Ava Cázares

Hi! I'm Ava, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in self-esteem, depression, and trauma in women. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology & Education from UCLA and my Master's of Marriage & Family Therapy (clinical psychology) from USC.

Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain.

Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood.

My approach has two phases. First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences.

Once we understand the 'why', we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase. Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself.

I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope. The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch; you are already her.

An initial session with me focuses on building rapport, discussing an overview of your current situation, and identifying your goals for therapy.

I like to ensure you and I are a therapeutic 'match', so that you feel safe, understood, and well supported, not only by my expertise but by my presence.