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

Dahlia Bagnis, LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker (25496) with over 10 years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults. Guided by the belief that change happens within the context of relationships, my clinical practice is grounded in an attachment perspective. I have witnessed the power of secure attachments and enjoy helping individuals and families strengthen bonds and problem solve. A partner in the therapy room, I work alongside my clients, respecting each as the expert of their own experiences. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy based on individual needs, drawing from cognitive behavioral, client-centered, and insight-oriented therapies along with interpersonal neurobiology.

I have specialized training in child-centered play therapy and dyadic play therapy (caregiver and child) along with a passion for working with children and families. Play is the language of children and play therapy is a mode to facilitate self-expression. Through play therapy, I can support you and your child in resolving issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, attachment, separation and divorce, anger, and adoption.

I love the generalist nature of social work practice, which has allowed me to work with a diverse group of clients across the lifespan, including children ages 3-11, adolescents, transitional age youth (18-21), and adults. I have worked extensively with those who have experienced domestic violence, childhood trauma, homelessness, depression, anxiety, struggles with life transitions, and severe and persistent mental illness. My expertise is in the area of complex trauma, which encompasses repeated traumatic events over a period of time and within particular relationships. I have facilitated trainings on trauma informed practices and served as a clinical supervisor.

A Southern California native, I completed my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. I am a proponent of self-care who enjoys fitness, healthy living, and exploring the outdoors.

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

Karla Diesto, LMFT

I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in working with school aged children, adults and families. Through my work and own life experiences, I have gained an understanding of the impact of positive connection with others and its role in therapy. As I have listened to people’s stories and worked with them in treatment, I have developed an ability to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of my clients.

I believe that it is important to meet the client where they are and that treatment is a process. In this process I take joy in walking each client through a collaborative approach that engages the client in creative ways, and ultimately leads to healing. I particularly enjoy my work with young people, in assisting them develop positive coping skills they can utilize daily in order to manage current symptoms and behaviors. When clinically appropriate, I encourage parent and/or family involvement in order to address concerns.

In my work in mental health, I have learned to foster therapeutic relationships so that the individuals and/or families can work through trauma, depression, anxiety, difficulties in relationships, and challenging family dynamics. I have gained experience through working in community mental health agencies throughout Los Angeles County, both as an outpatient therapist and school based therapist.

I have a BA in Psychology and MS in Counseling: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling which I received in 2013 from California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, I hold a Pupil Personnel Services Credential which has allowed me to gain experience in the school setting working closely with families in navigating services and advocating for their children.

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.

Liz Madrigal

My work with people in the past couple of years has brought a newfound appreciation for the human experience and has deepened my desire to provide everyone with a space to be seen. I have been fortunate enough to work with people of all ages, and it has taught me that when given the opportunity, each person is able to step into the best version of themselves even when their circumstances are difficult. At the core of our being, we all long to be connected, whether that is with others in relationships or with ourselves.

My experience has allowed me to work predominantly with teens, families, and adults who have experienced trauma (including various forms of abuse and violence), adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety. Part of my training has also prepared me to work with children under five who have experienced trauma early in the lifespan. My primary focus after assessment will be to create goals that are specific, attainable, and measurable so that you will be able to recognize your progress within our work. My approach to therapy is client-centered and I aim to always provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to encourage and invite expression through art, writing, and other creative outlets.

I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2014 and have been practicing as an intern/associate in the outpatient, home, and school settings before becoming licensed in February 2020. I look forward to joining you as you embrace the gift that is therapy.

Laura O’Connor, Psy.D.

Hello! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the provision of assessment and psychotherapy services. I am passionate about melding neuroscience with interpersonal therapy to help individuals across the lifespan heal, grow, and enrich their lives. I decided to name my private practice The Brain-Heart Connection to reflect my guiding philosophy: As I like to think of it, the mind is where the brain and heart connect. The brain and body are our internal physiology, while the “heart” represents our relationships with others and the outside world. Where these two forces come together is the mind – that indefinable place that creates a sense of identity and meaning that is all our own. The mind is the core of our mental life, and in order to achieve true wellness or “mental health,” our brain and heart must be well-integrated, or working in good balance. To this end, I strive to work collaboratively with my clients to improve how they think, feel, learn, and interact with others. I also offer neuropsychological assessments as a medium to help my clients gain deeper personal insight into their strengths and challenges and to use this knowledge to optimize their daily functioning.

I began my career as a Marriage and Family Therapists working to bring stability and emotional wellness to at-risk youth and their families. I later became board certified as a Behavior Analyst, expanding my work to include helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders. I completed my postdoctoral training as an assessment fellow at the Reiss-Davis Child Study Center, where I conducted psychoeducational evaluations with children and adolescents, and as a psychological assistant as the Pasadena Rehabilitation Institute, where I provided neurocognitive testing to adults and seniors. Prior to this, I completed a one-year externship in neuropsychology with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health and a one-year predoctoral internship in substance addiction at Tarzana Treatment Centers.

I previously served as an assessment psychologist for the Masonic Center for Youth and Families and as a clinical manager overseeing psychotherapeutic services at SSG/Occupational Therapy Training Program. I have also worked as a therapist and/or clinical supervisor at several local organizations, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Miracle Mile Community Practice, and the Southern California Counseling Center. I received my doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I hold a B.A. in English from UCLA, an M.A. in Print Journalism from the University of Southern California, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. I happily serve clients seeking individual, family, or couples therapy. I also provide psychological, neurocognitive, academic, and vocational assessments, with a special emphasis on children, adolescents, and young adults.

Licensed Therapist

Robyn R Ramsay LPCC

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I’m well acquainted and experienced in individual, couples and family therapy. I’m trained in EMDR and certified as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). I also hold a California certificate in Pupil Personnel Services and served 20 years as a high school academic, career, and personal issues counselor.

Passionate about my work as a therapist, I take great care to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to meet you where ever you are on your journey. I believe a touch of humor and healthy laughter at the right moment can be as helpful to healing as the evidenced-based therapeutic methods from which I draw. I welcome your questions and offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation call to talk about your needs.

The following list includes the main evidence-based theories and approaches I use, depending on each client’s individual needs:

• EMDR
• Attachment Theory
• Cognitive Behavioral Theory
• Gottman’s Relationship Theory for Couples
• Dialectical Behavioral Theory
• Acceptance and Commitment Theory
• Internal Family Systems
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy

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!

Licensed Therapist

Lauren Small, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (license# 69393) with experience helping individuals, couples and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, medical illness, grief, adjustment, life transitions, trauma and feeling “stuck”. Through my work I am passionate about creating a safe and open space to help people reduce their distress, become more aware and comfortable with themselves and learn tools to cope with current and future struggles. Every individual and situation is unique, therefore, I use a variety of treatment methods that are suited to your specific needs including CBT, solution focused, psychodynamic and relaxation training.

I received my Masters in Social Work from Boston University. After graduation, I worked supporting patients and their families at Cancer Centers in Boston and Los Angeles, on phase 1 clinical trials and in the community mental health setting. This variety of work has helped prepare me to work with individuals and families from many different backgrounds who are struggling with a variety of issues.