Grief counselors and therapists in Lancaster, CA

Hello!

My name is Aldemar. I have 30 years of experience in the field of mental health, in various capacities. I have a degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University and a Master's degree from Sacramento State University. I specialize in trauma work, Anxiety, Couples therapy, and substance use issues.

I am glad you are here. I commend you for having taken the difficult step to ask for support! I do know that it can feel overwhelming to start therapy, yet here you are; congratulations!

People say I am a good listener so I will get to know you and the goals you bring to therapy

I have 10 years of experience working with children, individuals, couples and families to using a strength-based, systems approach. For couple’s I utilize Gottman-based approaches.

I have been in the healing professions throughout my adult life, initially as a Registered Nurse, working in many different specialities (NICU, pediatrics, and Clinical Trials for Hepatitis C). I’m grateful for both careers and maintain an active interest in medicine and alternative healing. I practice Christian Counseling and my goal as a therapist is to meet you where you’re at and walk with you to a healthier, stronger place. For those of different faiths, I offer counseling oriented toward growth and healing, grounded in traditional values.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, difficulty in relationships or other concerns, and are desiring a therapeutic approach aligned with a Christian worldview or traditional values, I would be honored to speak with you.

I offer compassionate, supportive care where you’ll feel heard, valued, and encouraged in your journey of growth and healing. Member of the Focus on the Family Referral Network and American Association of Christian Counselors.

I work with individuals, couples, and families seeking meaningful change in their lives. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process that is supportive, empathetic and nonjudgmental. My role is to provide practical tools, insight, empowerment, and encouragement as you build emotional resilience, resolve internal and interpersonal conflicts, and move toward greater well-being.

I am an African American woman with over 32 years of experience providing social service and therapeutic support to marginalized families who have experienced trauma — from Criminal Justice involvement, Adult and Child Protection systems, to housing insecurity, intimate partner violence and substance use challenges. I also have a deep passion for working with pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating pregnancy loss, perinatal mood disorders, leading to postpartum depression and anxiety. It is also important for me to hold space for Fathers who are navigating raising children as single fathers.

My therapeutic approach creates a safe, compassionate space where we partner together to challenge unhealthy beliefs, reduce shame and guilt, and address traumatic experiences at whatever pace feels right for you.

While my work is primarily centered with the BIPOC community — African American women specifically — it is my goal that no individual ever feel alone when dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Through active listening and gentle, honest dialogue, I partner with individuals to uncover what is keeping them stuck and walk through those hard places together — building trust, fostering resilience, and creating a real sense of freedom for themselves and their families.

As an Asian American growing up overseas, I bring cultural considerations and my multicultural experiences into the therapy process.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.

I'm Matt Darst, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained at the University of Southern California, with advanced training in military and veteran clinical social work. I work with adults who are motivated to change but feel stuck — navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, OCD, grief, or the kind of cumulative pressure that quietly builds until something gives.

My clients tend to be high-functioning people who look fine from the outside but are carrying more than they let on. That includes professionals managing stress and burnout, veterans and first responders, and anyone who's ready to do honest, purposeful work — regardless of background or title.

I bring a direct, warm style grounded in kind accountability. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you move.

Weather you have been considering therapy, worked with therapy in the past or loved ones are suggesting reaching out-welcome to my practice. I work with individuals, couples and families in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career issues, job dissatisfaction. My specialty areas included the assessment and treatment of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression/Anxiety and Grief and Loss.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.