Grief counselors and therapists in Auburn, CA

I subscribe to cognitive behavioral therapy, emphasizing the rational behavioral therapy modality. I hold a doctorate (EdD) in counseling and educational psychology from the University of San Francisco, where I also earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I earned a Master's in Divinity from the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union. I have been practicing since 1987 and am a seasoned therapist.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have invested in clinical training as a graduate professor for the past 11 years, helping students move through their education into their careers. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, I also held the title of Lead Faculty and Faculty Advisor for the University of Phoenix, providing expertise in clinical supervision, assessment, and treatment planning.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and have spent more than six years working as a therapist and medical social worker in a variety of settings, including healthcare systems, schools, and community-based programs. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan, which has given me a broad understanding of the unique challenges people face at different stages of life.

I earned my Master’s Degree from California State University, East Bay, and specialize in supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, grief, and work or life stressors that impact overall well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with a focus on helping clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward healing and lasting growth.

Hi, I'm Noel, and I'm glad you're here. I'm a bilingual psychologist who works with Spanish-speaking adults navigating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and the stress that comes with major life changes. I've spent 16 years sitting with people through some of the heaviest moments of their lives, and one thing I've learned is this: the people who feel the most overwhelmed are often the ones carrying the most strength they haven't yet had room to use. That's where I come in. I work entirely via telehealth, so you can connect with me from anywhere in California — from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.

You've done meaningful therapeutic work and you're ready to go deeper. You're successful in the external markers of your life, but you know there's more—greater depth, connection, and purpose waiting for you. You've addressed foundational trauma, and now you want to explore subtler patterns: how you hold back in intimacy, the meanings you're searching for, the fuller expression of yourself you sense is possible. You may be curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy as a tool for profound insight. You're not dealing with crisis, but are looking for a guide who can support you in moving from survival to fully living in your wholeness.

I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.

My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.

What patterns keep repeating in your life, even when part of you wants something different? I work with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a particular focus on experiences that are hard to put into words: the quiet accumulation of feeling disconnected or unseen, questions around adoption and family origins, infertility, the emotional weight of becoming a parent, and the grief that comes when life takes an unexpected shape. A lot of what brings people to therapy is not a single event. It builds. I trained at UCLA and bring both clinical depth and genuine warmth to this work.

I am warm, kind, and believe in partnering with my clients so they can achieve their goals. My approach is both compassionate and professional, and I am dedicated to supporting my clients with confidentiality and respect.

I offer a supportive, affirming space where clients can show up authentically. I guide individuals in rediscovering themselves and taking meaningful steps toward a more purposeful and aligned life.

I draw strongly from decades of my own personal growth work. Psychology is not a theory for me. It is a daily practice, a way of life. I help people focus on what they can control, what is most important currently and how they can work through whatever they are facing.