My Serenity Mental Wellness

Hello, I am Johana, a I bilingual licensed professional. My journey in this field began in 2011. Since I started my career, I have worked in non-profit agencies providing community services to toddlers, children, adolescents and adults. In my experience as a mental health provider I have worked in a multitude of programs from preventive care to crisis treatment.

In 2015, I worked as a Wraparound (WRAP) Therapist, with children, youth and their families with serious mental health challenges. Wrap is a type of service designed for high-risk children and adolescents.

I have also focused in adult programs and providing group services. Through this experience, I came to learn how multi-generational aspects, really can affect an individual, a couple, or family’s present decisions.

In addition, I am certified in various Evidenced- Based practice from Trauma Focused Therapy to Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, also trained in Internal Family System, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, and enjoy incorporating art in therapy as well as psychodynamic and other Humanistic Theories (Client Centered Therapy) that focus on client’s underlying world view to support inner feelings. I am an eclectic type of therapist because I like to personalize and modify my approach according to my client’s unique needs. I am an empath, and sometimes all we need is someone to sit with us in our emotional pain and feel heard. My clients have also shared they notice I am silly, use metaphors in therapy which helps, but overall I will always present as my authentic self. In order for you to trust me I have to gain your trust, and I believe I have to “just be me”.

More about me. I have been in a committed relationship with my high school sweetheart for over twenty years. Our little family also includes bird pets, and our beautiful Weimaraners. Our weims are curious and adventurous, kind of like me, oh and they enjoy belly rubs…. I don’t. We also love running together, this is a great work out for us. On my spare time I like to watch psychological thrills, watch comedies and re-runs (“I Love Lucy”, “Friends”, and “EveryBody Loves Raymond”), as well as biographies, and most of all dance. I love to dance to every genre, but my specialty is cultural Latin music (Merengue and Salsa) and 80’s (80’s is my favorite).

I also, absolutely love to travel. I am adventurous, I have been on a mission to participate in as many sky related activities (hot air ballooning, zip-lining, skydiving, helicopter riding and parasailing) as possible. I believe that we should do more of the things that bring us joy! That’s all folks and thank you for reading my bio.

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” By Vivian Greene.

Hi, I’m Samantha Keung and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. I am experienced in PTSD, and working with individuals and families/couples from different backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, and diagnoses and residential work. I am Gottman Level II trained which supports couples in treatment. I specialize in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, DBT, CBT, Client-Centered and a Holistic approach.

I have also worked with high risk adolescents who struggled with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief and loss, self harming behaviors, self esteem issues and family relationship issues in hopes to re-establish healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is of great importance to me. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship can make the biggest difference in the healing process and it is my aim to make each client feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I approach each session with warmth, openness, empathy, and a desire to help empower each client to be their best self. Empowering my clients to take the lead in their sessions has proven effective in helping them reach the goals they have set for themselves. I meet clients where they are at emotionally and make adjustments during our time together based on their individual needs.

While therapy can be difficult at times, the knowledge we gain about ourselves is invaluable. We discover our strengths, patterns in our behaviors, the things that trigger us, better understand our responses and overall increase our own self awareness, which we use in our everyday lives. It impacts how we communicate, how we view ourselves, and how we build relationships with others.

I believe each person deserves a life they are happy with, and I want to help you overcome any emotional barriers that might be preventing you from living out your best life and through challenges that hold you back from the life you envisioned and relationships you had hoped to have.

On my time off, I love spending time with my loved ones, traveling, snowboarding, playing pickle-ball, catching up on tv shows and practicing different self care activities.

“Proud of you for choosing YOU even though it’s hard”. A Holistic approach we take to help clients improve their symptoms. It’s diverse and friendly.

Buenos dias, my name is Giselle and I am bilingual and bicultural, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have practiced my craft for over 18 years as a therapeutic provider. My preferred approach to supporting my clients is utilizing evidence based practices such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but also including other helpful techniques from Art therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

In my experience I have provided counseling services to various individuals and families, particularly children with ADHD, in multiple settings within the community including la comunidad Latina. I have significant experience working with children and teens through anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, behavioral issues, and crisis management. Aside from providing therapy, I enjoy teaching parenting classes for the parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. For several years I have also worked in the criminal justice system. In addition, my passion is providing emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults.

My educational background is a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Loma Linda and a Master’s Degree in Arts in Management from the University of Redlands. As a social worker, I have also worked in forensics. I’ve worked with inmates in county jails, probation, and state prisons. I have trained in law enforcement, worked with probation officers, FBI, paralegals, and attorneys.

Un poco mas de mi, as much as I love serving my community through therapeutic services, I also enjoy spending time with my family, love the outdoors and camping, implementing my artistic side through photography and capturing life’s beauty and special moments, as well as baking. Also, I truly find gratification in volunteering for animal shelters. I love my dogs and taking long walks with them.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Hola! My name is Yohana Barajas Hinojosa I am a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor. 
My journey began when I graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. I dedicated my professional life in working with non-profits and Los Angeles Employment/Education Department where I provided wraparound services to at risk youth and adults. As a social worker I also provided services to homeless individuals and those dealing with a wide range of mental health issues in order to help them meet their basic needs. 

