master’s degree from Alliant International University in Marital and Family Therapy.
I furthered my education by earning a Doctorate of Psychology, in Couple and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. My dissertation topic was on the Narratives of Resilient Latino Mothers who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My clinical interests include working with couples & families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Current research interest includes family dynamics including parents coping skills, marital satisfaction and resilience in the marriage. Other interests include the influence of Autism with different members in the family including siblings and their relationship with the family member diagnosed with Autism.
I am passionate about working with children, parents and families who are influenced by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have an extensive background in working with the population including ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Traditional Psychotherapy. I work with individuals, couples and families in supporting and understanding ASD with the mind, body, and emotions.I am also passionate about working with couples in all stages including premarital counseling, communication enrichment and working on a variety of family dynamics. I am trained in a variety of marital & couple programs including Prepare and Enrich, Relationship Enhancement: Mastering the Mysteries of Love & Working with Step Families and Gottman Level 1. As a bilingual therapist, I have experience working with children and their families in various clinical settings including school based counseling, behavior therapy and family therapy. I also have experience with Applied Behavior Analysis, services to children who are diagnosed Autism and PDD as a clinical ABA supervisor and direct interventionist.
I am also certified through NAMA (National Association of Anger Management) and CAAMP (California Association of Anger Management Providers) as an anger management specialist and can provide you with approved documentation for mandated individuals. I run a group of up to 5 individuals in understanding and empathizing primary and secondary emotions related to anger, sadness, hurt and disappointment. Mindfulness, guided imagery including safe place is a primary practice used to understand our emotions. The class focuses in increasing empathy, patience and effective communication skills.
Focus:
Specialities:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anger Management
- Developmental Disorders
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Family Conflict
Modality:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Family
Treatment Approach:
- Narrative
- Family Systems
- Mindfulness
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Emotional Focused Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
Certifications:
- Certified Autism Specialist CAS172372 (IBCCES)
- Certified Anger Management Specialist: National Anger Management Specialist (NAMA)
- Relationship Enhancement Mastering The Mysteries of Love & Step-Families
- Prepare Enrich Workshop for Couples
Experience:
Other professional experiences include working with substance abuse & mandated clients. I also have experience working with clients diagnosed with depression and anxiety due to a variety of a medical illness including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. I worked in a variety of clinics in a clinical therapeutic setting including:
- The Gary Center: OC Health Care Agency
- SACS (Substance Abuse Counseling Systems) in Santa Ana
- NOCRHF (North Orange County Regional Health Foundation) in Fullerton
- Lestonnac Free Clinic of Orange County in Orange and Los Alamitos
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. Thank you.
Email: Dr.Karla@HerediaTherapy.com
Cynthia De Leon-Fuentes, MA
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #96305
Deciding to pursue therapy can be a difficult step for many individuals. In my role as your therapist, I will provide you with a warm and safe therapeutic environment that will help you to explore conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I practice a non judgmental and compassionate attitude and I welcome an open dialogue that allows you to step into the therapy experience at your own pace. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds that include race, gender, socioeconomic status, and age.
In my 5+ years of experience as a mental health clinical, I have had extensive training working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I have been trained to apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Anger Management, and Crisis Intervention practices that can help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, personality challenges, life changes and stressors, relationship and existential issues, and grief. In working with children and adolescents, I have experience working collaboratively with parents in understanding and better managing the mental health needs of their children. I lead with a psychodynamic approach that allows me to address sensitive issues of racism, sexism, and other 'isms that affect our society on a daily basis.
In our therapeutic relationship, we will focus on increasing your self-awareness, developing and reinforcing your coping skills, and increasing and strengthening your communication abilities. I uphold all legal and ethical standards, including the confidentially of every single client.