South Pasadena Child and Family Center

South Pasadena Child & Family Center

South Pasadena Site Supervisor

Lauren Stockly, LCSW, RPT-S

Lauren Stockly, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor/RPT-S, ECMHS, PPSC

I am a licensed therapist with a passion for supporting youth and their families through the ups and downs of life. I honor the uniqueness of each client and will partner with you to tailor my treatment to their specific needs, goals and strengths. I provide a compassionate, creative, non-judgmental and engaging space for your child/teen to explore their feelings while learning to manage their emotions, behaviors and relationships.
For children, self-expression and communication occur most naturally through play. While adults tend to process thoughts and feelings verbally, children engage in play to show us their inner worlds. This is why I specialize in Play Therapy, a model that uses the therapeutic powers of play to help clients resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. My practice integrates this invaluable technique with insight-oriented and evidence-based practices including Neurosequential Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Sand Tray, Trauma-Focused CBT, PCIT, Theraplay and Mindfulness.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from UC Irvine before pursuing a Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # 71707), am a member of the Executive Board of the California Association for Play Therapy. I also have a background in school-based mental health and hold a Pupil Services Credential (PPSC), which has provided me with the training necessary to help you communicate your child’s needs to their school and navigate the special education process. I am the Site Supervisor of the Soultenders Child and Family Center in South Pasadena, where we aim to provide high quality, specialized mental health services for children and families.

I have experience working with children, adolescents and families in a range of areas including: trauma, grief, anxiety, LGBTQA/gender identity, depression, emotional regulation/anger management, school issues, parenting, relationship conflicts, giftedness, life transitions, attachment issues, divorce, selective mutism, domestic abuse, child welfare, and adoption. I am a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) and main passion is for treating childhood trauma and helping clients to reconnect with themselves as they process their experiences at their own pace. I feel honored to be part of each client’s personal journey through recovery as they begin to regain control over their lives.

I also work with Transitional Age Youth (adults 18-25) dealing with childhood trauma and former clients who are now adults and would like to return to therapy. I do not typically accept referrals for adults outside of these circumstances.

Licensed Therapist

Jessica Battaini

When adults and children alike build an awareness and understanding of their emotional worlds, they are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. As your therapist, I will provide a non-judgmental empathic relationship in which we will explore the unique experiences and emotions, both past and present, that bring you to therapy today.Young clients may not yet be able to name their feelings, or have an awareness of what triggers challenging behaviors. Through Play Therapy, I will support your child to process “big” feelings, increase their emotional vocabulary, and develop positive coping skills. With very young clients (0-5), it is often most effective to work with the primary caregiver and child together (“dyadic” therapy). With older children, I employ evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (“CBT”) and Mindfulness techniques when appropriate.I understand that it can take courage to come to therapy. I will listen intently and carefully as we navigate challenges together. It is truly an honor to help children, parents, and adults as they work towards improving their quality of life.Some of the child/parenting issues I help with are: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, attachment difficulties, emotional regulation/impulse control, ADHD, OCD, trichotillomania, developmental delays, autism spectrum, perinatal/postpartum, separation, tantrums, sleep, and sibling rivalry.Some of the adult issues I help with are: anxiety, depression, challenges in interpersonal relationships, poor self-esteem, life transitions, and grief/loss.I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is essential to change. Since each therapist has a unique style of relating, I encourage you to come in for an initial consultation to see if I am a good fit for you or your child.I received my masters in social work from UCLA’s School of Public Affairs and Social Welfare. I completed internships at Cedars-Sinai’s Cheerful Helpers Child and Family Study Center, and Harbor-UCLA Medical’s Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. Upon graduating from UCLA, I received The California Society for Clinical Social Work Gerda Lawrence Award for outstanding graduate academic and field studies with children. As an associate, I completed an adult outpatient psychiatry fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where I facilitated and co-facilitated groups on mindfulness for depression, trauma, and young women’s issues.I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (License# LCS 27254). I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the California Association of Clinical Social Workers.

