I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD in pastoral counseling from Fuller Seminary. I received my Masters in Marriage and Family therapy from Philips Graduate Institute. My areas of specialization include the following: working with individuals and families where there is addiction to alcohol, drugs, or pornography, etc. and how to intervene in the downward spiral; general couples therapy; work with children and adults who have experienced trauma, and work with individuals struggling with depression and loss. My pastoral training and experience bring a spirituality of “imperfection” as one key resource for finding strength, hope and healing in one’s difficulties.
Education
• S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Philips Grad. Institute
• Div. from Biola, Talbot Theological Seminary
• D. in Pastoral Counseling from Fuller Seminary
License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certifications
• Pastoral Counselor
• PCIT Clinician & Trainer
• EMDR phase 1
Specialties
• PCIT
• Addictions
• Trauma
• Couples and Families
• EMDR
I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean. I attended a Christian high school and colleges where I learned the importance of serving humanity. I served as a pastor in churches in Sri Lanka, India and California. After a decade in the ministry, I realized the need for further training in psychology to meet the emotional needs of the people I served. As a Clinical Psychologist, I feel better equipped to serve individuals and families by integrating psychological tools I have acquired.
My wife and I have three adult children and several grandchildren. The study of psychology and family therapy has helped me to be a more understanding husband, father and grandfather. My rudimentary understanding of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam has helped me to understand the cultural nuances that are critical to providing culturally sensitive psychotherapy to people of other faiths who come through the doors of CCS.
If you are experiencing problems relating to relationships, depression, anxiety and hopelessness, CCS provides a wide array of Evidence Based Therapies that can help alleviate your problems and help you gain mastery of your life.
Education
• B.A. in Liberal Arts from Pakistan SDA College
• M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Loma Linda University
• M.A. in Psychology from Loma Linda University
• M.S. in Public Health from Loma Linda University
• Pys.D. in Psychology from Loma Linda University
License: Clinical Psychologist
Specialties:
• Children
• Couples
• Marriage & Family
When I was around 10 years old I used to accompany my dad to the mental hospital in New Jersey on Saturday mornings when he visited the patients there who were members of our church. That experience made me comfortable talking to and being around people who were struggling or acting differently. Later, during my college years, I worked at that hospital during summer vacations. I was always interested in figuring out why people do what they do and what‘s behind that.
It gives me deep satisfaction when I can help couples communicate better and become closer in many ways, especially the man who has never been able to identify his feelings, much less communicate them. I have struggled with that very same problem for most of my life, so I can relate well to that particular predicament.
What excited me the most about studying psychology and counseling was a small paperback book I read about 50 years ago. I cannot remember the title, and I must have loaned it to someone because I have not been able to find it anywhere. The book was about a psychiatrist intern in the 1950’s who was assigned to a state hospital for a two-year residency. He was given the most difficult patient in the hospital, a young woman in her late 20’s, who had remained more than 10 years in a fetal position, not communicating at all to anyone.
Every day for an hour, the resident visited her and talked to her as he would with any other person. When she did not respond, he would calmly tell her about his day as if they were having coffee together. One day, months later, she looked at him, and then the next week she began to sit up. She began to nod her head and respond non-verbally, and after about 6 months, she began to talk. She was discharged, to the surprise of everyone connected with the hospital, after a year of his daily visits.
I get excited about doing my best by never giving up on anyone, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and then letting God do the rest.
Education
• B.A. in Sociology from Calvin College
• Th.M. in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Calvin Theological Seminary
• M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary
License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties:
• Couples
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in psychology and why people become who they are. Studying psychology I realized we never need to stop growing and can continue to develop to achieve our potential. I became a psychologist and therapist to continue growing myself and to assist others to do the same. I want to facilitate personal growth and social development to enhance a client’s living a happier and more functional and fulfilling life with clarification and achievement of his or her personal goals, consistent with their values, while overcoming obstacles that periodically occur and interfere with life. I want to help the person develop a meaningful life path, determine want they want in life, and how to be responsible to achieve it.
