Soultenders Health-Associates

David Leong, MS, AMFT

Specialties:  Anxiety and Depression, Near Death Experiences, Grief and Loss, and Identity Challenges

Life has led me on a meandering and sometimes confusing journey—one filled with triumphs and troubles. I have survived a near death experience; I have wrestled through identity struggles having lived in multiple cultures and continents; and I have dealt with abandonment, betrayal, and loneliness. And yet, in the throes of life’s darkest, most heart-breaking moments, I have experienced the resiliency of the human spirit; I have known the hope of renewal and transformation returning to a parched and weary soul. These monumental moments of restoration are possible as we choose to be present in relationships where truth can bravely speak into our hearts and worth graciously embrace our broken souls.

This is the relationship I long for you to experience—a new kind of home, a togetherness—as we explore and illuminate your life story. Throughout your process, I desire you to feel known, cared for, and respected. What you choose to share with me is precious and of infinite value; you likewise are precious and of infinite worth.

Contact me today for a free consultation—I look forward to speaking with and helping you decide whether working together could be a good fit.

About David
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#94221). I began my professional clinical training earning a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. Then after a period living overseas in Taiwan, I decided to deepen my clinical training experience by completing my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. I work with adolescents, emerging adults, adults and couples to address the long-term issues of anxiety, depression, near death experiences, grief and loss, and challenges that arise in identity formation. My hope in our work together is that you will find clarity in the midst of confusion, renewed compassion, and an empowered sense of purpose in your life.

David Leong is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #94221

Supervised by Evelyn Rodriguez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFC #92600

Associate Therapist

Kate Cody, ACSW

Change can be the most difficult and daunting decision we make. In my practice, I aim to meet you where you’re at and collaborate creatively with you in making conscious life improvements. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy, and I will work alongside you in formulating a plan to achieve your therapeutic goals that work best for you, as a unique individual, who is the expert of your experiences, and where you’re at in this stage of your life. In therapy we can address a range of obstacles you may be facing, such as problematic behaviors and/or thought processes, relationship issues, and our somatic responses to psychological upsets. A few models I draw from are attachment theory, person-in-environment, psychodynamic theory, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and neuropsychology.

A few populations I have worked with are substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. I’ve had a wide range of experiences that I believe have shaped who I am as a clinician including participating in research on chemical dependency, case management and individual therapy for adults experiencing homelessness, developing healthy lifestyles with middle school-aged children, being a live-in au pair in Germany, and coordinating activities in an Alzheimer’s residential care facility.

I received my Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Adult Mental Health and Wellness. I am a member of the NASW (National Association of Social Work) and am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker #95953, practicing in the Mayflower Office, supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt, Psy.D License #2009125.

Associate Therapist

Maxine de Luna, MA, AMFT

Hi there! First off, I want to commend you for being here today. Life can be challenging, leaving us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Defeated and depressed. Scared and even angry.

As an emotion-focused therapist, I hope to collaborate with each of my clients to experience lasting healing extending beyond therapy. I hope to provide a safe space to explore and experience the deep pain and hurt that can often feel unheard and be swept under the rug. It takes vulnerability and courage to allow yourself to seek support during this difficult time. I hope to sit with you and create a safe space to sit with and explore the different parts of yourself, healing past traumas and resolving unfinished business causing you pain and suffering in your daily life and relationships. Together we can move closer toward a path of relief and a life with new meaning and fulfillment, without carrying the current heaviness of life each step of the way. I hope to help you live life the ways you truly want for yourself. It would be with great honor.

(Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #118660; Supervised by Claudia Reyes Guatemala, LMFT#84394)

Associate Therapist

Janelle de Veyra, AMFT

I believe working with trauma is both critical and a catalyst for change in the community. I find that each individual’s unique narrative impacts the collective unconscious that we all have the ability to tap into and work with. I specialize in working with empaths, which are people who soak up the emotions of others like a sponge, and give the the opportunity to release excess energies they have been carrying intentionally and unintentionally, differentiating what is truly their own experience versus the feelings, expectations, problems of their closest relationships. My mission as a therapist is to bridge the world of the subconscious and clinical psychology together to empower individuals to live in alignment with their highest purpose. My passion is learning all I can about what it means to be both human and divine- the sacred part of us that has the ability to co-create our own reality; truly experiencing life in this world, making connections, overcoming traumas, and ascending over obstacles that elevate our relationship to the human spirit and one another. My goal is to work with clients in seeking awareness and truth of their authentic selves and their roles in impacting universal consciousness that connects us all.

My favorite specialization is dreamwork or dream tending, where we make the dream come alive in the room and develop a relationship with the psyche. My therapeutic approach stems from depth psychology, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, and solution-focused orientations. I guide others to posses the ability to see the bigger picture of situations, the ability to communicate feelings, and the empowerment to express themselves by encouragement. We delve into the past to find the source of the situation, identifying patterns in life that keep you on a constant loop, shift them with awareness and insight, and reprogram outdated modes of thinking or unwanted reoccurring situations with positive intention placed into a practice that is both practical and strategic, in a way that works for the person. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis interventions, suicide prevention, PTSD, self-harm, social boundaries, and communication skills acquired from working with adolescents and their families in a low-income charter school non-profit organization.

I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #109589, practicing in the Arcadia Office, supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt, Psy.D License #2009125.

