Burbank

Burbank Site Supervisors

Kristine Adamian, LMFT

I am a bilingual therapist, fluent in Armenian in addition to English, with over 7 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families with a variety of needs and concerns. I specialize in tailoring the treatment to your specific and unique needs; understanding that each person is different and, as a result, their way of coping with issues is also going to be different. My approach is warm, thoughtful, informative and non-judgmental. I am committed to helping you determine what goals you want to meet in your life and what ways to best meet them. I support you in gaining the self-awareness to understand your goals, identifying obstacles hindering your progress, and feeling empowered to make necessary changes for a healthier and happier life.

My mission is to create a safe, therapeutic environment to facilitate exploration and resolution of underlying conflicts that can lead to stagnancy, confusion, depression, complacency, anxiety, and anger. I have experience in the following areas: Adjustment, Aging, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Bullying, Blended Family Needs, Child/Adolescents, Codependency, Communication Problems, Couples, Depression, Divorce, Grief & Loss, Irritability, Isolation, Multicultural Concerns, Oppositional Behaviors, Phobias, and Traumas.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and went on to receive my graduate degree from the University of Southern California. In 2009, I graduated from USC with my Master’s in Social Work, emphasizing in clinical work. In 2014, I received my licensure through the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Being certified in new therapeutic approaches, I am more fully connected to innovative practices and trends to best serve my clients and their specific needs. I believe that gaining insight in the context of a supportive relationship with one’s therapist will lead to authentic expression, lasting change, and true happiness.

Licensed Therapist

Amanda Buongiorno

In my practice, I utilize a strengths-based, empowerment, and goal-oriented approach to help clients foster their innate resilience and work towards more fulfilling and balanced lives. I strive to create a safe environment for my clients to start the healing and change process. To create sustainable change, I believe one must explore and heal the relationship that one has with themselves and with others.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with certification in Victim Advocacy and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW# 79850) and have experience working in a variety of settings, including eating disorder treatment center, hospital, child advocacy center, and victim service center. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues, body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma and loss, adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, performance anxiety, and artistic and creative blocks.Throughout my years of practice, I have found that people have an innate sense of resiliency that they can tap into. During the therapeutic process, I strive to nurture this sense as my clients grow, heal, cultivate creativity, and thrive in life’s many journeys.

Licensed Therapist

Michael Chang

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#86321) who is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I completed my undergraduate studies at the Biola University and went on to receive my graduate degree from Pepperdine University. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I am committed to support my clients by providing a safe place filled with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment. I am certified in evidence-based practices and utilize a variety of treatment approaches in meeting different needs of my clients. I am also bilingual in English and Korean and very passionate to work with different ethnic communities. Based on my extensive experience in working with different cultures, I can be sensitive to all cultural issues, and provide a platform to explore them freely. My goal as a therapist is to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and comfortable to facilitate progress and resolution of different issues in life that be debilitating. Life can be confusing and chaotic at times but I do believe in goodness of change. This Journey of life can be difficult but a period of hardship can also be a chance for personal awareness leading to happier life.

Jaymie Miller

A strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is key to a positive and transformative experience in therapy. I come from a person-centered therapeutic approach, but incorporate aspects of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and attachment-based therapy depending on each client’s unique needs.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have worked with couples, families, adults, and children. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego and my graduate degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.

With over five years of experience of working with child abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma at a community mental health agency I have learned the importance of healing and wellness in my client’s lives. My biggest passion is working with couples to help reestablish a secure and lasting bond between them. I hope to collaborate in bringing positive change, clear direction, and useful tools to accomplish the desired results.

Licensed Therapist

Christine Nazarian

In using creative and unique art therapy tools I am able to help clients explore emotions, gain insight, heal from emotional distress, and be proactive towards change. I believe change occurs by an understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As an Art Therapist I aim to improve the lives of individuals, families, and couples through active art making, expressive process, applied psychological theory, and human experience.I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (1103989) and Registered Art Therapist (19-023). I am currently completing my Doctorate of Psychology in Marital and Family Therapy at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have experience in the areas of providing quality art psychotherapy for diverse clients with various mental health acuity. Specializations include: Adjustment, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Adolescents/ Adults/ Elderly, Communication Issues, Couples, Crisis Management, Depression, Groups, Grief & Loss, Irritability, Substance Use, Self-Esteem, and Traumas.I aim to provide a personalized and unique approach to treatment for your specific needs and goals. Through our work together we will develop a safe and comforting therapeutic space for creativity, honesty, and healthier well-being

Licensed Therapist

Cecilia Penailillo

I am an EMDR Certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about my work and a firm believer that inner strength, determination and hope can lead to balance, healing and growth. I continue to work with adults, teens and young adults who deal with a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems; such as Trauma (past or recent), PTSD, Depression and Anxiety.