Education
• B.A. in Psychology from Cal. State Sacramento
• M.A. in Education Counseling from Cal. State San Bernardino
• Ph.D. in Psychology from USIU
License: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Certifications
• ADOS
Specialties
• Academic Testing
• Severe Emotional Disturbance
• Couples
• Adults
• Children
• Veterans
I have worked for 10 years in adult mental health for the VA, forensic psychiatric institution, and outpatient psychology service. I work with a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety. A significant amount of my practice is spent in reducing negativity and rebuilding the intimacy of couples. Trained in a theological seminary prepared me to deal with religious/spiritual dimensions of client’s experience in spiritually integrated psychotherapy. I use assessment tools to track treatment progress. I provide specialist psychological assessment using a semi-structured interview and self-report measures such as the MMPI-2/ MMPI-2-RF and a battery of other psychological instruments. I draw upon different models to explain mental health difficulties and emotional and interpersonal distress. I find the biopsychosocialspritual model particularly useful in understanding what might be contributory factors to the presenting issues. The main model of therapy that I use in my clinical work are psychodynamic models, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral models. I assess clients suitability for psychological therapy and for the type of therapy most appropriate for their psychological needs. I am a certified trauma professional, a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), member of the Association of Moral Education (AME), and a member of American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS).
Education
• BA in Theology from Northern Caribbean University
• MA in Islam & Middle Eastern Studies from University of Manchester
• MA in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
• MA in Theology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
• PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
License – Psychologist
Bio: Growing up, I was fortunate to grow up in a home and town where everyone loved and supported one another. Seeing the strength of my own community and wanting to find a way to give back to those in need of some extra TLC, I pursued a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a strong background in individual and group therapy, as well as, facilitating skills. It has always been my dream to help others work through and cope with their personal problems; learning that no one person is the same. I do not believe that “one size fits all” but enjoy working with Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused theoretical models. I have had the privilege of helping clients cope with their problems surrounding anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, peer conflict, self-esteem, academic concerns, and changes within the family system. I have always had a passion to help others and I am so grateful to be in a place in my life where I can contribute to my community in a positive way!
Education
• University of Redlands, BA Psychology, Minor Business Administration, Minor Women & Gender Studies
• Chapman University, MA Marriage & Family Therapy
License: LMFT96409
Certifications
• Currently being trained in PCIT
• Scheduled to be trained in PC-Cares
Specialties
• Working with clients in recovery from drugs/alcohol.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 5 years experience working as a teacher in the public school system. Also, I have 10 years experience working with children at a resident camp setting. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts program in Forensic Psychology at California Baptist University.
Education
• B.A. in English from Cal. Baptist University
• M.A. in English from Cal. Baptist University
• M.S. in Counseling and Psychology from Cal. Baptist University
• M.A. in Forensic Psychology from Cal. Baptist University
License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certifications
• PCIT
• CRM
• TRM
I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. I have felt the calling to the field of counseling, since I was a young child & began to experience the treasure that a loving presence, support, and hope can bring to a person’s life. I am passionate about providing care for children, teens, and families experiencing some of life’s many challenges. I love using playful, creative techniques and each client’s inherent strengths to foster growth and healing. It has been a privilege to walk alongside many youth and their families through experiences of trauma, unexpected change, anxiety, depression, and stress. My work with abused and neglected children & teens has led me to dedicate heart-felt time and energy to learning the most effective tools for building strong positive relationships. I received my B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis in Child & Family from California Lutheran University and an M.S. in Marital & Family Therapy from Loma Linda University.
Education
• B.A. in Psychology emphasizing on Family & Child Development from California Lutheran University
• M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Loma Linda University
License: Licensed Marriage and Family Intern
Certifications
• Dyadic Art Therapy
• PCIT
Specialties
• Children
With over 15 years of experience working with youth and their families in various contexts, I am a therapist with a great passion for working with at-risk youth and those who have experienced trauma. Youth are such a vulnerable population, and helping them to realize their strengths and resiliency, as they grow and learn from their experiences, is a great honor. I use a variety of modalities in my work, along with the skills and knowledge I have gained from my own experiences to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental.
