Cerritos

Cerritos Site Supervisor

Ada Reveles

“Sometimes when things are falling apart they are actually falling into place”

I believe the process of change is inevitable and learning to navigate through life can be overwhelming and at times confusing. Therapy can lightening that load; it allows individuals to understand and manage how they feel, think and behave. Which then permits them to reach a level of acceptance and thus develop compassion for their own experiences. This process along with the development of coping skills and enhancement of ones’ support system promotes an ‘open-door’ for change.I am a bilingual-Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #90561). I attended the University of California, Irvine and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then continued my education at California State University, Fullerton where I obtained a master’s degree in Counseling. I am a member of California’s Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT) and Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS). I have more than 6 years of experience at non-profit organizations, working with individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorders, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, Panic Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, grief & loss and individuals with a history of abuse. I have facilitated family, individual and group therapy sessions where I have focused on helping individuals develop self-awareness, self-compassion, acceptance and coping/stress management skills.I have a passion for working with the “emerging adult” (adolescents and young adults); the transition into adulthood can be a very hectic, conficting, confusing and sometimes overwhelming process. Through psycho-education, awareness, acceptance and tolerance, therapy can assist an individual in gaining peace and balance in their life; ultimately, I hope to provide you with the support, clarity and guidance needed to reach this balance and stability. Please contact me with any questions/concerns. I work out of our Cerritos location and look forward to talking with you.

Licensed Therapist

Umeko Allen

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the Long Beach, CA area with 7 years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, couples and families seeking to overcome various struggles such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, complex family dynamics, trauma and other daily life stressors that often get in the way of leading a fulfilling life. Imagine a life in which you had the strength, courage and tools to manage the obstacles that life throws at you. I’m here to help guide you and help you discover the ways to feel more in control of your life and emotions. My approach involves getting to understand you and your world and collaborating with you to generate solutions tailored to you to meet your needs. I am also currently developing methods to incorporate aspects of yoga and the principles of yoga into my therapeutic approach in order to provide a holistic path to enhance your quality of life. Take the first step in cultivating a more fulfilling life by contacting me to set up an appointment.

Licensed Therapist

Cristina Aviles, LMFT

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (License Number MFC #99960), I am committed to supporting you by providing a safe space filled with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment. One of the hardest things anyone can do is simply asking for help, therefore, I applaud you already for taking this step toward healing and improving the quality of your life.

I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2012 with my Master’s in Counseling, and have extensive experience working with children & families, individuals, couples, adolescents, and adults. My areas of specialty are trauma, chemical dependency, domestic violence issues, and grief & loss.

I believe it is essential to develop a strong, therapeutic relationship, and I offer a tailored approach to meet your individualized treatment goals as you are unique. I am also Bilingual in English and Spanish, and have a passion for working with the Latino community as many carry the belief that seeking “professional help” is unacceptable, and definitely still a taboo. I can assure you that I will remain sensitive to these and all cultural issues, and provide you a platform to explore them freely.

I definitely look forward to meeting you, and collaborating on your personal journey to healing, change & growth.

Hablo Español. Whittier Location

Licensed Therapist

John Avitabile, LMFT

Ideally each individual experiences life’s journey in a personally unique manner while weaving the tapestry of lived experience into a meaningful and beautiful pattern reflecting their journey. As most of us have discovered, however, sometimes the actual experience can be fraught with anxiety, depression, anger, regret and disappointment. As a Therapist, I strive to use my education and life experience to help my clients reconnect with their hopes, dreams, personal and professional goals by using their undiscovered strengths and natural resilience. We will work together to find practical strategies to make life energizing, meaningful and rewarding again.

There is no one size fits all in psychotherapy and I have found that treatment modalities must be flexible to best address the needs of each client. The artful practice of psychotherapy relies on the ability of the therapist to properly assess each client and utilize the most appropriate technique.

You have already made the most critical decision in starting on your way to a happier and more healthy life journey, that is deciding to do something about what is making your life unfulfilling. The trusting bond between client and therapist is the most essential component in successful therapy.

Licensed Therapist

Kelly Choi, LCSW

Welcome! My name is Kelly Choi and I am a graduate from California State University, Northridge Master in Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (94367). Throughout my professional development, I have had the privilege to serve adolescents, adults and the elderly population with various needs (depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma) within a variety of different settings (school-based, foster care, adult health care center, outpatient treatment facilities). I have dedicated my time and effort in being involved with programs that contribute to the healing and development of individuals and communities. I am Seeking Safety certified and have training with suicide prevention. As life can present new challenges, I will be here to create a safe environment for you to feel supported and help develop positive coping skills that can be used throughout your life.