I was born and raised in South America. Therefore, I understand the challenges of raising a family abroad. Taking a supportive stand & learning effective communication will help you increase the chances of overcoming cultural challenges personally or within the family.

I received my MA in Counseling Psychology 15 years ago. I have experience providing individual and family therapy.

Prior to my work as a LMFT, I spent almost 11 years working as a behavioral consultant who provided behavioral support trainings to parents as well as school consultations to teachers. My work focus also included presentations and workshops on Behavior Modification Theory; especially targeting children and adults with developmental disabilities. I have helped many families to navigate the challenges of raising healthy individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently, I continue to conduct Behavioral Modification Workshops several times per year at a local Regional Center.

ANNOUNCEMENT: I currently work with immigration attorneys/law corporations, conducting Mental Health Assessments for applicants who are seeking legal status in the US through U-Visas & Provisional Waivers. Immigration evaluations are professional, comprehensive and contain all the information required by the US Department of Homeland Security.

If you think you may need support, I would love to help you find your own path towards meaningful living. Call or email me if you have any questions.

Licensed Therapist

Ryan Roback

Clients enter treatment haunted by symptoms attributed to various conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, behavior compulsion, family dysfunction and trauma. As a responsible marriage and family therapist (license #113205), I assist my clients to reframe their condition, as not simply purposeless suffering, but a source of strength that they can unlock for their own self -discovery.

Through various empowerment interventions, I have facilitated countless clients learning how to gain control of their life’s. My practice services individuals, couples, families and children from all walks of life. I have a vast knowledge of mental health that is formed by various therapeutic modalities, community-based treatment and Depth Psychology. Most importantly, I am here to help!

Licensed Therapist

Claudia Rosenberg

When things aren’t going right and it’s time to seek help, I will be there to individualize your treatment and focus on your particular needs. I work with individuals, couples and families, young adults, adults and older adults around many issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, difficult emotions, women’s issues, recent losses, struggles in parenting, health crises, caring for the aging parent, as well as dealing with the transitions of aging.If you are feeling unhappy, overwhelmed, or anxious, unsure how to make changes or recognize that your coping and problem-solving skills are no longer working, we will work together in a supportive and caring setting, with the goal of positive change.My training and experience includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, structural family therapy, marriage counseling, stress management as well as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. I have specialized experience with young adults transitioning to college, older adults, and adult children of aging parents, as well as with couples who are in business together.Education – BA University of California, Berkeley – MSW University of Maryland – PhD Temple University- Licensed Clinical Social Worker #CW16234 — Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Licensed Clinical Social Worker #44SC05701400 — State of New Jersey – Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 82602-State of CaliforniaClinical Training – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Marriage, Family and Sex Therapy, Marriage Council of Philadelphia – Family Therapy, Philadelphia Child Guidance Center- Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Bucks County Community College – Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles Valley College

Licensed Therapist

Amalya Tagakchyan

Providing therapy for the last six years, it has become my mission to provide a warm, non-judgmental, and direct approach to children, young adults, adults, and families in order to empower them to achieve their goals. I have worked in outpatient, residential, school-based, community and group home settings utilizing both holistic and evidence-based practices, helping each client with a unique plan to achieve their desired outcome. Fluent in both Armenian and English, supporting people through a multicultural lens is a component I bring to help break through cultural barriers and arrive at insight and self-awareness. Seeking out a therapist can be overwhelming, but finding one who fits your style can be enriching and will make the journey worthwhile.
Burbank Office

Licensed Therapist

Cindy Wang

Licensed Therapist

Rone’ Alahverdian

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified clinician in Positive Parenting Program and trained in the following evidenced based practices:

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Positive Parenting, Managing and Adapting Practice (for anxiety, depression and disruptive behavior), and Seeking Safety.

My Specializations include: Adjustment Concerns, Attachment Issues, Communication Issues, Couples, Grief & Loss Issues, and Traumas.

I work with clients of all ages utilizing various theoretical orientations, tools, and techniques to best fit the client’s needs, comfort and personality.

As a therapist, my style is warm, attentive, and thoughtful. I strive to create a safe space by establishing mutual respect and trust. I work together with my clients to identify patterns, facilitate self-reflection, and foster self-awareness. I have more than a decade work experience in psychodynamic therapy, Solution Focused, Family therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I look forward to supporting you in your journey of self-discovery and healing.

