Find a therapist in Valencia, CA — covered by insurance

Are you feeling stuck, fearful, hopeless, or uncomfortable with yourself or your relationships? Pain is unavoidable, but I can help you carry that burden as we work towards solutions together.

I am Dr. Bonnie Blackman, PhD, MA in Psychology, and a licensed therapist. For over 30 years, I work with both children and adults. My aim is to create a non-judgmental, supportive space as we navigate your concerns and fears to find safe, secure, and comfortable solutions.

Most of us aren't born knowing how to navigate relationships, understand our emotions, or process trauma. Many things influence how we react and behave, but that doesn't mean we can't grow. My goal is to help you build confidence through discovering your self-worth and practicing self-compassion. My priority is creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable. I show up as my authentic self to build trust with you. I'm an empathetic listener and communicate in a calm, gentle, respectful way. My job isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you process and explore topics to build self-awareness and confidence.

Life can be inherently stressful. We often feel trapped by our own circumstances, voiceless in our relationships and powerless to significant change in our lives. We even convince ourselves that if we just wait a little while longer, the problem might go away. Well first let me start by saying that, therapy is best sought when we realize and acknowledge that we are struggling. I have experience working in a variety of settings with individuals, couples, and families with various demographics.

I am someone who wants to support personal growth in others. Life is rough and we don't always listen to our heads and that's okay. I am someone who tries to meet clients where they are and not judge.

Asking for help can feel harder when you've spent most of your life being the one who holds things together. I'm Neydi, a bilingual English and Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I work with individuals and families navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and substance use. These challenges rarely arrive alone and almost always connect back to our relationships, our families, and the communities we come from. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and genuinely invested.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health since 2019 across both youth and adult settings, supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’m passionate about creating a space where you can better understand yourself and feel empowered to make meaningful changes. Together, we’ll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so you can walk away with more clarity and options. I believe awareness leads to choice, and choice leads to power.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking your first step toward finding a therapist. Having experienced the therapeutic process myself, I understand that seeking support can be challenging and takes courage. You can do this!

After 10 years experience in counseling, I specialize in a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In addition, I am in the process of developing my knowledge base in Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy. My experience with these treatment modalities allows me to tailor treatment to your unique needs and experiences.

Being a teenager can feel overwhelming. You might be juggling school, work, relationships, family expectations, and trying to understand who you are—all at the same time. Some days, it can feel like too much. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or feeling lost or disconnected, we can work through it together at your pace. I also help with things like setting boundaries, building self-confidence, navigating identity, and improving your relationship with food and your body.

That inner pressure to be perfect or “have it all together” can be exhausting. Maybe your inner critic is loud, or you feel like you’re constantly falling short. Therapy is a space where you can take a break from that pressure, feel heard without judgment, and start to make sense of what’s going on inside.

As a dedicated professional, I embrace an inquisitive approach to our journey together, constantly exploring new ideas and encouraging you to ask questions. My goal is to empower you to discover your strengths and push beyond your limits. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering growth and resilience along the way. With a strong emphasis on open communication and unwavering support, I’m here to guide you, ensuring you feel confident and inspired as we embark on this transformative experience together!

Hi, and thank you for taking the first step toward prioritizing your mental health! I am based in Santa Barbara, CA, and I work with people who have spent their lives fitting into rooms that weren't made for them. My specialty is helping adults, teens, and couples reconnect with who they actually are beneath the roles they've been playing — whether that's a trauma survivor, a corporate burnout, or someone who has simply never quite felt like they belonged anywhere. I bring both clinical training and lived experience to this work, and I offer sessions in English and Spanish. Visit www.therapybydesire.com to learn more about me.