Manuel Cruz
MA, LMFT 88168

My name is Manuel Cruz and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 13 years of experience working with families, children, and adults in a multitude of settings. I received my masters of arts in counseling from California State University Fullerton in 2007 and started my career working for a non-profit school based program called Outreach Concern where I worked in the homes and in schools in Los Angeles County with children who were struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. After leaving this position I began working with the Boys and Girls Club in Garden Grove as a therapist in their Family and Youth Outreach program where I would continue my work with families and children struggling with behavior issues at both home and school. Following this position I worked at College Hospital in Costa Mesa as a therapist in their partial hospitalization program. Here I was primarily in charge of running group therapy with adult patients who were suffering from a range of mental health issues including schizophrenia, chronic depression and anxiety, and personality disorders. For the last 9 years I have worked as a clinician with Western Youth Services in Santa Ana working with families and children ages 5 to 21. Much of my work with this outpatient clinic was with adolescents who were struggling with mood issues, behavior problems, and academic challenges. Much of my training and background at my previous position has been in Functional Family therapy which is designed for troubled adolescents and their families. I truly believe that the vehicle for change is the therapeutic relationship and one of my strengths has been my ability to connect with my clients and establish a trusting relationship that promotes growth and change. It would be an honor to walk with you on this journey. 

Christopher McKeown
MA, LMFT 121348

I received my MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy from Antioch University Los Angeles, and received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with emphasis on Death and dying and LGBTQ+ inequalities. 

I work with children and adolescents struggling with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ identity, behavioral issues, and traumatic events/major medical diagnosis Cancer/HIV. I work with children and individuals in a relaxing personable manner providing a safe space to be heard and to learn more about oneself. I work from an affirmative lens to witness an individual’s past and current events, while educating with mindful coping strategies to help reach desired goals. 

I have years of experience as a therapist in an intensive FSP (Full-Service partnership) program that was in contract with LA County Department of Mental Health, working with children/teens/parents and adults that needed intensive mental health services provided in home and office settings. 

Specialties: 
Grief and loss 
LGBTQ+ 
Depression 
Anxiety 
Oppositional Defiant Behaviors 
Family Conflict 
Self Esteem 
HIV/AIDS 
Substance use issues 
Schizophrenia 
Autism 

Modalities: 
Individuals 
Children 5 years and up 
Adults 18-99 years

Treatment Approaches:  

Play Therapy  

Psychodynamic Therapy  

Narrative Therapy  

Person Centered  

Solution Focused  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy  

Family Systems

 

Nicole "Nic" Love
MSW, LCSW 79459

My name is Nicole Love (call me Nic), and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My goal is to assist/help you work through past and present issues whether it is mental health issues, substance abuse, day to day stressors, etc. While we work together, I would like to help/assist you in building healthy coping skills to make these things more manageable in your everyday life. I believe that people do possess the knowledge to heal to problem solve and to heal themselves. Sometimes that knowledge can be buried deep inside an individual and sometimes people need help to bring that knowledge to the surface, acknowledge it and work it out. 

I approach each person individually because each person has specific/unique needs and preferences. The technique that I use the most is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This therapeutic paradigm aids in identifying unhealthy behavior patterns and thoughts that lead to unwanted behaviors and work towards changing those behavior patterns and thoughts leading to healthier behaviors and thought patterns. I also like to incorporate people’s hobbies, interests, etc. because I believe that these things can be useful as coping skills to help with various issues. I myself enjoy playing music (piano and drums), drawing/painting, playing video games and watching horror movies, among other things. 

After I graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with my Master’s degree in Social Work, I went into the field of Substance abuse with co-occurring disorders. Being in that field has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals who have experienced a wide range of issues. I have worked with adults living with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, serious medical conditions, and those with varying degrees of past and present trauma. In my practice, I believe that the client and I are in a working partnership to find ways that will best help them with whatever it is that they are going through. I look forward to working with you! 

