My passion lies in helping individuals identify what "balance" and "wellness" means, looks like, and feels like to them at this point in time in their lives. Sometimes, we may need support in redefining "balance"/"wellness" as we evolve, and I hope I can be of support in this process. I specialize in working with anxiety, exploring one's relationship with food and one's body, eating disorders, relationships & dating, substance use, first generation students & professionals, and personality disor...
Therapy is a space for you to be fully YOU - and to discover what you can become - in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. Most people start therapy because they are struggling: overwhelmed by personal stressors, times of adjustment and transition, or past trauma. You don't have to do it alone. I am here to support you with a warm, authentic, human connection. I use my experience and training to help you get closer to where you want to be. As we work through your struggles, you wil...
I emphasize helping clients learn concrete skills for managing distressing thoughts and feelings, including its mindfulness component. I have over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations who have a variety of presenting problems. While I am versed in numerous evidence based modalities, I most frequently utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I appreciate that ACT is a transdiagnostic approach with high success rates among clients who are limited to a few sessions as wel...
My treatment approach is customized for each client, integrating multiple evidence-based techniques as needed. My small private practice allows me to see fewer clients and spend more time crafting your personalized, evolving treatment plan. Between sessions, I use research, expert consultations, and careful reflection to enhance your quality of care. I have personally benefited from and deeply believe in every method I use. I am supervised by Dr. Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez, MA, PhD, LMFT #134149....
Welcome! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to support you on your journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. I believe that therapy is a transformative process that can help us navigate life's challenges and discover our true potential. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? These can be symptoms of your life being impacted by past events. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. Together we will create a safe space where yo...
As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-li...
When working with my patients, I approach therapy within a humanistic, client-centered approach. Our work is collaborative and I welcome your feedback throughout our sessions. I look forward to working with you in your journey of self-discovery and wellness. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-netwo...
I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the San Diego area at the age of three. I am fortunate to be fully fluent in English and Spanish. Living in a bicultural home and in a very multicultural environment, I have been privileged to be part of the border culture, a subculture in itself. My own personal and professional experiences have allowed me the opportunity to understand the importance of cultural, socio-economic, gender, and racial-related issues. I can empathize, if not relate ...
I have many years of clinical experience, working with individuals, couples, teens, adults with a variety of life issues and behavioral health conditions. I use multiple evidence-based methods that assist in facilitating wellness, personal growth and alleviating distress quickly. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health p...
I am a bilingual therapist with over 17 years of experience. I specialize in serving the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, understanding the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity. My practice is open to individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. I use a combination of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing which help to reduce symptoms and help you develop coping strategies. Some ...
Are you ready to make a change in your life? Is there a pattern you keep repeating in relationships that you want to let go of? Do you want to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin? Is your past affecting your present in debilitating ways you want to change? Your brain is naturally wired for change, the neuroplasticity in your brain allows you to form new neural connections breaking free of limiting beliefs. Therapy taps into this ability, and provides tangible skills for you to learn and...
I have experience working with a diverse population including individuals with different cultural backgrounds. My approach to therapy is to provide compassionate and nonjudgmental support. I respect that clients are the experts of themselves and work collaboratively with clients to help problem solve and teach new skills. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Beh...
Stigma often plays a role in seeking therapy, especially for men. I have experience working with men, especially men of color, who may be in therapy for the first time. I look forward to collaborating with you to develop the awareness and skills needed to deal with the stresses of work, relationships, self-esteem, and other difficult life transitions and challenges. Sometimes life feels like it sucks. And sometimes we feel like we suck. And sometimes it feels like life sucks all the time and ...
I am certified in utilizing interventions from multisystemic therapy, which specializes in working with families and adolescents that may be experiencing behavioral concerns with aggression, lack of following rules or boundaries in the home or community, commercial sexual exploitation, and substance abuse. I specialize in empowering clients to work on increasing their insightfulness and targeting attainable goals for their desired outcomes for counseling. I provide a safe environment to discuss ...
First, I want to honor that you being here is a huge step as you look to improve your emotional wellbeing. My trauma-informed approach provides short-term, solution-focused, and culturally responsive cognitive therapy. I enjoy working with students and understand the stressors of dealing with school, work, family, and other life events! My goal is to use effective techniques to help you achieve your goals. My practice aims to provide affirmative psychotherapy for the LGBTQI community. Bei...
Are you feeling worried, stressed and/or overwhelmed on a regular basis? Do you often put other people's wants and needs before your own? Do you experience self-doubt or struggle with low self-esteem that leads you to feel like your thoughts, feelings and opinions are not important? If this sounds like you, you are probably also experiencing burn-out, imposter syndrome, disconnection with your body/emotions, and/or significant life-changes. You want to feel a sense of calm and assurance ...
Dr. Vargas specializes in the treatment of depression, emotion dysregulation, trauma, and anxiety among teens and adults. She provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. She works with people experiencing the consequences of minoritization, including racial trauma, acculturative, and minority stress. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. Provee terapia en español. Dr. Vargas completed...
I like to empower others to succeed in their careers while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After working in corporate America for 20 years, I decided to follow my passion for supporting people's emotional well-being. I noticed that mental health wasn't always a priority in many of our busy schedules. As a former executive with high cultural and diversity IQ, I'm able to help you develop effective behavioral tools to reduce your suffering and help you thrive living the life you consider wor...
If you choose to work with me, we will work collaboratively to meet difficult experiences, thoughts, emotions with openness and compassion while taking action to move in a personally meaningful life direction. My practice draws from evidence-based treatments rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused therapy. I aim to create a space to be curious and explore, to build upon one’s strengths and wisdom, and to learn practical tools to effectively respond to life challe...
I work with individuals, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and all types of relationship issues (romantic, family, peer, and occupational). I believe that clients are experts in their own lives, and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore and meet their goals. The therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist sets the foundation for authentic collaboration that allows for trust and meaning...