ANNA ALVAREZ, LMFT
Lead Therapist
With over eighteen years of experience in the counseling field, I have seen clients gain relief from symptoms, learn new ways to communicate, and learn how to cope with stress. I offer a supportive relationship where we can collaboratively explore and work towards improving relationships and resolving life's challenges.
I have worked in outpatient settings with children and teens, and in my private practice working with adults and couples. I have extensive experience working with those that have a variety of mental health issues and their families. My experience has come from providing therapy for anxiety, depression, coping and stress management, and trauma. I have seen the impact that these issues can have on an individual, families and all relationships. I have also seen individuals get relief from their symptoms, improve their relationships, and feel better about themselves.
I utilize a relational and strengths based approach in counseling. I provide comprehensive and extensive services integrated with Christian beliefs and values. I am committed to offering quality, professional, evidence-based clinical services to clients with a wide range of needs.
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Education
Bethany University 2008 M.S. Clinical Psychology
Bethany University 2001 B.A. General Psychology
License
Marriage and Family Therapist #83506, 2014
MICHELLE SIMS, ASW
Therapist
I have ten years of experience as a Social Worker, working with clients whom have experienced extreme cases of abuse and neglect, family separation, addiction, domestic violence, pre-natal drug exposure, poverty and mental health issues. I have seen clients gain relief from oppression, while experiencing healing mentally, emotionally and physically. I have also seen families get free from addiction, reunite and able to communicate to one another in a healthy manner.
My experience comes from working at a Child Welfare Agency and practicing therapy in school settings. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults, processing with them, pain and disappointment, leading them to a place of overcoming and helping them find the truth about their identity. I also equip my clients with goal oriented life long coping skills. I believe self growth and healing is a life long journey and each day is a fresh beginning.
I have a passion to see people whole and set free from whatever ails them. I practice a strengths based, non judgmental approach and believe building rapport and trust is key in order for therapy to be successful. I provide therapeutic services integrated with Christian beliefs and values.
Education
California State University of Stanislaus 2014 Master of Social Work
California State University of Stanislaus 2011 B.A. Child Development
ASW #233151, 2021
CHINYERE SANDRA OFOMAH-OGBODO, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my masters degree from Stanislaus State University subsequently registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in 2019. I have experience working with families, teens, young adults and adults. I also have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms of early psychosis, and individuals who have experienced extreme traumatic events in childhood be adulthood. I am committed to offering quality, professional, culturally competent, and evidence-based clinical services to clients with a wide range of needs. I have a passion for understanding and supporting individuals through symptoms of early psychosis, issues of anxiety, depression, domestic violence, domestic violence victims, family conflict, parenting, childhood/adulthood trauma, addiction and relationship stress.
My counseling approach is primarily Cognitive -Behavioral, identifying disrupting illogical beliefs and thought patterns, replacing them with healthy productive thought patterns. I also practice psychotherapy. When working with children I like to utilize art and play therapy, while involving the parents and caregivers as much as possible. I incorporate Christian principles and provide comprehensive and extensive services integrated with Christian beliefs and values.
Education
California State University of Stanislaus 2019 Master of Social Work
LCSW #123625, 2024
CHIOMA ANAGO, AMFT - APCC
Therapist
I have been an Associate Marriage, Child and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor since 2020 after I obtained my Masters degree from University of Phoenix and subsequently registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. I have experience working with families, teens, young adults, adults and couples. I also have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis, individuals who have experienced extreme traumatic events in childhood be adulthood, individuals dealing with substance use and couples dealing with martial problems such as infidelity in the marriage. I am committed to offering quality, professional, culturally competent, evidence-based clinical services to clients with a wide range of needs, under the supervision of MFT, Anna Alvarez. I have a passion for understanding and supporting individuals through symptoms of early psychosis, issues of anxiety, depression, domestic violence, domestic violence victims, family conflicts parenting, childhood/adulthood trauma, addiction and relationship stress.
My counseling approach is primarily Cognitive -Behavioral, identifying disrupting illogical beliefs and thought patterns, replacing them with healthy productive thought patterns. I also practice psychotherapy. When working with children I like to utilize art and play therapy, while involving the parents and caregivers as much as possible. I incorporate Christian principles and provide comprehensive and extensive services integrated with Christian beliefs and values.
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Education
University of Phoenix 2020 Master of Psychology
AMFT #122836, 2020
MARIANA SANDOVAL, AMFT-APCC
Therapist
I am a Bilingual (Spanish & English) Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently working with diverse populations experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, life transitions, family conflict, and relationship problems, among other issues. In May of 2021, I completed a Masters in Psychology with a dual concentration in Marriage Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. My experience consists of serving numerous schools ranging from K-12 and private practice working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am committed to provide a safe environment, through the development of rapport and a high level of trust, where patients can identify personal challenges and achieve their goals. I am committed to offering quality, professional, culturally competent, evidence-based clinical services to clients with a wide range of needs, under the supervision of LMFT, Anna Alvarez.
I work from an approach where I will incorporate various modalities to fit what a client presents in each session. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),Narrative Therapy, Art/Play Therapy, Solution-Focused, Motivational Interview, Person-Centered as well as other psychotherapy approaches. I believe spirituality is also the foundation of many of our lives, and I have experience working with clients from a faith-based approach, integrating their core values to promote healing. I incorporate Christian principles and provide comprehensive and extensive services integrated with Christian beliefs and values.
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Education
UMass Global 2021 Master of Psychology
AMFT #136516, 2021
JESSE MICHAEL, PCC Trainee
Therapist
As a counselor, I seek to integrate sound Psychological principles. I believe that effective changes in counseling come from dealing with the whole person: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. My experience includes working with adults in addiction as well as helping children and teens develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills. My education has empowered me to meet a variety of needs, including but not limited to, helping those suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, personality disorders, and a variety of other presenting issues. I am committed to provide a safe environment, through the development of rapport and a high level of trust, where patients can identify personal challenges and achieve their goals. I am committed to offering quality, professional, culturally competent, evidence-based clinical services to clients with a wide range of needs, under the supervision of LMFT, Anna Alvarez.
The foundational theory I work from is Cognitive Behavioral. Negative thought patterns lead to negative behaviors that end with undesirable outcomes. By challenging negative thought patterns and working together to build productive ones, a much more satisfying life can be achieved. I also find it beneficial to work from a Family Systems Perspective, because individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family, as the family is an emotional unit. When working with children I like to utilize art and play therapy, while involving the parents and caregivers as much as possible. I believe spirituality is also the foundation of many of our lives, and I have experience working with clients from a faith-based approach, integrating their core values to promote healing. I incorporate Christian principles and provide comprehensive and extensive services integrated with Christian beliefs and values.
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Education
Grand Canyon University Current, Master in Mental Health Counseling
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MEET NICO
Nico is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and loves to play and cuddle. He comes to the office to bring puppy love. He absolutely loves coming to the office. There is great evidence that petting a dog just for a few minutes releases ‘feel-good’ hormones. After you give Nico some of your time, it’s common to feel a welcome reduction in stress. He loves to say hi and then most likely will take a nap.