Treatment approaches Modality 

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -Adults including young and older adults 
-Solution Focus -LGBT 
-Motivational Interviewing -Individual 
-Exposure Therapy -Ages 18 and up 
-Culturally Sensitive 

 

Specialties 
-Substance abuse/addiction 
-Depression 
-Anxiety 
-Bipolar Disorder 
-PTSD 
-Stress 
-Life Transitions 
-LGBT issues

 

 

 

Michael Obregon
MS, LMFT 115421

I treat individuals struggling with anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, and trauma. While working with children and adolescents, I provide a safe and comfortable environment through the use of play in order to assist children increase their communication and freedom of expression. My goal is to help children make sense and understand the challenges they face on a daily basis through a language that comes natural to them. As life continues to throw its twist and turns, I help empower clients to find the tools and strength needed to overcome obstacles that may lie in their path. While working with adolescents and adults, I take a holistic and strength based approach to create a nonjudgemental space, in order to meet individuals where they currently are in life. I collaboratively work with clients to help them navigate through life’s challenges and help them build upon their resiliency. Through this journey, I work with clients to further maintain healthy boundaries, relationships, and create positive change for the future. 

Modality:

Children

Adolescents

Individuals

Couples

Family

Treatment Approaches:

Play Therapy

Interpersonal Process Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Family Systems

Solution Focused

Person Centered 

Strength Based

Specialities:

Stress Disorders

Depression

Anxiety

Oppositional Defiant Behaviors

Family Conflict

Self Esteem

Relationship Issues 

ADHD

HIV/AIDS

Anger Management 

Schizophrenia

Fumie Yoshikawa
MA, LMFT 121608

Every day, many of us face some form of emotional difficulty that always seem to disrupt our lives ! This is quite normal – we are human after all! I have many years of experience and knowledge dealing with people just like you who want a little help to get through the tough days. I have built my professional career helping people just like you to take control of these tough days – helping adults and children get through traumatic times past and present. 

Some specialist areas I am trained in are Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Gang Related Issues, Family Issues, and many more. My symptom-based diagnosis expertise primarily focuses on depression, PTSD, anxiety, suicidal thoughts among others. 

I care about all my clients and always take a professional, unbiased position, especially with minors, so they can relax and share their untold stories and worries.  I strongly believe everyone’s inner voice should be listened to and that building an emotional alliance is a first important step to collaboratively working together for the best outcome. 

Building a trusting relationship as a therapist is my first priority as I help my clients regain their emotional strength and nourish their inner power to positively explore the world with confidence and independence.  One size does not fit all and since we are all special and unique, my work is tailor-made for each individual.  For young kids, I usually utilize play and art therapy so they can let their emotions vent, while for adults / seniors, I tend to focus on rebuilding emotional strength by exploring past life events and / or relationship conflicts, while seeking unseen point-of-views as I gain a deeper understanding.  

Today is the youngest you’ll ever be! It is never too late to free your mind, to be yourself again and enjoy life beautifully. I am here to help and look forward to meeting you soon.

Zanaeya Fitts
MSW, LCSW 100089

Hello, my name is Zanaeya and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  I graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Sociology. I continued my educational career at California State University, Long Beach where I received a Master’s in Social Work.  Throughout my educational and professional career I have had the honor of working with diverse groups of clients of various ethnic makeups, socioeconomic statuses, ages, and sexual orientations/identities.  

My primary approach to therapy is non-directive, humanistic, and focused on creating an environment that is safe and accepting of all individuals.  I value that the therapeutic process allows for exploration of the past and present challenges that clients face.  I am interested in helping clients navigate this journey as a large portion of my career has been in treating individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, substance use, grief and loss, and role transitions.   

Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me.  I believe the therapeutic relationship to be one of the most important aspects of the therapeutic process.  I look forward to walking with you through the process of finding the best version of yourself.

Age Range: 18+ (young adults, adults, individuals) 

Dx: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorders

Specializations: phase of life changes, grief and loss, challenges with self-esteem, effective communication practices, stress management, mindfulness

Strengths as a TH: open-minded, culturally sensitive, empathetic, willingness to challenge

Treatment Approaches: Solution focused, Narrative, CBT, IPT, Seeking Safety, Psychodynamic

Monica Martinez
MS, LMFT 98443

Hello my name is Monica Martinez. I graduated from California State University Los Angeles in 2012 with a Master’s of science in counseling and pupil personnel credential. I received my Bachelor of arts degree in psychology and sociology from University of California, Riverside. I am a licensed therapist with a passion for supporting youth and their families through the challenges of life. I have been working as a mental health therapist in non-profit community mental health settings and private practice. In my 7 years of experience I have focused on helping individuals, couples, and families with a variety of needs and concerns discover strengths to help build resiliency and recover from past traumas. I focus in creating treatment to your specific and unique needs; understanding that each person is different and, as a result, their way of coping with issues is also going to be different. My approach is warm, thoughtful, informative and non-judgmental. I am committed to helping you determine what goals you want to meet in your life and what ways to best meet them. I support you in gaining the self-awareness to understand your goals, identifying obstacles hindering your progress, and feeling empowered to make necessary changes for a healthier and happier life.