Marta Bringas, LPC

I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor in both Oregon and California. Overall, I have more than 10 years of experience working with teens and adults with a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger/violence, substance abuse/impulse control and trauma.

If your anxiety, stress or depression is affecting your relationships, your job or your happiness and it’s keeping you from handling the simplest tasks; if you’re a teenager who feels like life has been specifically nasty to you, and you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope or if you are in the Entertainment Business and you have specific challenges that interfere with achieving creative success, I would love to work with you and help you thrive again.

I’ll guide you through a process of increased self-awareness where you’ll become more competent at managing your emotions and unmasking negative self-talk you may have internalized through your life. Respecting your cultural value system, and with a direct but compassionate style, I’ll help you make the most of your strengths as you also acquire new skills.

It takes courage and determination to make that first contact, but once you do, you are already half-way through taking back control of your future. Let’s chat on how you would like the rest of your life to look like.

Burbank 2

Licensed Therapist

Pricilla Benites, LMFT

I have 18 years of clinical experience in various community mental health, dual diagnosis, Junior College, and private practice settings. I counsel individuals dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I focus on helping clients explore and clarify their personal goals, recognize their strengths, regain a sense of control, and develop the tools they need to move forward in their lives. I utilize family systems and the cognitive-behavioral approaches when conducting individual, couples and family therapy. I also integrate Christian concepts, when appropriate, in assisting clients in finding more meaning and purpose in their lives. I know change is challenging and it takes courage and commitment to reach out for help. I believe that a supportive, compassionate therapeutic relationship is the basis for change.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for the past 10 years. I received my Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I have been trained in Seeking Safety, TF-CBT, EMDR, and Positive Parenting Program.

Licensed Therapist

Nadja Catano, LMFT

Since 2008, I’ve been assisting people of various ages with healing their essential connection with and sense of themselves as well as their effectiveness in the world. It is fulfilling to watch clients resolve recurring issues that have held them and their loved ones back from experiencing their full relationship potential.

I completed a masters degree in marriage and family therapy and also a bachelors degree in human development at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. Following my graduate work, I worked in a women’s social model residential treatment center where I gained experience working with addiction and recovery mental health concerns affecting individuals, couples, and families. This experience helped me discover my strong interest in codependency, the family disease of alcoholism and recovery utilizing a 12-Step model. I eventually became affiliated with Soultenders in 2016.

My focus is helping children, new mothers, adults and couples heal the patterns of attachment in their relationships. I have continued to gain practical experience working with love addiction, affairs, and other betrayals as well as maternal mental health issues.

I am a clinical member of the California Association for Marriage and Family and a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (License Number MFC 105963) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.

I spent twenty-five years in La Leche League serving as a volunteer breastfeeding counselor where I worked with many new mothers, babies, toddlers, children and families in the communities where I’ve lived. I enjoy working with people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. In my spare time, I like to hike, camp, listen to music, draw, and hang out with my family.

Licensed Therapist

Michael Chang

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#86321) who is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I completed my undergraduate studies at the Biola University and went on to receive my graduate degree from Pepperdine University. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I am committed to support my clients by providing a safe place filled with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment. I am certified in evidence-based practices and utilize a variety of treatment approaches in meeting different needs of my clients. I am also bilingual in English and Korean and very passionate to work with different ethnic communities. Based on my extensive experience in working with different cultures, I can be sensitive to all cultural issues, and provide a platform to explore them freely. My goal as a therapist is to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and comfortable to facilitate progress and resolution of different issues in life that be debilitating. Life can be confusing and chaotic at times but I do believe in goodness of change. This Journey of life can be difficult but a period of hardship can also be a chance for personal awareness leading to happier life.

Licensed Therapist

Danielle Kouri

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work from a relationship focused, strength-based approach integrating mindfulness and client collaboration. My approach is based on collaboration, psychoeducation, and skill building. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that promotes positive relationships and life satisfaction. As a clinician, I have worked with a wide variety of clientele from children with developmental delays to teens struggling with addiction and self-harm to adults struggling with addiction, anxiety, and/or depression. My specialties include Early Childhood Psychotherapy, Communication Skills, Family Therapy, Parenting Skills, Dyad work, Depression, Anxiety, and Families with Children with Special Needs. Additionally, I have a great deal of experience working with Bipolar Disorder, Life Changes, Relationship Building Skills, Substance Abuse, Self-Harm, and Personality Disorders.