Licensed Therapist

Patty Eirich

Life is a journey with several detours and unexpected road blocks along the way. Therapy can help us navigate the difficulties that we may encounter and lead a more fulfilling life. I would like to help lead you to your right course.I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT). I attended California State University Long Beach and received a Bachelor’s degree in Research Psychology. After raising a family and working in the insurance claims industry for many years, I decided to follow my passion to pursue a degree in counseling and entered graduate school. I received a Master’s degree from Brandman University in Irvine and completed my internship working with children, adolescents and families in a mental health clinic.I have been trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness and Seeking Safety. I have experience working with ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflicts, communication difficulties and other daily stressors. My approach to therapy is to build a positive relationship with my clients and implement various techniques to help them reach their individual goals. My hope is for clients to access their strengths, overcome challenges and lead the life that they desire. I look forward to meeting you.

Jackie Girgis

“IN A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN BE ANYTHING, BE YOURSELF”

Hello! You made it! You have come to the right place. A little bit about me and what you get…I’m Jackie. I’m a Licensed Therapist. I have over 20 years of experience. I am highly trained and credentialed in multiple evidence-based therapies. I am also a chief clinical supervisor and I train and teach professional therapists. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, parenting, and family conflicts. I also have experience with substance abuse & recovery, grief & loss and veteran PTSD. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I have been happily married for 25 years and I have two amazing children, and I also care for my elderly mother. Family is super important to me.

I can definitely help you recover from your feelings of sadness, loneliness, uncontrollable worry or life stress. You are seeking therapy to help you through a difficult time; I know must have been anything but easy. Regardless of where you were earlier today, I want to recognize that it may not have been easy to make the choice to come to therapy. I can acknowledge that this choice is never a simple one, but be assured that you have my commitment to help you reach your goals and your potential for happiness, because you deserve it.

Why therapy? Whether you have had therapy before or this is your first time, you have made the right choice to get guidance through a struggle. Therapy will be an opportunity for you to learn about yourself and learn to express and understand your feelings. You will gain a deeper understanding of where your struggles are coming from and uncover realistic solutions for them. You will learn skills and strategies to cope with your stress. I will give you the tools you need to get your needs met. I genuinely care about you and will be there for you to encourage and support you through your personal journey. I invite you to use this safe space as a way to help figure out how to be the best YOU. Know that you are not alone in this and I will be with you every step of the way. Now, let’s get started…

SPECIALTIES
Stress, Anxiety
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Depression
Coping with life changes
I also have experience in Addictions, Relationship issues, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD

Licensed Therapist

Sophia Kang

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #113746) with 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families that have struggled with attachment and bonding, trauma, depression, anxiety, identity formation, relational stress, ADHD, and women’s issues.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California and went on to complete my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis of Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Additionally, I am certified in Parent-Child Interactive Therapy and trained in both Seeking Safety and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have worked for four years in community mental health working alongside children and their families within the permanency population in effort to help them thrive.

Life can be difficult, but you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I aim to provide a safe place with unconditional positive regard to support those who are ready to allow me to be a part of their journey.

Licensed Therapist

Aaron Krugman

My favorite part about being a therapist is helping others gain insight that will lead them to the change they want to see in their lives. In my 6 years of counseling experience, I have learned that the most beneficial and impactful part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. As a result, I use our rapport to develop a connection and provide a strength-based approach to therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #92514) and California State University Long Beach. I utilize an integrative approach, including evidenced-based treatments and other theories, to implement a unique and individual approach for each client. Some of these include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Functional Family Therapy as well as Motivational Interviewing techniques to customize therapy specifically for you. Also, I have experience working with adolescents, individuals, families and couples. Whether your current trouble spots are individual or relational, anxiety or depression, life transitions or just feeling stuck, I know that we can work together to help you reach your goals.
I hope to show that therapy does not need to be painful, but can be an enriching time to learn about yourself. It can be difficult to talk to a stranger and ask for help during this difficult time in your life. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and in learning more about what makes you…you.