I have been trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and specialize in equine assisted learning and therapy. I have had the opportunity to work with many different cultures, and have a great appreciation for diversity. My experience working with runaway, homeless, foster, and probation youth in a shelter setting was some of the greatest training I have experienced, and am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to learn so much from these amazing young people. I was also on the Western States Youth Services Network’s Community Youth Development team for 7 years and facilitated youth development trainings for youth services agencies all over the Western United States. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of community agencies that provide services to young people, and help them to develop their youth programs. I also have had the opportunity to work abroad which further expanded my understanding of other cultures. I lived in Malawi, East Africa for 2 years where I worked with local villagers to better understand the needs of the “girl child,” and helped them to develop and implement a life skills curriculum at Nanthomba Primary School. I also taught a group therapy seminar to psychology students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Community Youth Development from Springfield College in 2010. My Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is through Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology, a COAMFT accredited school. I received the Alliant International University Educational Stipend Award in 2013, funded through California’s MHSA.
I have been working at Christian Counseling Service (CCS) since 2013. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Recently, I have been given the opportunity to manage CCS’s ChAT program, which provides mental health service to youth 0-17 year olds who have been the victim or witness to a crime. I am looking forward to further developing this program, and providing services to a population that has a very special place in my heart.
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). I specialize in Child, Teen and Adult counseling. My therapeutic background extends to a variety of previous occupations working as a youth pastor, a house parent at a group home for severely abused and neglected children and teens, as well as with children whom are developmentally delayed and/or on the autistic spectrum. My background has helped to equip my abilities to serve children and their families struggling with the realities of life’s complexities related to residual effects of trauma, spectrum disorders, sensory challenges, developmental delays, defiant behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Life is complex enough! I find deep purpose in walking alongside other’s in their struggle’s to support him/her towards gain’s in understanding and loving each other as well as themselves more fully.
In a typical session, you can expect that I will utilize evidence-based therapy interventions that best fit your current needs. In other words, the therapy I provide has been found in the research to be an effective tool. The therapeutic modalities that I utilize most frequently to support my client’s include: PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy), Floortime, Play Therapy w/ sandtray, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, sensory support through interventions from the Alert Program, and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for teens and adults. Personally, I tend to speak to my clients in a very down to earth manner, as I enjoy collaboration and playfulness as tools in supporting families.
I received my B.A. in Psychology, emphasis in child and family from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, thrift store shopping, reading, and sipping on another cup of coffee.
Education
• B.A. in Psychology/Family & Child from Azusa Pacific
• M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Cal. Baptist University
License: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Certifications
• Floortime
• PCIT
• NCST
• TRM
• CRM
Specialties
• Floortime/autism
• Parent education
• Individuals
• Couples
• Families
I have always loved listening to people’s stories and walking alongside them as they navigate through life. I am passionate about helping individuals and families develop healthier, more positively connected relationships. As a wife and working mother of four, I am aware of how challenging it is to live a balanced life; therefore, I find it incredibly rewarding to help couples and especially mothers, particularly those who are struggling with Postpartum Depression. I am also passionate about helping young adults as they approach different stages of life. I am trained in the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models and desire to not only help those who have experienced significant trauma but also those dealing with everyday stressors, to find peace, joy and hope in this otherwise chaotic world.
Education
• B.A. in Liberal Studies from University of Redlands
• M.S. in Marital & Family Therapy from Loma Linda University
License: Licensed Marriage and Family
Certifications
• TRM
• PCIT
• CRM
Specialties
• Postpartum Depression
• Children
• Trauma
During my senior year of nursing school, I studied Public Health Nursing and I knew I had found my niche in nursing. After two years of making home visits, I was offered a position in a Children’s Mental Health clinic in the Health Department. I was delighted to learn that Public Health Nurses could be useful in a children’s mental health setting.
