Pasadena Providers

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.

Licensed Therapist

Brittany A. Martin, LCSW

(She/Her)

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

Congratulations on taking a huge step in caring for yourself by starting your journey towards optimal mental and emotional health!

My approach to treatment is integrated as I use numerous evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness to address the root causes of your difficulties. I actively pursue learning new techniques to therapy and will soon be trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Prior to joining Soultenders, I worked in the field of mental health with children and families who faced adversities of homelessness, domestic violence, system involvement, and trauma for ten years. I continue to work with teens and adults who deal with a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems; depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, break ups, family conflict, self-esteem, employment stress, and life transitions.

I am committed to providing a safe space where you can engage in a low-pressure conversation regarding what’s on your heart and mind. You are resilient and have the resources within you. I am here, as your therapist, to empower you and validate how these life events have affected you. We can’t choose what happens to us, but I want to help you find meaning and motivate you to progress towards your goals. Together we will focus on building skills to effectively problem solve, make healthy life choices, and establish meaningful relationships.

Licensed Therapist

Megan McGrath, LMFT

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.

Licensed Therapist

Flor Ramos-Montelongo, LCSW

Life is full of unexpected ups and downs, sometimes causing individuals to walk through life with feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and shame. Perhaps you question your abilities at home with family, close friendships, or at work, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion and low self-esteem. Maybe you feel completely out of control, or perhaps you do not feel anything at all. Life can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to ask for help. Today, I want to acknowledge you for considering taking this step forward. I am here to support you and assist you in this journey of healing and self-discovery.

I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking LGBTQIAP affirming Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 98983). I use a strength-based, collaborative, mindful, and trauma-informed lens that is person-centered. I provide an empathetic and non-judgmental space. I believe that you are the expert in your life, and I am here to support and guide you in this process. I have experience working with children, adults, and families in the following areas: adjustment disorders, attachment issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and complex trauma, abuse, post-traumatic stress disorders, intimate partner violence, interpersonal problems, toxic relationships, grief & loss, life transitions, bullying, workplace toxicity, stress management, self-esteem, crisis stabilization, parenting issues, LGBTQIAP issues, first-generation student issues, system involvement (i.e. Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice),  family reunification, and multigenerational trauma.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Mount St. Mary’s College, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Cal State University Northridge. I have training in the following Evidence-Based Practices/Models, including Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy (SFT), Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  I have training in DC 0-5: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood.

I am passionate about helping others and assisting them in achieving their goals. I look forward to helping you on your healing journey.

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

Katherane Rackleff, LCSW

Katherane “Katy” Rackleff is an LCSW working as a therapist in the Los Angeles metro area. She has over 10 years experience providing culturally sensitive mental health and advocacy services, both on the east and west coast. After studying cultural anthropology as an undergraduate, in 2014 she went on to pursue her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, with a specialization in childhood trauma. In Baltimore, she worked as a therapist in a substance abuse treatment center (IOP) and in a government agency, providing family therapy related to domestic violence issues. After moving to Los Angeles in 2018, she worked with people experiencing homelessness, providing therapy, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Before beginning private practice in 2021, she worked with the Head Start and LAUSD school systems, educating and providing support to teachers around the issue of childhood trauma. While Katy is interested in many therapeutic modalities, she is heavily influenced by attachment theory, mindfulness and acceptance based therapies, internal family systems, and gestalt therapy. She has experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, acute stress, and substance use disorders in individual adults, children, and groups. In addition to her LCSW licensure, she is also a certified Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT).

Licensed Therapist

Christine Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW

Looking to improve your quality of life? Have a great relationship? Achieve success at your job? Do you need to get rid of stress, guilt, anger, feelings of not being good enough or heal from trauma? Every person has their own unique issues and challenges that get in the way from achieving their goals.

Counseling should be practical, helpful, and empowering so that you can have the opportunity to create the experiences, relationships, and quality of life that you truly desire. My approach to counseling is strengths-based and client-centered so we can collaborate in creating an individualized treatment plan to address your issues and challenges. My multi-ethnic background and life experiences have allowed me to gain an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures, family systems, and socio-economic dynamics that allow me to provide a safe space for you to:

• Gain insight and understanding how to best address your concerns
• Explore and heal from your emotional distress
• Develop effective coping and communication skills
• Grow and develop as a person.

My theoretical framework and approach to counseling is rooted in aspects of systems theory, psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory. I utilize an array of modalities when providing individual counseling that focus on the connection between mind, body and spirit including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). When working with couples I also include aspects of Emotionally Focused Therapy and The Gottman Method.