Associate Therapist

Cari Lu, AMFT

Hey you, yes you! You are truly remarkable and the steps you have taken to get this far to seek help and to advocate for yourself deserves an applause. Finding your own personal fit in therapy is important because you need to feel comfortable working closely with someone as you grow to tackle on life and its many obstacles. I would be honored to be apart of your journey, to hear you out and to create a safe space for you to feel at ease while you work on nourishing your mental wellbeing.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process and building strong relationships and rapport in the beginning stages of treatment will allow you to feel comfortable and will truly allow the therapeutic relationship to be the foundation for when challenges arise. The flexibility of incorporating a multitude of interventions and theories provides the most beneficial experience and as your therapist, I will empower you to make positive changes in your life. I understand that making any changes in your life may be difficult, but I am ready to support you along the way with an approach that is direct, non-judgmental and compassionate.

Mayflower Office, under the supervision of Maureen Leigh-Magee, LMFT (LMFT 38671)

Associate Therapist

Andrea Medina, ACSW

Asking for help can be challenging, especially asking for help outside of your community, being friends, family, neighbors, etc. Especially the use of therapy as a help seeking tool can in itself be taboo, scary, or simply just something unknown. Personally, coming from a family where dusting yourself off and getting over it was the advice given, it is ironic that I have pursued a career in a therapeutic setting. My role as a clinician is to provide a welcoming and safe environment where feelings are validated.

I have experience working with children, adolescent and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA/gender identity, emotional regulation, anger management, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I also have experience working in school-based counseling, as well as with individuals experiencing homelessness. While I work with a wide range of individuals, I am passionate about working with youth. Helping youth realize their strengths and aiding them in realizing they are enough.

I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker #84732, and I am supervised by Lauren Stockly, LCSW.

Associate Therapist

Knar Meloyan, MS, AMFT

The foundation of my therapeutic approach draws upon the strength and resilience within each of us. I work with my clients to create a collaborative relationship to explore the struggles they face, honor the attempts they have made to overcome their struggles, and identify the steps they can take to meet their personal goals. We explore the behavioral steps that can be taken, as well as address the thinking patterns and underlying emotions that may be constraining them.

Within my practice, I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with a range of issue, including depression, anxiety, trauma, intimacy concerns, body image, grief, identity issues, life functioning, and transitions. I have experience working with kids, teens, and adults with diverse backgrounds and identities. As a systemic therapist, I believe in the value of understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual contexts within which clients exist, and how those identities inform their unique set of strengths and challenges.

I earned my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University, and my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT # 116121, practicing in the Mayflower office, supervised under Irma Lopez, LMFT #49432.

Associate Therapist

Angela Orozco, AMFT

Hello, my name is Angela M. Orozco. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT#121890) & Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC#8540). I earned my first Master of Arts Degree from Azusa Pacific University with an emphasis in Research. While doing my research on the grieving process, I fell in love with the idea of helping people. I decided to continue my education to obtain my second master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.

I believe that therapy is a journey, where an individual can share his/her experiences in a safe environment. I believe that every person has a story to tell and that is why I became a therapist, to help people tell their truths and find hope. I work within a Family Systems approach, as well as a Person-Centered approach. I have experience working with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. I am Gottman Level 1 trained for couples therapy. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, addictions, grief, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. I have also worked with special needs children and their families. I am also a Christian and I enjoy working with people of all faiths.

I look forward to working with you and helping you through your journey. Practicing in the Mayflower office, under the supervision of Claudia C. Reyes, LMFT (LMFT#84394).

Associate Therapist

Lyzette Perez-Munoz, AMFT

I would like to first commend you for taking the opportunity to put yourself first as I understand that this may seem like a difficult decision. I believe we all walk many paths on this earth; however, I think one path we should all walk down is having the opportunity to receive therapy services. I aim to mold, plan, and specialize your treatment to your specific goals that you would like to accomplish during this time with me. Some models that I draw from include Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic Theory, Feedback Informed treatment, Mindfulness, Narrative, and Interpersonal.

My experience includes working with young adults all the way to the geriatric population. I have experience working in outpatient settings and have worked with individuals that experience depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, and life transitions. While my work includes a wide range of individuals, I am passionate about working with adolescents transitioning to young adulthood and adults that struggle with suicidality. This area is special to me as I have seen the difficulty and heart break that it can bring to one’s life. Through individual counseling I hope to be able to help those overcome those difficult hurdles during that time. This is not just a career for myself, but a passion and part of my life that I find it immensely important to advocate for the availability of mental health services that include suicide prevention within our communities.

Bio
I received my Bachelors from University of California, Riverside in Sociology where I then completed my Masters from USC at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. My focus for my MSW included Adult Mental Health and Wellness. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Work #98094, and I am supervised by Claudia Reyes Guatemala, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #84394.

Associate Therapist

Douglas Tu, ACSW

I have worked with a diverse array of populations such as domestic violence-survivors, undocumented immigrants, individuals struggling with major depression and anxiety, the elderly, teenagers, and transitional-age youth. I practice a wide-variety of different modalities such as EMDR Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Gottman-Method Couples Therapy, and grief counseling. I have a particular interest addressing PTSD and PTSD-related symptoms with clients due to my background in trauma and consider it my niche in the field.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, where I also minored in Applied Psychology. I studied how intersections of gender, race and class influence individuals in a variety of different ways. Particularly, I studied how cultural norms affected mental health services available to the Asian American community. I then received my Masters in Social Work from CSU Los Angeles where I studied how socioeconomic factors influence father involvement. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (#83802), and I am supervised by Kristine Adamian, LCSW #64864.

Therapy may be a journey towards healing, but it is not always easy, especially when one is implored to dig deep into what has made them the person they are today. As a therapist who enjoys taking a strengths-based approach with clients, I will offer nothing less than my unconditional positive regard. However, I am not afraid to challenge clients to become the great people they are always meant to be. With enough hard work and dedication, I believe all human beings have the capacity to perform great feats.

“A future is not given to you. It is something you must take for yourself.” -Unknown