In 2018, my career took a different path as I became a college counselor for a nonprofit organization that served first generation college students through their educational paths and professional development. Here provide coping mechanisms and guidance to college students dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, suicidal ideations substance abuse, LGBQT, and identity issues. This professional experience help guide me in pursuing a career as a therapist. 

On April 2023, I became the first in my family to graduated with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology with a dual program certification in Professional Clinical Counseling from California Baptist University. I am trained to work with individuals, families, and groups to treat mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders. My scope of practice has given me experience to provide cultural awareness and appropriate services to clients who often can’t find spaces for themselves. Creating safe spaces for clients who identify with BIPOC, LGBQT, and/or immigrant communities is my goal as an inclusive and empathetic therapist. 

I have over 10 years of experience proving counseling and wraparound services in the mental health field. My combined degrees and certifications have given me the skills to guide my clients through their therapeutic journeys with personalized plans, treatments, and care. I specialized in Anxiety, Trauma, Life Transitions, LGBQT, and depression. I have a passion to help others with tools, skills, and techniques to address their wellness goals and be self sufficient. 

As a bilingual clinician I am here to help my Spanish bilingual and monolingual clients process their emotions, trauma, and life events in Spanish and provide a cultural context to their healing journey. 

Un Poquito de Mi. Soy orgullosa de ser Latina y la primera en mi familia de recibir me con dos títulos universitarios. Me encanta cocinar platillos Mexicanos y tradicionales. Amo pasar mi tiempo libre con mi familia, mis animales y mis amigos.

“I am my own muse, the subject I know best.”-Frida Kahlo

Hi there, I’m Alexis and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

To begin with my educational background, I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelors in Psychology and succeeded on to earn a Masters of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University.

My experience in the mental health field began in 2016. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, children, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relational strain.

Early on in my journey, I became a behavioral therapist for children with Autism, utilizing Applied Behavioral Analysis. Following, I devoted my time to working with high-risk youth at a Wraparound mental health agency. Additionally, I have provided therapeutic services to women battling homelessness, addiction, and domestic abuse. Lastly, I am also a part-time instructor for a continued education department at a community college in Orange, CA. I teach many courses such as parenting, art therapy, and leadership to name a few.

I specialize in various evidence-based practices such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Bowenian Family Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, etc. Each individual is unique and I want to ensure I utilize the best practices to fit my client’s needs. My goal is to provide optimal support and care to my clients by creating a safe environment, practicing empathy, and gaining a deep understanding of the daily struggles and life transitions one may go through.

I am deeply devoted to helping my clients become the best version of themselves and believe that with the proper education and tools, one can live a happy and fulfilled life they deserve.

Some fun and interesting facts about me: I have a French bulldog named Harley that I absolutely adore. In my spare time, I love to be outdoors. I enjoy hiking, camping, off-roading, and fishing. I believe that sunshine is the best medicine. Last but not least, my FAVORITE thing to do with my husband is try new restaurants and food from different cultures. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my bio!

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Amy March

Hello! I am Edgar Perez. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. My family is from Jalisco, Mexico and I am from Los Angeles, CA. In my leisure time you can find me: cheering on my favorite soccer team, Real Madrid along with my brother and father, learning how to cook Mexican dishes alongside my wife and mother, or cruising around in my TOYOTA 86. 

I currently am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I completed my undergrad at the University of California, Irvine in 2019 and I completed a clinical psychology graduate program from Azusa Pacific in 2023. Since then my preferred approach is practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, with individuals experiencing trauma and anxiety, while employing a client-centered approach as well.

My approach as a therapist consists of a collaborative and being authentic in my therapeutic relationship with clients. I approach the client with warmth and curiosity to learn about their world. If you are uncertain about how to even begin talking about your distress, I’m the right person for you to talk to as I can employ a patient and attentive demeanor. During any therapy session, I can assure you I will be present with you during your time of need. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling understood and heard.

I understand that we come to therapy during a season of hardship and so it can feel worrisome to speak to someone. However, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and taking a leap of faith by attending therapy, will provide you with priceless knowledge about yourself and the situation you find yourself in. Allowing you to gain knowledge about your cognitions, feelings, and behaviors in order to empower yourself is my aim during every session from the start. 

More about my experience in the mental health field, and a former MFT Trainee under the Pomona Unified School District. I provided school mental health services to elementary, middle school, and high school students experiencing a variety of mental health issues i.e anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss. The clients I’ve worked with include a wide range of presenting issues ranging from traumatic and life altering experiences such as: loss in the immediate family to behavioral issues at school. I’ve worked with clients of all ages: elementary school aged kids, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. I’ve also facilitated therapeutic groups i.e cognitive behavioral intervention for trauma in schools, and dialectical behavioral therapy for adolescents with impulsive behaviors. 

“I try to be as cheerful as possible, I like to see that others are feeling good. One of the things I’ve learned in life is that you don’t know what others are going through.” – David Luiz