Female Therapists in Downtown, Sacramento, CA

As a practicing therapist for 20 years, I have never stopped admiring the courage and strength it takes to seek help, become aware, and illicit change. I like to meet people where they are, identify treatment goals, and help people succeed in making the changes necessary to feel confident, fulfilled, and at peace. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgement space so people feel comfortable opening up and seeking help.

My approach is warm and down-to-earth. I utilize an evidenced-based integrative approach including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques as some of the means to help my clients reach their mental health goals. I believe everyone has a unique background and path that they are on in life and deserve treatment methods that reflect their individuality. I value client autonomy and collaboration. I hold a safe space to allow you to show up as your authentic self while creating an environment in which you are seen, heard, and valued.

Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, & distracted? Getting through your day in an organized and timely manner feels like an insurmountable task. Others in your past may have unfairly labeled you as "lazy” or “irresponsible.” ADHD affects every part of someone's life: their health, career, relationships with others, and even the relationship they have with themselves. For BIPOC individuals, additional challenges arise due to cultural insensitivity and limited access to accurate information.

Your time is precious. Life can be overwhelming at times. Let's find a way to make small changes that have big impacts on your life. I have over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, with multiple certifications and continuing education courses completed to prove I'm ready and able to help. I am passionate about supporting new parents, couples, and neurodivergent-identifying folks to feel better about themselves, their relationships, and where their lives are going.

Hi there, I am Clarissa! I know it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to seek counseling services, so I am glad that you found my page! I have had the joy of working in various mental health settings, like traditional talk therapy, women’s health clinics and non-profit organizations. My clinical experience has given me the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I also help clients navigate complicated grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, family/relationship, and self-esteem issues.

I gravitate towards using cognitive-behavioral, strength-based approaches, and mindfulness in my work. I have experience working with people experiencing diverse medical and mental health diagnoses.

Life can be incredibly difficult at times and can feel overwhelming. It is my goal to empower my clients to believe in themselves, inspire change, and to allow space for self-love. When feelings of depression and anxiety are barriers to achieving your goals, leaving you feeling unworthy of happiness, and effecting your relationships, I am here to assist you in cultivating a sense of purpose and confidence. I want to help my clients set goals for their future, find their happiness, and thrive. I am here to provide a space for you to be you- your authentic self without judgement.

I am a passionate, empathic, and strength-based clinician. I will support you in accessing your internal resources while guiding you toward healing and growth. I have a straightforward strength-based approach in my therapy sessions but I use humor and empathy to connect with my clients and make them feel comfortable. My goal is to provide you with a safe space of healing and serenity.

I utilize evidence-based therapies to help people better understand the problems they are facing, and believe therapy is most helpful when customized to meet an individual’s personality and goals. My treatment style is collaborative, and I strive to create an inviting space. My therapeutic approach seeks to help people gain a deeper understanding of themselves, a shift that begins within our therapeutic relationship and progressively extends into daily life.

I'm thrilled you are here. Therapy is a journey of getting to know your real self. Difficult at times, therapy is worth it! I am a client centered, strength-based therapist. I want to collaborate with you within your own value system and worldview, help you uncover what's truly important to you, and live your life in a way that's aligned with your true self. Together we will highlight your strengths and resources. I especially love to work with clients who are new to therapy. For those who benefit from homework, I have a treasure trove of take home resources to help you stay in-tune between sessions.

I help clients to cultivate personal growth and improve relationships. I explore family dynamics, relationship patterns, negative belief systems, underlying feelings, and future goals. I help clients unpack their trauma, sadness, grief, frustrations, fears, and feelings of stagnation or "being stuck," and I support clients in finding and discovering their authentic selves and dreams. I am here to help clients gain insight and to give clients an experience of being heard and understood. I am here to help you explore, untangle, process, and discover your truth. I work with clients collaboratively to learn effective ways of coping.

Life situations can sometimes be extremely difficult, and counseling can be a helpful tool in progressing beyond and through certain challenges. Helping clients to develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills is my specialty. My areas of interest are relationships, attachments, families, grief, personal growth and resiliency. I specialize in treating all types of trauma, stress, anxiety, depression and an array of issues that influence mood, functioning and self-worth. I take a person-centered approach in working with each individual.

My goal is to help patients increase self-awareness, increase coping skills to manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Most importantly, I provide a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment in which patients can explore their symptoms, feelings, and life difficulties. By working together through the therapeutic process, I guide patients into a path of self-discovery and empowerment to develop into healthy and whole individuals. I believe that experiencing hardships can be seen as an invitation to learn more about ourselves and evolve in our life journey to reach our highest potential.

Throughout the years, I have trained extensively in childhood and adolescent social-emotional development and parent/child relational issues. I have also specialized in helping adolescent, adults, and families cope with generational trauma and its impact on their current functioning. In more recent years, my practice has expanded due to high demand for treating trauma, depression and anxiety related issues.

My clients sometimes think of themselves as outsiders, and in our sessions they find validation, safety, and hope. We collaborate on issues like finding community, discovering your voice, and freeing your internal advocate. Everyone can use extra support from time to time, and that's what I'm here for. Let’s be curious about your challenges and search together for solutions that come from the context of your life.

I have the most experience working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, poor self-esteem, and coping with life transitions. I view my role as a therapist as walking alongside you to help you determine what is best for you. I use concepts of Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Supportive Therapy to support you in learning coping skills, increasing your self-esteem, and forming new patterns for a healthier and happier life.

I believe a solid connection with your therapist is fundamental to growth through the therapeutic process. One of my strengths is my ability to connect with my clients by being empathetic, honest, and direct. I believe lived experiences shape who we are and I think we all have inner strengths. I can help you find meaningful relationships or help you through struggles with self-esteem or self-love. I will help if you feel like you excel professionally but personally never seem to feel like you are enough.

I utilize an eclectic therapy style depending on the client that I am treating. I am most comfortable with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and attachment theory. Attachment theory gives the client and therapist a deeper understanding of the individual and CBT gives the necessary skills to begin to grow. I believe in building a relationship with the client to better understand and trust one another during our time together.

I approach my clients with warmth and compassion. My primary therapy styles include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, emotion-focused therapy, solution-focused and strengths-based therapy. I have experience working with individuals with substance abuse related issues. Additionally, I have worked with families and loved ones experiencing codependency or enabling related behaviors. My experience also includes working with those with anxiety, panic, social anxiety, self-esteem, or depression related issues.