Couples therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years in the field of social work. I have a wealthy portfolio of experiences working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My specialty interests include anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, and grief. My educational background include a Bachelors of Social Work, Masters of Social Work, and a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology. I look forward to partnering with you to begin the journey toward wellness.

I began my career at Western New England University conducting research. Upon finishing undergraduate studies, I moved to southern California focusing my work on providing therapy to individuals with schizophrenia spectrum illness, depression, bipolar and substance abuse. Jamal’s work has led him to take on advocacy roles related to assisting families with academic and legal concerns. Jamal’s passions have led him to trauma and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

I create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to heal and share your pain. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I have 18 years of experience (pre-licensure & licensed) working in various crisis facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and telehealth settings, serving a diverse range of teens, adults, and couples. I’m comfortable dealing with people experiencing crisis, addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship problems.

I’m Maria, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over twelve years of experience working with families, children, and adults. My work has focused on breaking generational cycles of trauma and navigating challenging life transitions. In my work I have supported individuals and families through growing up, raising their children, and bringing healing and harmony into the home. I am deeply passionate about helping others on their journeys toward personal growth and a better quality of life and consider it a gift to be an agent of change.

In addition to my clinical work, I am also a working mother of a college student and clinically supervise and train other clinicians. This experience gives me a unique perspective and understanding on navigating life transitions and balancing multiple roles.

My approach is warm, affirmative, and solution-oriented – with some humor mixed in. While it can feel intimidating to take that first step, if you are ready, I can guide you in finding areas of strength while also challenging areas for growth in a compassionate way. Together we can work toward healing in a safe environment and create positive change to improve your quality of life.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.

Feeling stuck and ready to take the next step in your life? You’re not alone. I support clients who are navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and long-standing unresolved challenges by helping them explore their experiences with curiosity, compassion, and safety. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, trust your inner voice. I see therapy as a collaborative partnership. Together, we’ll identify goals that matter most to you whether that’s improving relationships, building self-esteem, addressing unresolved challenges, or figuring out what’s next when you’re ready for change but unsure where to begin. I primarily integrate evidence-based therapeutic methods, with EMDR as the central approach guiding the treatment process

I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families to navigate the challenges related to anxiety, depression, communication, and relationship dynamics. Mental health influences every part of our lives—how we think, feel, and connect with others. When something feels off, it can ripple through our well-being and relationships. Therapy offers the space to identify what’s not working and develop tools for balance, clarity, and lasting change through an engaging and supportive process.