Over the next 45 years, I worked as a Charge Nurse on two separate in-patient child psychiatric units. I also worked another 15 years in all aspects of Public Health Nursing with a focus on Maternal and Child Health. More than 10 of those years were spent working with pregnant who struggled with addictions that put them in trouble with the correctional systems. Another 9 years were spent working for Probation (Juvenile Hall) and the Sheriff’s Department (West Valley Detention Center). Scattered in those years, I raised two outstanding daughters who have the same passion for helping people that I received from my parents.
A couple of years after I retired from San Bernardino County, I heard about CCS. I feel like this position makes use of all my skills and experience. It could be sad to see the situations that both children and adults face. I am thrilled to be part of the healing solutions. CCS chooses outstanding clinicians to provide the therapeutic interventions. We work with so many loving foster parents and hopeful adoptive parents as they learn to meet the needs of these precious little ones.
I believe that I am where God wants me to be.
My father’s guiding words: “Dianne, you need to be useful as well as ornamental.”
Education
• B.S. in Nursing from Loma Linda University
License: Registered Nurse
Certifications
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Education
• B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University
License: Licensed Occupational Therapist
Specialties
• Pediatrics
• Trauma
• Behavioral & sensory processing dysfunction
I have over 25 years of experience in a number of sub fields of psychology, including substance abuse, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, forensics, sexual and physical abuse, anger, and grief cases. I worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing intervention, advocacy and mediation services on a regular basis. I am currently a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as the director of Alliance Counseling in the Pasadena area where I provide psychotherapy and spiritual guidance services for individuals, couples, and families. In addition, I work full time as a staff psychologist at Patton State Hospital and served as Chair for the Department of Psychology for 2 years. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of Division V –Psychopharmacology of the California Psychological Associations and is working for the advancement of prescription writing privileges for California psychologists.
Education
• MA in Psychology
• MA in Theology
• PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller University
License: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I was drawn to this field by my passion for helping those who cannot help themselves. Mental Health has a negative stigma, which causes individuals who need help the most, avoid seeking therapy. I want to bridge the gap between avoiding and seeking services.
I think my ability to actively listen and be nonjudgmental has helped in my profession. To listen and hear individuals share their story without fear of persecution or condemnation has allowed me to provide better services and help those in need.
Education
License: LPCC Intern
Certifications
Specialties
I enjoy working with children and adults. I worked with children in the special education program in the Murrieta Unified School District in the 2011-2012 school year. I enjoy being able to help children learn and grow through play and activities that will help them to learn the necessary skills to prosper in everyday life and in their future. I also enjoy working with adults and seeing the transformation that they can make through therapy. I also enjoy working with pyscho educational groups as well. The group atmosphere and the collaboration of the group members helps me as the therapist to see the change in the members through therapy. I gain a great sense of hope when I see my clients have progress and growth and it reminds me why I love being a therapist and helping others.
“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we are all in this together.”
— Brené Brown
I am a bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and I love working with teens and adults, individually and within their family structures. My goal is to help clients develop self-understanding and communication skills that allow them to live more authentically in their families and communities. Prior to counseling I worked as a high school Spanish teacher and adult ELL teacher. I loved teaching, but I found the experiences I looked forward to the most were sharing student’s stories, and empowering them work toward seemingly impossible goals. As a high school teacher I enjoyed talking with students about their dreams and about their struggles. I loved facilitating difficult conversations between students and their families and helping them express what they wanted or needed help with in ways that empowered them and their families. As an adult ELL teacher I was honored to listen as students who were refugees and recent immigrants shared stories of loss, loneliness, trauma and adjusting to a new culture. In the therapy room I work to provide a safe, accepting environment where clients will feel safe to share their stories and feel empowered to make the changes they want to make. Change is hard. But we are in this together.