Licensed Therapist

Kate Bono

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC67162) with ten years of experience working with individuals and families towards healing and empowerment. I enjoy working with clients across the life span, from school-age children and adolescents, to transitional-age youth and adults. Prior to joining private practice, I gained experience providing mental health treatment in settings including a transitional shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children in New York City, and a residential treatment facility for foster youth in Los Angeles. Through these roles my profound appreciation for human resiliency grew, and I developed the ability to support others through a diverse range of challenging life experiences.
Just as each individual is highly unique based on his or her personality and life experiences, I feel it is important for treatment to be equally as individualized. I collaborate with my clients to identify their own personal goals and develop a treatment plan that will best support their needs. Although I consider myself primarily a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I incorporate other theoretical orientations and treatment approaches including psychodynamic theory, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavior therapy, play therapy, attachment theory, and solution-focused treatment based on each client’s needs and developmental stage.
In my work with children and adolescents my areas of specialty include trauma (including but not limited to neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and loss), anxiety, depression, challenges with communication and emotional expression, attachment, aggression/emotional regulation, and adjustment to change. I enjoy working closely with parents and caregivers of the child in treatment by providing psychoeducation and collaborating to identify strategies that best support the child’s growth. My specialties with adults include experiences with childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting support, and navigating life transitions.
Whether you are looking for short-term, solution-focused treatment to address a current life challenge or more ongoing support towards healing, empowerment, and self-actualization, I am here to support you or your family towards your personal goals.

Licensed Therapist

Julianne Bull

As a therapist, I have been lucky enough to work with clients of all ages. My work with children has taught me that this is a critical time to aid in everything from attachment to creativity to healing. Children are so unique in their ability to change and grow, and addressing difficulties at such a critical age can mean a lot less work down the line! I have been amazed by children’s ability to be accepting and open to therapy, even unique interventions such as mindfulness. They often have a more open mind about therapy than even adults!

Right now, I also specialize in and am passionate about working with teens, especially those struggling with anxiety, depression, body image issues, sexuality issues, or low self-esteem. Based on my experience in high schools and college student programs, I really connect with this age group and believe their potential is limitless as long as they have the support they need during such a critical time.

I emphasize a client-centered, humanistic approach. This means I will work with you to help you create goals that feel right for you, so you have control of what you get out of therapy. I will utilize unique interventions catered to each individual in order to create a path of healing that actually works for you. Some of these interventions include mindfulness, writing, journaling, and more. I also work with elements of CBT and DBT for more practical interventions to help track progress.

I received my MMFT from the University of Southern California and became licensed in October of 2018 (LMFT #110185). I trained at Las Encinas Hospital where I worked with young adults as well as in the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, working with adults and seniors in all different stages of functionality and healing. I believe anyone has the ability to heal and grow, and being brave enough to ask for help is often the hardest part!

Licensed Therapist

Lisa Hernandez

Are you are going through a tough time right now? Experiencing fear, anxiety anger, sadness, depression? I am here for you. I listen with my heart, standing shoulder to shoulder, supporting you so you can get “unstuck” from your negative self-talk, trauma, or depression. I believe that feelings are meant to be felt, that is why they are called “feelings.” I am a devoted child centered play therapist. My deep belief is that with a healing heart all problems can be faced and overcome. No one is beyond the possibility of recovery, we can move passed our numbness and unwanted circumstances. I’ll create a safe space for you with no judgement. I will support you in the process of answering questions for yourself like “what is this condition trying to tell me?” Together we will explore and make sense of your emotional challenges and free you up to create a new future. You can move beyond your fears and learn to live with ease and joy. Let’s work together to discover your highest good and set you on the road to celebrate your life! Let’s talk soon at the Soultenders Child and Family Center in South Pasadena.

Licensed Therapist

Jillian Luz

I am passionate about integrating visual art-making with traditional talk psychotherapy to encourage and support self-reflection, healing, and growth. Previous art experience is absolutely unnecessary to benefit from the therapeutic power that producing art inspires and nurtures. The process of making art supports tapping into deeper unconscious parts of the psyche, supporting opportunities for insight and self-awareness. Art therapy is not limited to children and adolescents, adults, and couples benefit greatly from this treatment modality.