Licensed Therapist

Michelle Magee-Lopez, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in Theatre Arts. I believe
psychotherapy is a very important component of an individual’s overall wellbeing. As a Licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist, I continue to strive to become the embodiment of reliability, dedication
and an understanding of the importance of creating a nonthreatening, safe environment for clients.
In 2005 I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from California State University Long Beach.
In 2016 I received my Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State
University Dominquez Hills. I have experience with working with adolescents, adults and children in a
variety of settings. I often merge theatrical and theoretical techniques as a means of positively
impacting clients overall therapeutic experience. I strive to create an environment which allows the
client to grow emotionally and expand their overall understanding of themselves.

Licensed Therapist

Jane Lu

I am a bilingual (English and Mandarin) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT109456) as well as a certified Health Coach. I work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds and cultures in individual, couple, family, and group settings.
My approach is providing a safe and nurturing environment through support, understanding, and guidance. I believe in empowering you so that you can overcome your struggles and have the ability to take on life lessons with strength. The therapeutic relationship relies on a partnership in which my role is to support and empower you so that you can take charge of your change and growth. My approach is strength and holistic based by using different practice modalities to fit your needs. I believe you can heal and rebuild a stronger life foundation through creating balance in all aspects of your life.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at University of California, Riverside and my Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Phoenix. I am a member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Licensed Therapist

Patricia Pereira

As a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I have over 12 years experience helping others understand their actions and feelings and help them change if that is what they hope for. My approach is to join you in your struggles and empower you to reach your full potential. My goal is to collaboratively explore issues with you and create hope, connection and balance in your life to live the best life you imagined for yourself.

I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist. I have over 12 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the following areas: Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Post traumatic stress disorders, Domestic Violence, Life Transitions/Changes, Relationship Conflicts, Communication Difficulties, Special Needs Children and impact on families, Children/Teens and difficulties at school (Academic/Relational Impairments), Children and Teen Victims of Bullying, Positive Parenting, and Narrative Therapy.

I completed my undergraduate at the University of California, Los Angeles, and then attended graduate school at California Graduate Institute where I received a Masters of Arts in Psychology with and emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2011, I received my Marriage and Family Therapist License from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Since then, I have been trained in Evidence-Based Practices, including Seeking Safety, Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Parent-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS) and Incredible Years Parenting (IY). I am a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Licensed Therapist

Pam Pudewa

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor. I received my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2014 from California State University Dominguez Hills.My therapeutic approach is based in Solution-Focused interventions, and my theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges.I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families, and have extensive experience working with addictions of all types, adolescents, and the LGBTQA community.I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.I approach my own life as a great adventure full of amazing and interesting people, and I absolutely insist on enjoying life. I would like to help you be able to do the same.I look forward to meeting you at the Cerritos location.

Licensed Therapist

Catherine Seckington

Hello. I am Catherine Seckington, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.I am passionate about all the possibilities that psychotherapy provides. I embrace my work with tenacity and a strong desire to develop trust, rapport, and restorative connections with my clients.We all experience a multitude of emotions as we embark on the journey of life. We travel down the path before us, attempting to take the one that will lead us to the kind of life that will bring us joy, connection, and satisfaction. Sometimes we feel joyful, connected, and satisfied. But there are times when life leads us into some dark places. We may experience heavy emotions and behaviors that show up in the form of anxiety, isolation, sadness, confusion, anger, dissatisfaction, boredom, and more. All of these feelings are natural reactions to life’s difficulties and challenges. During these confusing and uncertain times it may be necessary to seek an empathetic, trained, professional psychotherapist.I provide a professional, warm, caring, non-judgmental place for you to engage the difficult moments of your life. I will guide and support you through your uncertainty and discomfort with care toward healing, resolution, acceptance, and growth.