My experience comes from working in a variety of settings. My initial clinical work was in a clinic for children with special needs and developmental delays where I worked one on one with children and parents as well as family/parent-child dyad work. I have worked individually with adolescents struggling with mental health issues as well as self-harm and substance abuse. I was a program coordinator and lead therapist at Las Encinas Hospital’s outpatient program running the College Student Track which focused on life transitions, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Additionally, I was the lead therapist for the Chemical Dependency outpatient program where I ran groups with adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. In this role, I conducted couple’s counseling to support healthy communication, psychoeducation on addiction and mental health, and worked on assisting the couple in building a stronger relationship through compromise and understanding.

I look forward to supporting you in creating the life you want to lead through collaboration, exploration, and skill building.

Psychologist

Armine Ovasapyan, PsyD

The purpose of therapy isn’t to eliminate, but to transform.

Each part, impulse, behavior, symptoms within us have a story to tell and have the capacity to become something positive and helpful to a person’s life.

For me, an integral role of any therapist is to guide a person to begin an inner dialogue – a conversation with the parts of self that are uncomfortable and unpleasant in thought and feeling. These include fragments of depression and anxiety; fragments left in limbo from traumatic experience(s) or attachment injury(s). Parts of self that we may not like or understand; that we struggle to keep at bay in our relationships and daily interactions. To give each part a voice is to gain appreciation for it. Only through gaining clarity about who we are – the makings of us – can we arrive onto a path of compassion and calmness for all those fragments that essentially make us whole.
We are all capable of healing; I believe that. As such, we will embark on a journey of building trust – both within and with each other – to navigate through this path toward healing, together. In a safe, calm space of acceptance, you can begin to explore self; to gain insight. You are the only expert of your life and I am here as your therapist, merely to be your soundboard.

With the above-mentioned school of thought, I have worked with individuals and families alike from all walks of life, from every age beginning with the birth-5 population all the way to adulthood. Heretofore, the pinnacle of my career , undoubtedly, has been witnessing tremendous emotional and psychological maturity in individuals, dedicated to the transformation of self.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, I went on to receive my Doctorate in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in 2009. Since becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist I have been trained in a myriad of therapeutic models. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, attachment issues, physical, emotional and other abuse and life transitions are on the top of my professional experiences. I offer sessions both in English and Armenian.

Associate Therapist

Meredith Rockenstein, AMFT

You deserve to be happy. Asking for help to achieve that is courageous. Life is hard and sometimes outside help is needed to get you into a better state of mind. Whether you are coming to therapy to work on yourself or with a partner or family member to work on your relationship, I am here to help.

No two people are exactly the same so, therefore, no two therapeutic experiences are exactly the same. While I take a person centered approach with all of my clients, I customize the rest of the therapy to each individual client’s needs. I utilize my knowledge of and experience with different theories and techniques to create a treatment plan that is ideal for each individual client.

With a creative background and a Masters degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, I am able to incorporate all of my experiences and teachings into my practice. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is of utmost importance so it is important to find the right match. I strive to create a safe space for my clients where they feel empowered, heard and not judged in any way. I would love to work with anyone ready to make a change in their lives and ready to put in the work to do so.

I am registered with the BBS as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#109238) and am supervised by Kristine Adamian, LCSW (#64864).

Philip Ruddy, LMFT

I specialize in helping creative adults (writers, comedians, performers, producers, directors, film, TV and media professionals) manage and transcend stress, anxiety, depression, emotional blocks, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions.

My background includes an M.A. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and, prior to becoming a therapist, 15 years working in film and television production, so I’m finely attuned to the unique stressors of the industry.

I tailor my practice to meet each client’s needs, using CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Talk Therapy) and Depth Therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental setting where warmth and humor is encouraged. I also offer EMDR Therapy when appropriate, to help reduce the effects of trauma.

Licensed Therapist

Jenny Silver, LMFT

I am a bilingual licensed clinician, fluent in Russian in addition to English. I have been practicing therapy since 2012 and have worked in various roles and settings. I implement various approaches into my work; however, my focus is always on meeting my client’s individual needs and helping them accomplish their goals. Through a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to help them through whatever struggles they may be facing and make long-lasting, positive changes to become their best selves.

I am a graduate of Antioch University, and hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive training and experience working with adults, adolescents, children, as well as families who are dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, attachment issues, and loss and grief.

Reaching out for help is the first step toward understanding what is troubling you. I believe taking the first step is often the hardest, but if you are ready to do the work, I am ready to help you.

Qualifications:
Ms. Silver is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT115947). She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University of Northridge in Northridge, CA and then went on to complete her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree at Antioch University in Culver City, CA.