I am a fully credentialed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW#100447) based out of the Soultenders Pasadena office and I offer counseling both in-person (based on availability) and via telehealth depending on your needs. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Health. I hold a professional membership with the National Association of Social Workers and have certifications in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) modalities.

I have over 4 years of experience working with adults facing an array of challenges including Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Chronic Illness/Pain, Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Stress, Women’s Issues, Parenting, Grief and Loss, Post Traumatic Stress, Intimate Relationship Conflict, Affairs and Infidelity, Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Co-dependency, and Emotional/Narcissistic Abuse.

I love learning and in my spare time and I enjoy expanding my knowledge and expertise by attending specialized trainings and conferences. My personal interests include yoga, fitness, cooking, and spending time with my family.

I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey to achieve your goals and desired quality of life. If you are interested in initiating therapy with me, the best way to reach me is via email.

Licensed Therapist

Evelyn G Rodriguez, LMFT

Are you facing overwhelming adversity in your life? Are you are experiencing difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or struggling to adjust to new roles or life changes? Do you want to achieve fulfillment and direction in life but are unsure of where to start? Are you ready to become the best version of yourself? Self-improvement and growth are within your reach.

In our work together in therapy, you can expect to learn more about yourself and discover new ways of seeing your circumstances. By understanding who you are, you can potentially achieve meaningful relationships and learn how to adapt to challenges. I can teach you strategies and tools to help you find the best solutions for your unique situation, including learning effective decision-making skills, improved communication, conflict resolution strategies, assertiveness skills, and healthy boundaries. Become empowered to achieve your potential.

My specialty is in relationship counseling, focusing on helping you to improve your relationship with yourself and others through the maintenance of boundaries, perspective, and healthy intimacy. I’m also passionate about young professional/adult concerns, generational/cultural issues, and women’s issues/roles, including health, fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum concerns.

My therapeutic approach is based on attachment and is designed to help those who don’t feel safe or secure in relationships. Attachment is an emotional bond with another person. Your attachment style is largely influenced by your relationship with your parents in early childhood. When your emotional needs are met you develop a healthy attachment and feel safe and secure in relationships. The healthier your attachment the better able you are to adapt to life stressors.

My aim is to help you feel safe and secure in your relationships. I’m here to help you learn, grow, and fulfill your relationship goals. Contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation to see if my approach is a good fit for your needs.

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

Maria E. Solano, LCSW

My guiding principle within the therapeutic milieu is that of CONNECTION. As human beings we can survive with food and shelter, but CONNECTION is what allows us to THRIVE. I will guide you in examining your own early experiences of connection/attachment, and together, we will identify the impact that it had on your cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social development. This exploration values all aspects of identity, which includes race, gender, religion, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation. A crucial component of this work involves understanding your history of coping mechanisms, how they have served you in the past, and deciding which you no longer need or want. Identification of new healthy coping skills will involve exploration of healthy and unhealthy boundaries and conscious awareness of your needs and wants. Becoming grounded and centered in yourself is crucial to this work. Oftentimes people come to therapy with the focus of changing other people; however, the reality is that we only have the power to improve and change our own behavior. My goal is to support your emotional healing, self-improvement, and self-empowerment.

The treatment interventions that I utilize include Psychodynamic Psychotherapy which involves exploration of early psychological experience, development of coping mechanisms and use of the therapeutic relationship to create an emotionally corrective experience. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and re-framing maladaptive thought patterns. Trauma Resiliency Model achieves emotional healing by learning about the body’s response to stress response, implementing body-based non-verbal interventions that focus on regulating one’s own physiological responses.

Lastly, I have been a psychotherapist for 29 years, I received my Master’s in Social Welfare from UCLA in 1991 with a concentration treatment of Children, Teens and Families. I dedicated most of my career to providing outpatient trauma-informed care to underserved communities Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. I’ve worked in private practice for 10 years and transitioned to full-time private practice in October 2019. I am humbled and honored by each person who has trusted me with their mental health care. I look forward to meeting you if you believe that I am the right fit for your needs. I gladly provide a 15-minute phone consultation to support you in making that decision. I accept referrals for adults seeking Individual therapy. I also provide couple’s counseling based on a pre-screening.

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 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. I am also EMDR trained (emdria.org). I believe that we all have a story and it is that story that has created our core beliefs, structured our thoughts, and led each individual to therapy. While I integrate the aforementioned principles and practices into therapy, it is ultimately 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: anxiety, grief, trauma (past and present), relationship challenges, break ups, end of life issues, family conflict, self esteem, employment stress, career changes, veterans, service members, family members of veterans, PTSD, life transitions, older adults.

I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

If interested in initiating therapy with me, email is the best way to reach me.