Pasadena

Pasadena Site Coordinator

Lizzete Banuelos, LMFT

“The quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships.” -Esther Perel

Healthy, loving, and respectful relationships are easier said that done. Unresolved trauma can skew our understanding of a healthy dynamic in our relationships with ourselves and others. I collaborate with individuals and couples in creating therapeutic goals and a plan to help process their struggles with sexual traumas, partner abuse, child abuse, and other traumas. I utilize the therapy tools of EMDR (emdria.org), Trauma Exposure Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy using timelines, Trauma-Focused CBT, along with other relational tools. As a POC I understand the vulnerability and culture sensitivity in opening up about the impact of racism, systematic oppression, and choosing a therapist with a relatable experience.

I earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 from Pacific Oak’s College. I began working for a non-profit organization in 2007 before transitioning into a private practice group setting in 2013. I became the site supervisor in 2017 for the Soultenders Pasadena location where our goal is to provide a compassionate safe space for individuals, couples, and children.

I have experience working with adults and couples struggling with different types of anxiety, PTSD, sexual traumas, child abuse, partner emotional and physical abuse, LGBTQIA/gender identity, relationship conflicts, attachment issues, and divorce/breakups.

Email would be the best way to reach me. I look forward to mapping out a plan towards the day you do not have to feel your past controls your present and future.

Associate Therapist

Megan McGrath, AMFT

Feeling stuck in a job? In a relationship? In your own life? Are there things bothering you but you have found that it is hard to put your thoughts into words, or find someone to talk to?

I help individuals, couples, and families address issues related to relationships, depression, anxiety, anger, addiction, stressful or traumatic events and work toward their goals of becoming healthier, happier, and enjoying a more fulfilling life.

My goal in therapy is to foster a collaborative and non-judgmental relationship that allows you to safely explore whatever is troubling you, and to build on the strengths and resources you already possess. I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy and dialectical and cognitive behavioral techniques to aid you in exploring your specific concerns and achieving self-awareness, balance, and connection.

I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2017. Prior to joining Soultenders, I worked with veterans struggling with issues of homelessness, addiction, and trauma. I completed my EMDR training in July 2017 and am a member of CAMFT and EMDRIA. I am supervised by Maureen Leigh, LMFT.

Dyamond Parr

Licensed Therapist

Enjil Poloss, LMFT

My main focus in therapy is to assist clients in deepening their understanding of the challenges they face and to empower them to tap into their own unique, often -overlooked, internal resources in order to find their path to recovery and growth.

My approach is Integrative, as I draw on various treatment approaches such as Client-Centered, Narrative, Existential, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, with a strong emphasis on Mindfulness practices. I am also an EMDR- trained therapist, currently in process of obtaining my EMDR certification credentials. I utilize this highly effective technique to assist clients identify and process extremely distressful and/or traumatic memories from the past that govern their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Successful processing of such memories allows clients to not only eliminate or better manage their emotional triggers, but also grow in areas in which they had most struggles in.

I completed my Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University-Northridge in 2009. I have an extensive experience both as an Intern and a Licensed MFT working with individuals and families from diverse demographics. This experience has given me a great opportunity to tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs. Aside from private practice, I have worked at YWCA-Glendale Domestic Violence Department, Aviva Family and Children Services, and Aurora Las Encinas Hospital Outpatient Program where I worked with individuals struggling with various substance addictions and Dual Diagnosis.