Education
Certifications
Specialties
My goal as a clinician is to deliver the best care possible through building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in respect and compassion. I believe that the therapist is a journeyman, so together we will work collaboratively to achieve your goals. As a journeyman I get a unique opportunity to meet people along life’s way, as they navigate their quest to understand the “whys” of their world. My true passion is facilitating conversations that lead to understanding, healing, and growth. As a Christian I understand the importance of faith in the therapeutic setting. However I firmly believe that it is important that the client set his or her own boundaries in regards to faith and therapy. I am especially interested in group-work, therapy with men, African American adolescents and young adults, and families from all backgrounds.
Hello! My name is Erim, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. Prior to counseling I worked in industries that left me wanting to make more of a direct impact on people’s everyday live. I decided to change career paths and become a Therapist. I grew up in a cultural background that didn’t embrace counseling, but even at a young age I always wished I could talk to someone who could understand and help me with the things I was experiencing and feeling , which is part of what led me to want to be that person for others. I love working with children and providing them with the nurture and attention they need to become successful in the future. I am passionate about empowering those who come from marginalized communities. Especially those communities which may not historically seek out therapy, to overcome whatever hurdles they face, and embrace their God given uniqueness as a strength. I received my B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and my M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University.
Education
License: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Welcome to CCS! My name is Alicia Layedra, and I am a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) Intern, who is honored to work with such talented and sincere team members. My work with children and adults began somewhere in my heart, as a child living in South Windsor, Connecticut. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to help children feel cared about, have structure, and enjoy learning.
Education
License: Associate Clinical Social Worker Intern
Bio: I have been working with children and their parents for the past 12 years. I spent 10 years working for the Riverside County Office of Education as an instructional assistant and behavioral interventionist for preschoolers with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. During that time, I worked with this population in both the classroom as well as the in-home setting using a therapy model known as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Additionally, I worked for a Title 1 elementary school in Buena Park as a school counselor for 2 years. I have worked on the SART/EIIS team for almost two years working with children ages 0-9 that have experienced trauma, abuse, or who have difficulties with their physical and emotional regulation. I use a variety of models including: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Theraplay, “Watch, Wait, Wonder”, Floortime, Sandtray, General Play Therapy and Behavior Modification. I greatly enjoy working with children and their parents on a variety of issues and work to be a collaborative partner in helping parents & caregivers develop a more effective way of relating to a child who does not respond to traditional parenting. Throughout the counseling process, I work to find a creative, realistic, and trauma-informed approach in helping families meet their goals and identify myself as a “translator” for behaviors that often feel unmanageable and overwhelming (for both the parent and the child).
Education:
• University of Phoenix, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy specialization
License:
• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #98283
Certifications:
• NCAST PCI Feeding Scale
• NCAST PCI Teaching Scale
• Level 1 Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)
• Sibshop First Generation Facilitator
Specialties
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADD/ADHD
• Adoption Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Child Abuse
• Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship Care Issues
• Behavior Modification
• Depression
• Developmental Disorders/Delays
• Divorce/Blended Family Issues
• Family Therapy
• Grief/Bereavement
• Groups
• Learning Disabilities
• NCAST/PCI
• Theraplay
• Play Therapy
• Parent Support/Training
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma
• Stress Management
• Victimization
• Children 0-9
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Watch, Wait, Wonder
My passion is in working with young children and their families to develop strong relationships and a nurturing family environment. A child’s relationship with their caregivers forms the basis for their understanding of the world, and has a critical impact on their physical, social, and emotional development. I firmly believe that by fostering strong relational and emotional well-being and building resiliency in children from a young age that we can set them up for success now and later on in life.
It has been immensely rewarding to walk alongside children and families on their path to wellness, providing guidance and empowering them to find growth and healing through therapy. I look forward to more such journeys together where we can build a bright future for the children our community.
Education:
B.A. in Psychology from California State University of San Bernardino
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling form University of Redlands