My mission is to create a safe, therapeutic environment to facilitate exploration and resolution of underlying conflicts that can lead to depression, anxiety, anger and relationship difficulties. I am a collaborative therapist. I believe that gaining insight in the context of a supportive relationship with one’s therapist will lead to authentic expression, lasting change, and true happiness.

Treatment Issues 

  • Anxiety  
  • Depression  
  • communication  
  • Grief and loss
  • Anger management    
  • Trauma  
  • Oppositional behaviors    
  • ADHD  
  • Therapy Adjustment  
  • Attachment
  • Parenting

Modalities

  • Individuals 
  • Families
  • Couples

Treatment Approaches

  • Culturally sensitive 
  • Family systems
  • Relational-Cultural
  • Cognitive Behavioral
  • Solution Focused
  • Strength Based
  • Humanistic
  • Interpersonal
  • Mindfulness
  • Person centered approach 

Evidenced based practices 

  • Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • MAP (Managing and Adapting Practice)
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression  
  • Seeking Safety (trauma and substance use) 

 

Erika Mancilla
MA, LMFT 52977

I commend you on taking the steps towards resolving challenges and/or struggles you may be experiencing. My focus as a therapist is to create a safe, empathetic, and accepting therapeutic environment. Together we will address the challenges and struggles you may be facing and work collaboratively to establish effective tools that will aid you in beginning your healing process. 

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. In my 13 years of clinical experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse population. I have worked within community mental health and private practice assisting children, adolescents, adults and families. 

As a therapist, I’ve had extensive experience working clinically with children. When working with the birth to five population, I incorporate dyadic work with parents and children to address present issues and form a safe, nurturing environment. I utilize play therapy to assist children to communicate by expressing thoughts and feelings they may not be expressing verbally. 

When working with adults, I find it beneficial to use a client centered approach. Through a collaborative and empathetic atmosphere, we will develop individualized treatment goals. I will sit with you in the uncomfortableness and support you through your journey of healing. I tend to gravitate towards a solution focused, cognitive, behavioral, and relational approaches. Nevertheless, I always choose a treatment method that is unique to individual need. 

Modality:
Children (0-13)
Adult
Dyadic with children and parents
Individual
Families

Treatment Approaches:
Play Therapy
Client Centered
Solution Focused
Child Parent Psychotherapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Strength Based
Positive Parenting Practices (Triple P)

Specialties:
Trauma and PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Parenting
Life Transactions

Jean Pierre Bravo
MA, AMFT 118676
Supervised by Dr. Joselyn Josephine Ayala-Encalada LMFT 96987
Social Skills & Mozzaz Clinician

Hi, my name is Jean Pierre Bravo and I’m a culturally sensitive professional that helps individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, trauma, identity issues, family issues, and relationship issues . I meet my clients where they’re at and have a holistic approach when treating them. I create a safe environment for individuals to be their authentic self. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of their process, so I offer an empathetic, transparent, and authentic self. I help individuals become aware of their issues, restructure their negative thoughts, help them confront their unfinished business, and live more fully in the here and now. I integrate creative art directives to help individuals reach their therapeutic goals and express things in a non-verbal, metaphorical, and symbolic way. I help individuals reach a new level of autonomy, authenticity, and self-awareness.

Modality:

  • Individual Therapy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Families Therapy
  • Telehealth


Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Art Therapy 
  • Play Therapy
  • Mindfulness

Specialities:

  • Identity 
  • Self Esteem
  • Personal Growth 
  • Mood Disorders 
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Transitions
  • Relationship Issues
  • FamilyIssues 

