Meet The Team
Maria is a private practice psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Los Angeles County. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and several cognitive, and behavioral modalities. Maria utilizes a person-centered approach with a trauma focused lens tailored to the unique needs of each client. She helps patients develop the skills to address immediate need while exploring underlying contributing factors. Maria has a broad range of experience working in the outpatient mental health clinic, inpatient psychiatric hospital and school settings with youth and adults. Maria has accumulated a wealth of experience working with individuals and families to navigate school, housing and justice systems. She is dedicated to addressing life transitions, behavior issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, serious mental illness and communication patterns to activate resilience, all by creating a warm, attentive and safe space to heal. Maria received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles and received her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in Social Work, where she was awarded Order of Arete, the highest honor awarded to graduate students.
A veces, hacer los cambios y dar los pasos necesarios para vivir con nuestro mejor potencial puede convertirse en un gran desafío. Cuando una persona reconoce que necesita ayuda profesional para modificar un comportamiento, pensamiento o emoción que le está causando conflicto en su vida, ha dado el primer paso para realizar esos cambios y encontrar la plenitud en la vida. Blanca Rosa Ayala es Terapeuta Matrimonial y Familiar Licenciada que puede ayudarlo a aumentar su conciencia y vivir el presente; comprender mejor sus emociones y pensamientos desde una perspectiva diferente; ver diferentes alternativas para encontrar soluciones a sus problemas; crear un plan para establecer y alcanzar metas; mejorar las habilidades de comunicación y establecer límites para tener mejores relaciones con los demás, y lo más importante encontrar y hacer surgir y amar su verdadero yo.
Comencé mi Carrera con un bachillerato de psicología de la Universidad de California San Bernardino. Obtuve mi maestría en Ciencias de Consejería y Psicología, con énfasis en TerapiaMatrimonial y Familiar, en la Universidad Bautista de California CBU. Poseo certificaciones en Terapia de Hipnotismo y Terapia en Desensibilización y Reprocesamiento del Movimiento Ocular (EMDR); Esta terapia se utiliza para tratar el estrés postraumático y ayuda a disminuir los síntomas de ansiedad, depresión, y pensamientos no deseados tanto como sea posible.
Marie is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who has over 6 years of experience serving youth, adults, and families with behavioral and mental health challenges. Marie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton She then earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She also received her PPS Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance. She has worked in a multitude of settings, including non-profit agencies, schools, the county, group homes, foster homes and wraparound services. Marie has experience working with clients who have issues surrounding adverse childhood experiences, abandonment, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, anger, addiction, gender identity, unhealthy family patterns, homelessness, relationships, intimate partner violence, and life transitions. She is a strong believer that every single person has the ability to create a healthy, fulfilling life, given the right resources and support. She is dedicated to providing a safe, therapeutic space for every client she has the pleasure of serving in order to effectively help them reach their goals.
Andrea Sanserino has 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Andrea has worked in various settings; community mental health, working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma and substance abuse disorders, and as a behavioral health provider in a medical setting, providing therapy to adults and families, and currently in she has her own private practice. Andrea also serves as a Consultant providing training to staff in the mental health field, and as an Adjunct Faculty member at Cerritos College in the Mental Health Worker Program. An additional role that is meaningful for Andrea is as a Clinical Supervisor. It is one of Andrea's passions to mentor, guide and support individuals beginning their career in mental health. Andrea utilizes a recovery oriented focus, starting from a place that believes every individual has enormous strength and talent that can be harnessed to create a rich meaningful life. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety (trauma focused work) and skilled in Motivational Interviewing, Andrea uses a genuine, compassionate approach to helping others heal and grow.
Linda is a licensed clinical who specializes in individual/couples counseling, individuals/families dealing with chronic illnesses, adolescents and adults experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and individuals/families dealing with grief. Linda has completed may research studies relating to health and depression. She is an African immigrant woman who understands the stigma that is sometimes associated with seeking mental health services/treatment, “I am your therapist with a listening ear, who believes that conversation is a form of treatment and healing. I am here to support you through life challenges in marriages, job, relationships and careers switch etc. My philosophy is, "a problem shared is half solved” it is during conversations that ideas are suggested and solutions are derived. Conversation is the first step to the main road of recovery. I also like to remind you that while there may be bumps in the road of your life, you are still headed in the right direction, because every exit off the freeway is a destination somewhere. Linda provides services in English Edo, Yoruba, and Pidgin English. Be kind to yourself and let's talk.