Therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

Welcome! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and I have been providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families seeking transformative growth since 2012, offering counseling across residential, outpatient, and private practice settings, including online platforms to ensure accessible, compassionate care for diverse clients. Prior to graduating with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, my background was established in education, working as a Montessori educator in Cambridge, MA and San Diego, CA (2005-2014), where I utilized didactic materials to promote academic growth and social skills for children ages 3-7. The heart and passion of my work is to provide you with an uninterrupted time and space for you to process and explore your thoughts and feelings and empower you to achieve your goals and realize your full potential. My therapeutic approach is rooted in C. Roger’s person-centered principles, fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment for reflection and self-discovery. I aim to bring clarity, awareness, peace, and harmony, prioritizing self-awareness. As a hope-based therapist, I offer an authentic and honest approach, empowering clients to reframe thoughts, cultivate healthy core beliefs, and tap into their innate resilience. I believe in each individual's inner strength and assist them in uncovering their power to drive positive change. Whether addressing personal growth or relationship issues, I help clients analyze dynamics, establish healthy boundaries, and foster self-worth, providing personalized guidance that resonates with their unique needs. I possess a robust clinical background, bolstered by esteemed training and experience. I integrate some of the leading, evidence-based psychological modalities. I have worked at McAlister Institute, a renowned outpatient and residential recovery center specializing in addiction and dual diagnoses for teens and adults (2012-2017), applying Motivational Interviewing (MI), the 12-step program, and psycho-education on dependency and generational trauma. Additionally, I have received comprehensive training from the A. Beck Institute, founded by the pioneer of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (2018). I have also gained competence in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the work of R. Schwartz (2020). Furthermore, I have expanded my expertise by completing the prestigious The Science of Well-Being course at Yale University, enhancing my ability to provide holistic, evidence-based care (2020). Recently, I have augmented my skills through specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (2022) and Narcissistic Emotional Abuse (2023), solidifying my commitment to addressing complex mental health concerns and supporting survivors of emotional abuse. My areas of specialization include: Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders); Self-esteem and identity issues; ADHD, OCD, and neurodiverse concerns; Relationship dynamics and conflict resolution; Narcissistic emotional abuse recovery; Parenting support and guidance; Substance dependency and co-dependency; Crisis management, stress reduction, and life adjustments. I look forward to working with you! 
Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741

PLEASE NOTE: If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. I generally check messages here a few times per day and will respond as quickly as I can. I am currently accepting new clients who RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA. I am available for sessions BY PHONE, VIDEO or LIVE CHAT. Hello and Welcome! Let me introduce myself. I am Virginia A. Ballantyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267). I identify as a bi-racial woman and my pronouns are She/Her. My specialties include working with people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, or grew up in an environment where they were negatively impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on empowering each person to access their inner wisdom and move toward mental wellness. My counseling style is non-judgmental and my theoretical orientation is best described as humanistic/eclectic and unique to each person’s situation and background. I provide a sex positive environment where issues around sexual intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual desires can be discussed without judgement. I consider myself to be an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual/gender minorities. I have many years of experience working with a variety of disadvantaged populations through work in both non-profit and county services. I value social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. I will provide you with support, help you consider different perspectives, and we will work together as a team to help you develop new skills to help you manage stressors and live your best life! Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect. I look forward to working with you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2013. I have experience working with different ages, ethnicities, SOGIE and socio economics. In my time as a therapist I've worked with a wide range of.concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, and communication issues. My main focus is to create a space to feel heard and supported. I start with a Client Centered approach to develop the connection and help you feel safe.

My name is Robert Aerts, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold a master’s in counseling psychology and 8 years’ experience working in the Mental Health Field. I have over 30 years’ experience working in Human Services. I have worked with a diverse population through the years. I am LGBTQ friendly and understand the stigmas that come with being LGBTQ. My therapeutic approach varies on what is presented to me. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral Theory approach. I provide individual therapy. My communication is open and honest. If I am not equipped in assisting the presenting issue, I will discuss alternative resources and supports that can be a better fit.

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I find working with people very enjoyable and rewarding. I work in a client centered way, getting to know each individual. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I am fluently bilingual in Spanish and English. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I have worked with many clients in various stages of life and have helped them get through some tough situations. I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming obstacles that challenge you. Seeking help takes courage so I commend you for your courage. I am glad you are making a choice to live a more fulfilling life and I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

My therapeutic approach combines warmth, authenticity, and evidence-based strategies that help you feel both supported and empowered to create real change. I bring a comfortable, conversational style that makes therapy feel less clinical. I try to use humor and am not afraid to share genuine reactions or observations that might help you gain new perspectives. I believe therapy should include both serious reflection and lighter moments. I focus on helping you understand the “why” behind your patterns while giving you practical tools you can use in your everyday life. I am licensed in California with years of experience working with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, anger management, self-esteem. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change, and I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Brown, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 9 years dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy for individuals of all ages, couples, and families. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including those in recovery, CPS-involved clients, divorced parents, individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, children, adults, and survivors of abuse. My eclectic therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, allowing me to tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re facing life transitions, emotional challenges, relationship struggles, or healing from trauma, I’m here to guide you toward growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. Let’s work together to create meaningful change and empower you to thrive.

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!