I specialize in trauma-informed care and am also a grief and loss specialist. I have experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families seeking to resolve traumatic experiences, process grief and loss issues, decrease maladaptive or unhelpful behaviors or thought patterns, and improve communication and functioning. I have experience working with the LGBTQA communities as well as with individuals questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy/Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) and AATA (American Art Therapy Association). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and am a Registered Art Therapist.

Licensed Therapist

Monica Mayall

My Approach
My clients tell me they prefer my approach and it is different than their previous therapists. They have described that in our work I am “actively engaged, responsive, and solution-focused.” I am not going to sit back in my chair your entire session with only “Ummm, ah, I see, tell me more…” I spend a lot of time outside of our sessions thinking about you, searching for a pivotal question, a piece of information, or an intervention that may shift your perspective on the problem and open space for resolution and growth.
I am very focused on being of service and supporting you in finding your state of wellbeing that persists no matter the circumstances of your life. Together we will find your inner calm, relaxed, and in control state, that allows you to access your clarity, creativity, and inner strength… and how to re-find it when life gets the better of you for a moment.
I would like to explore with you what feeds your soul, nourishes your confidence, kindles your creative passions, and heals your wounds. Then make a plan and define the steps it will take to manifest the life you want to be living.
My Story
In 2015, I earned a Masters in Psychology/Marriage and Family Counseling from Phillips Graduate University, one of the most respected institutions the field. In 2017, I added Certification as a Hypnotherapist to assist clients for whom traditional talk therapy did not produce the results they desired.
Previously, I taught grades Pre-K to college and owned an art school, The Artists’ Space. I have worked with children for over 20 years. Before teaching I worked in Animation, beginning as a Production Assistant earning my way to Producer.
I currently hold a Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Art Therapy and Mindfulness, a teaching credential in English, Art and Social Science, a Masters in Theater with an emphasis in playwrighting, and a triple major Bachelors in English, Art, and Theater. Along the way, I owned a computer graphics company, was employed as a publicist, had writing and artwork published, a couple gallery shows, sold some art, saw performances of plays I wrote, rescued many dogs and cats, and traveled internationally.
The uniting theme throughout my journey has been to better understand why people do what they do. I love learning and continue to increase my skills to help others.
As we continue to learn and grow I hope you will allow me to join you for a time on your journey.

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.

Licensed Therapist

Lily Renn

In my work with children, I have found that they have a remarkable propensity to heal if provided a safe place to express thoughts and feelings. Children seem to have a raw sense of spontaneity and creativity and this can lead to finding solutions to struggles and issues that are unique. Children can blossom using creative modalities and I have explored music, visual arts, creative writing and play therapy with my clients. I feel that the bond between parent and child plays a large part in determining the emotional health of the child. I have worked with parents joined by their child to strengthen their bond, and ultimately, to begin to heal wounds that may have been caused by trauma and other stressors.

I have worked with children and teens as a creative writing teacher and visual arts teacher and have continued using creative techniques in my work as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I achieved my MA in clinical psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I became licensed in September, 2016. I trained at CALM in Santa Barbara where I grew as a clinician working with children, teens and mothers who had experienced trauma or abuse. I also trained as a school based counselor and had a diverse client population.

Children have the gift of being authentic and from this gift, I strive to help the child cope and grow creatively, imaginatively and internally.

Licensed Therapist

Elena Sanchez

At some point in our lives, we could all use support to deal with feelings, people or issues. I believe therapy is a very helpful tool that can teach skills in a variety of ways such as healing from trauma, rebuilding relationships and changing negative patterns. It is my role as a therapist to provide an environment where you are comfortable setting goals that best suit your needs and work collaboratively to achieve them. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, and families. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley and then earned a Master’s of Social Work from the University of California, Los Angeles. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #79902) with experience in the following areas: anxiety, adjustment disorders, child abuse, depression, domestic violence/intimate partner violence, family conflict, grief, loss, oppositional/disruptive behavior, parenting, sexual abuse, substance abuse and trauma. I look forward to working with you!