Nancy Peña

Hello, and thank you for considering Certus Counseling Center. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, earned in 2013. I began practicing therapy in 2014 and became independently licensed a few years later. Prior to becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in child welfare as a forensic interviewer and child abuse investigator across two different states.

These experiences deeply shaped my approach to therapy—compassionate, trauma-informed, and rooted in a commitment to helping individuals heal and thrive. At Certus Counseling Center, I specialize in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, and related life stressors. I offer both telehealth and in-person services on a case-by-case basis and strive to make therapy accessible with flexible payment options, including sliding scale fees and college student discounts.

Whether you're looking to process past trauma, navigate current challenges, or simply want to better understand yourself, I’m here to support you on your path to healing and growth.

My approach to therapy is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combined with a process-based framework tailored to each client’s unique needs and experiences. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients gain insight, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.

I work collaboratively with clients, providing a supportive and structured environment that encourages self-exploration and personal growth. Through CBT, we examine how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact—challenging unhelpful patterns and building healthier responses. My process-based approach allows us to integrate multiple strategies, helping clients address complex concerns while aligning with their values and goals.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, or life transitions, I aim to offer a compassionate, client-centered space that empowers healing and resilience. My background in forensic interviewing and child welfare also informs my trauma-sensitive lens, especially for clients with histories of adversity or systemic involvement.

Clients can expect a collaborative, supportive, and nonjudgmental virtual space where they feel heard, respected, and empowered. My goal is to help clients build practical tools for managing life’s challenges while deepening their understanding of themselves. Through a blend of cognitive behavioral techniques and a process-based approach, sessions are structured to help identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen coping strategies, and align behavior with personal values.

Clients often leave sessions with increased self-awareness, concrete skills to navigate stress, and greater confidence in their ability to move forward. Whether we're addressing anxiety, trauma, depression, or life transitions, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that fosters resilience, clarity, and meaningful progress—all from the comfort and accessibility of virtual care.