Licensed Therapist

Evelyn Rodriguez

The adage “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow” rings true in my practice. Adversity is part of life, but it should not be an overwhelming part. A difficult situation is simply the starting point towards improvement. I work towards providing guidance and tools to help achieve self-determined success. I believe that teamwork establishes the strength and support needed to reach and maintain long-lasting happiness and improve upon difficult situations. You don’t have to struggle alone.My therapeutic approach is based on attachment theory, which maintains that in regards to our loved ones, we need each other, but it’s not a matter of clinging to each other or losing our independence. The idea is that when we are securely attached and our bond is safe and strong, our growth and development as human beings is nurtured. I specialize in working with anxiety and depressive disorders in individuals and adolescents. My other specialty is in couple counseling, focusing on helping to improve a couple’s dynamic through the maintenance of boundaries and perspective, and improving intimacy. I also work in women’s issues/roles, including fertility, pregnancy and post-partum concerns.I have training in levels I-IV of Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), which is geared towards facilitating fast relief of emotional distress associated with traumatic events. ETT is a new brain-based intervention using light/color that can dramatically alleviate unresolved emotions around personal conflicts in a gentle and meaningful way. For more information, visit www.ettia.org. I am also trained in The Incredible Years, a parenting skills and bonding enhancement program. My couple therapy training includes the Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT).I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (License # 92600) who graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology with a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and am currently supervising Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. I am a bilingual therapist and speak fluent Spanish.

Licensed Therapist

Hilda Saliba

I am a bilingual (English/Armenian) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in an array of settings from school principal, community mental health, and volunteering in non-profit organizations.

I utilize Client Centered approach with empathetic listening and creating an atmosphere in which my clients feel safe to express their feelings with certainty and that they are being understood rather than judged. I also focus on facilitating self-discovery, self-acceptance, and provide means toward healing and positive growth.

I graduated from University of Southern California with my B.A. degree in Psychology and from Ryokan College with M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).

Licensed Therapist

Holly Smith, LCSW

Whether you need support through a life transition, or you’d like to address recent and/or past trauma, I will bring an engaged, empathic, non-judgmental attitude to our work together. I am attachment focused, and draw from Psychodynamic theory, Gestalt, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and have been honored to witness powerful shifts in my clients’ symptoms and experience through EMDR. My therapeutic approach varies depending on the needs of my clients.

Prior to entering private practice, I spent 12 years working with teens, school aged children, and adults in outpatient clinics, correctional settings, and in residential treatment centers. My specializations include childhood and attachment trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety disorders, and depression. I have experience working with and treating Oppositional Defiant behavior, ADHD, abusive/unhealthy relationships, and substance abuse issues. Additionally, I have training in perinatal mood disorders and enjoy working with women and men making the transition to parenthood.

I am LGBTQIA allied. I enjoy working with people with beliefs, customs, and traditions different from my own, and I take pleasure in learning more about cultures with which I don’t have as much familiarity. I speak and understand Spanish; however, since I am not completely fluent, I do not facilitate therapy in Spanish.

Whatever your current circumstances are, I look forward to joining you on your path.

Licensed Therapist

Lauren Terschluse, LMFT

Feeling stuck? Is something bothering you that you wish would go away? Are you struggling with something past or present? Has a life experience shifted the trajectory of your life? You deserve to find your happiness. Asking for help is hard. Everyone has difficult times in life and I am here to support you with navigating yours.

In my practice, I use a strengths-based, collaborative, individualized approach rooted in client-centered and narrative therapy principles. I believe that we all have a story and it is that story that has led each individual to therapy. It is the relationship between each therapist and client that is the most integral part to driving change and healing. I maintain a non-judgmental and empathetic presence where you can be your truest you. I understand that no two people are the same, so I will work closely with you to explore what works best for you in your life.

I graduated with my BA in Psychology and a Minor in Education from University of California, Santa Cruz (2006) and my Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California (2014). I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2006 in a variety of settings that include: residential facilities, private practice, outdoor settings, community-based services and equestrian therapy. I have extensive experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, at risk youth and families, veterans, anxiety and depression. I have also been trained in and implement a variety of evidence-based techniques to provide effective symptom targeted treatment.

I currently work with a wide range of adults, which include but are not limited to: Depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, break ups, end of life issues, family conflict, self esteem, employment stress, veterans, service members, family members of veterans, PTSD, life transitions, older adults.

I look forward to supporting you on your journey.