*Alternative Languages: Spanish

Annalise Wintz
MSW, ACSW 108551

Allowing yourself to sit with your difficult experiences and accept yourself in the process is one of the toughest yet powerful things one can do. My name is Annalise Wintz and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Healing is a tough and windy road that takes courage to go down. Yet, you are here — showing up for yourself. I believe mental health deserves the same, if not more, recognition and attention as physical health. We must listen to our bodies and focus on what we can control. I am passionate about self-empowerment and showing you how to utilize and implement all the tools you already have within yourself. I take a holistic and eclectic approach to treatment and will tailor sessions in a way that will best fit your needs. I specialize in working with teens and adults that have experienced various forms of trauma, struggle with boundaries or communication, are depressed or anxious, or are struggling with gender and/or sexuality issues. Much of my professional work and dedication has been with working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Your past and current self does not determine who you may become to be. My hope is to provide a safe space for you to discover your best and highest self. Picture your goals and know that the tough work in therapy can help you achieve them. I hope to sit alongside you in your vulnerability and walk with you towards healing. Modality: – Adolescents – Teens – Young adults – Adults Treatment Approaches: – CBT – Motivational interviewing – Psychodynamic – Humanistic – TF-CBT – Narrative – Holistic – Culturally sensitive – Trauma informed – Harm reduction – Exposure therapy – Eclectic – Feminist approach – Strength-Based – ACT 
Specialties: – LGBTQIA+ issues – Gender & identity related issues – Trauma – Boundary setting – High risk

Daneeka Wood
MSW, Registered ACSW 88792
Supervised by

Hi! I am Daneeka Suzanne Wood, a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW 88792). I received my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Long Beach and my undergraduate (BASW) degree from Whittier College.

Working with children and families has provided me with the knowledge and experience that I apply to most, if not all, challenging situations. I treat youth and adolescents struggling with such issues as: depression, anxiety, body image, abuse and trauma. Each teen or young adult is their own person, and part of my job is to advocate for their voices to be heard because they deserve to be healed. I have worked with adolescents in family units, foster care, college-level, grade school level, and those experiencing homelessness.

I also treat adults with such issues as: mood disorders, relationship issues, addiction, work-related stress, eating disorders/habits, and identity crises. Adults are incredibly resilient, and through such approaches as a Strengths Based or Client Centered, I’ve found that each person adapts and thrives in their own way, and that’s completely okay! There’s not one specific way in healing, and I remind my clients of that.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to be here! In our sessions, my goal is to create a safe and cathartic experience, whether that looks like you wanting to have a conversation, or maybe you just need someone to listen.

Modality:
Youth and Adolescents -Individual Therapy -Group Therapy -Telehealth
-Family Therapy

Adults
-Individual Therapy -Group Therapy -Telehealth
-Family Therapy

Treatment Approaches: -Client Centered Therapy -Family Systems Therapy -Strengths Based Approach -Inner Child Therapy -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Specialties: -Depression -Anxiety -Body Image

-Shame Resilience
-Eating Disorders
-Mindful Eating
-Peer Relationships
-Self Esteem
-Physical/Emotional Abuse and Neglect -Isolation

-College Aged Student Concerns -Antisocial Personality -Dissociation

Lauren Fields MS, AMFT 127764

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I continued my education at California State University, Los Angeles where I received a Master’s in Counseling in the School Based Family Counseling program. I have experience working with a range of clients including children, adolescents, and adults dealing with life adjustments, depression, anxiety, behavioral and academic issues and the effects traumatic events. My primary approach is to center therapy on the client, their needs, and desires for change. I meet every individual where they are and use their personal preferences as a port of entry to healing. I believe every individual has the skills, power, and knowledge within to manifest the change they desire for their lives. To assist in the unique expression of children I use play therapy and developmentally appropriate approaches including using toys, games, song and dance when applicable. In working with adolescents, I find it is important to collaborate on creating an environment of trust, non-judgment, and allyship. Working with families and couples I often use dyadic work to facilitate better communication among all parties and to build a foundation of understanding and support. I am interested in guiding clients through their unique difficulties by co-creating a safe, unbiased, and authentic healing container. I work together with my clients to identify feelings and behaviors (past and present) that contribute to their current condition. It is my goal as a therapist to empower and motivate my clients to align to their best self and find the solutions that lie within and act upon them to create a more balanced and purposeful life. Together we will find a way through and I look forward working with you!

Modality:

  • Children (0-12)
  • Adolescents
  • Families
  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Telehealth

Treatment Approach

  • Humanistic Therapy including Client Centered, Gestalt, and Existential based approaches
  • Somatic Processing including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy primarily Mindfulness
  • Culturally Sensitive Approach
  • Trauma Informed

Areas of Focus and Specialties:

  • Life Transitions
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Family Systems
  • Self Esteem -School/Behavioral Issues
  • Coping Skills
  • Personal Growth
  • Relationship Issues