Licensed Therapist

Holly Tuyay

My philosophy as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist can be summarized in a quote by American novelist, Edith Wharton, who said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” It is my belief that each individual possesses inherent strengths and characteristics about them that internal struggles or even those in the environment may have caused to dim over time. As a therapist, it is my job to help you realize or rediscover your light. My approach is always nonjudgmental and initially client-centered and insight-oriented to allow you to understand yourself better and gain compassion and acceptance for all that is going on, both the good and the bad. From there, I pull concepts and strategies from several theories, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy, to begin the collaborative process of positive change. My hope as your therapist is that the unique combination of my experience, skills, and knowledge with your innate resilience, willingness to be challenged, and whole-hearted efforts will finally lead you to increased satisfaction in your personal relationships and an overall more fulfilling quality of life.I began my educational journey as a Marriage and Family Therapist during my undergraduate years at Azusa Pacific University. It was my class in family systems that first opened my mind to the idea that problems in relationships may not be 100% attributable to just one person, but rather to the relationship dynamics themselves. Since then, I developed a passion for relationships and a thirst for more knowledge in the field of psychology. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree, I went on to pursue my Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Chapman University because, I figured, passion and knowledge are useless if not used to help others. I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in January 2015.Since I began practicing psychotherapy in 2010, I have gained experience in providing therapy to a wide range of clientele dealing with an even wider range of struggles, including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship distress, trauma, grief and loss, phase of life problems, divorce and separation, and behavioral concerns. I completed much of my intern hours at Chino Human Services, where I provided school-based counseling to students and agency-based counseling to adult individuals, couples, and families. I also have licensed experience through Hope Inc. Family Counseling in Rancho Cucamonga and through Spectrum Center Schools in San Bernardino working in non-public school settings with children with special needs as well as troubled adolescents. A larger portion of my years a licensed clinician had been spent providing counseling in a group private practice setting through ACT Family Counseling in Chino/Ontario. I now provide counseling services from the Soul Tenders office in Cerritos from Mondays through Thursdays.

Caroline Olsen-Van Stone, LMFT

Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot. Seek the path that demands your whole being.” -Rumi

Life is full of experiences: challenging, beautiful, enchanting, harrowing. We get to experience life and try to figure out what to do with these experiences, especially the ones that are hard to hold. I welcome you to let me hold some of these challenging experiences with you, as we figure out together what you want your life to look like. This process of integrating parts of ourselves can be interrupted by events in our lives, even when they happened in the past. We all have pieces of ourselves that we sometimes don’t feel comfortable sharing, and I hope that you learn with me how to feel comfortable in your whole self.

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#113632) and a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT). I attended Occidental College and received a Bachelor’s degree in Critical Theory & Social Justice. After working in a community mental health clinic, I returned to school and received a Master’s degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. I completed my internship hours working with adults, transitional age youth, couples, and families in a variety of mental health clinics and residential settings.

I have been trained in Person-Centered, Jungian, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have worked with trauma survivors for over 6 years. I also have experience working with people with bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, psychosis, substance use, communication challenges. I also have expertise in working with interracial couples, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

I am inspired by human resilience, and I see it daily. I have worked with clients who have a myriad of difficult life experiences, from trauma to daily stress from the news. People are incredible. I have always believed that my clients are the experts of their own experience, and I strive to understand what that experience is like. I am interested in your past and work from a person-centered and relational framework. This means I believe you have the inner resources to change in the way that you’d like, and that past and current relationships are important, including our professional working relationship.

Your whole self is welcome here.

Taisha Torres, LMFT

Hello and welcome! I am so glad you are here and have made a courageous choice to seek healing. Like our physical health, I believe we must also take into consideration the “vital signs” that indicate the state of our mental health. Whether it is stress from the overwhelming responsibilities at work, school, home, or difficulty communicating needs to family members and  friends. These can all be signs that we need a little extra support to overcome these challenges and I would like to be that for you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been practicing for 7 years. I graduated from CSUN in 2011 with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. In 2013 I graduated with my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University. My treatment approach is collaborative and integrative, meeting you were you are and combining therapeutic tools to fit your unique situation. 

I have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges with depression, anxiety, anger,  trauma, relationship issues, and more. I am also certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), providing parenting skills to help enhance the relationships between children and their primary caregivers. 

Please call or email me if you feel I am what you are looking for in a therapist. I’m passionate about helping others experience a changed life and would be blessed to be a part of your story.

Licensed Therapist

Jennifer Walker

I believe that the client and therapist relationship is the foundation for creating positive growth and healing. That is why my focus is to ensure my clients have a space that is free of judgment, and this means that I welcome clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship styles. I utilize a sex-positive, body-positive, trauma-informed, and identity affirmative perspective in supporting the client’s self-discovery.

My formal training includes an M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I have extensive experience working in a variety of treatment settings (Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, in-home) with many populations including but not limited to geriatrics, adults, couples, families, and LGBTQ+. I specialize in working with young adults and adults coping with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, relationship/family issues, exploration of sex, sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation and exploration of spirituality. I am also trained in EMDR and often utilize a modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS), which recognizes that all of us have various parts within us that can often be conflicting or at odds with each other. IFS helps recognize and understand these parts as well as be able to access the Self (your own innate wisdom) for healing and growth.