Kaitlyn Thomas

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a masters in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and enjoy being outdoors camping, hiking, and going to the beach. I use an integrative approach that takes into consideration what might be most beneficial for each person, couple, or family. My integrative approach may consist of cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy while always working from a humanistic foundation. I believe therapy is important because it allows one to have a safe and nonjudgmental space to process past traumas, negative experiences, and current challenges in order to understand oneself on a deeper level, feel increasingly empowered, and to gain an increased sense of well-being. 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 

Manager of the Family Resource Center Program

I graduated from California State University, Fullerton Dec. 2017, MS Counseling with a concentration on Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. I work mainly from a narrative theoretical orientation, seeking to understand people as they work through transitions in life. Within this framework, I collaborate with clients to identify ‘stuck’ points, possibly holding them back and to find new ways to move beyond those points. Therapy can help mobilize a client to a place of renewed perspective, solution-focus, self-care and a growth mindset. Therapy can open new options for clients seeking to heal beyond disruptive episodes in life. Empowerment over past experiences is often a key point in the therapy process. I enjoy listening to live music performances as well as performing my own songs (i.e, open mic, gigs) as hobbies. Other interests are writing poems and short-stories, which are very much related to the narrative way I view life... scripted in its many versions

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Director of Programs

I am an associate therapist with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. My experiences in different community program sites have provided me with the ability to empathize and connect with my clients of various walks of life. I have had the pleasure of assisting clients with autism, substance use, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, bipolar disorder, and personality trait issues. My therapeutic philosophy has been shaped by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness cognitive behavior therapy, and spiritual integration. Through these approaches I believe that a client can develop a sense of self-awareness and a holistic view of themselves. I encourage clients to explore and understand their thought life, emotions, and a spirituality as they connect with being their whole self.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage Family Therapist, having obtained my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. I am a California native, I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Long Beach State University. I joined Congruent Lives with 6 years of experience working in behavioral applied services in different capacities. I have worked within the home setting and in the school setting. I have 2 years of experience in community mental health working with a diverse population of young children, adolescent, adults, and families. I also have training in behavioral therapy for the purpose of helping change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. I am passionate about the mind-body connection and helping guide clients on their therapeutic journey using a holistic approach. I see treatment through a person-centered, collaborative lens to help my clients voice their needs and set goals that feel attainable for where they are in their unique journey. My therapeutic approaches may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution focus, and narrative techniques. 

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associated Professional Clinical Counselor  

Hi, my name is Chien-Yi Chiang (Jenny). I have a master's degree from Azusa Pacific University Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.  I speak fluent Mandarin (Chinese) and English, and I enjoy working with minors and their parents dealing with various issues including anxiety, cultural adjustment issues, and communication problems. I use client-centered play with children and narrative orientation with adolescents and adults. My professional goal is to help my clients explore their strengths and character traits to empower and encourage them to overcome their difficulties.  

Clinician

Hi, my name is Nikki Abastillas. I am attending Alliant International University. As a Filipino American, I am fluent in Tagalog and English. On my spare time, I enjoy sketching, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. My clinical work focusses on approaching clients from Psychodynamic/Psychoanalysis Therapy.

With my cultural background, I understand that every individual has their own cultural beliefs and practices that influences the development and formation of their character. I genuinely believe that the root causes of an individual’s problems usually stem from sources such as, such as their socioeconomic, technical, institutional, environmental factors, or generational beliefs and behavioral factors within their system. I believe that symptoms can be reduced by bringing these conflicts into their conscious awareness. My methods of bringing these unconscious behaviors or beliefs to light may entail creative interventions, such as art therapy or music therapy.

All things considered, my greatest hopes and intentions with therapy is to serve the underserved while providing them the emotional security that they want and need. 

Clinician

Hi, my name is Anna Rodriguez. I am a practicum student working towards obtaining my LPCC licensure with my master's in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Irvine. I am passionate about mental health, and I believe that everyone is unique, and therapy should be tailored to fit that person's individual/relational needs. I enjoy working with adolescents/young adults and helping them navigate the adverse challenges they may experience at such a critical developmental stage. I enjoy working from a client-centered orientation because it provides clients with genuineness, empathy, attunement, and validation. Working from a client-centered approach gives me the ability to support clients in a non-judgmental way while offering unconditional positive regard and aiding clients in discovering their strengths and fulfilling their potential.   I am fluent in English and Spanish. My professional prospect is to aid individuals of all ages and backgrounds to improve their interpersonal skills, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, gain greater confidence, and regain emotional balance.

Clinician

I am currently a practicum student working towards obtaining my LMFT licensure with my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. I began my career working in the medical field and found that a lot of physical problems being treated resulted from untreated mental health issues, so from there my passion for mental health was born. I practice using a person-centered approach, focusing on the person and not their condition, allowing them to tailor the session in the best way for them to reach their goals. Using this approach, I find it easier for clients to open up and share their struggles in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe. I enjoy working with children/adolescents, adults, and couples to help them regain passion for their life, empowering others is what drives me to do what I do. When I am not working I am spending time with my family or watching my favorite movies.

Clinician

 Hello! My name is Judy. I’m in the last year of the Master’s in Counseling program at Hope International University. I am fluent in Korean (conversational) and English (professional). I have more than 10 years of experience as a university student affairs staff working with international students. My interest in mental health was born out of my desire to see individuals achieve holistic wellness and develop a strong sense of self so that they can achieve their goals. I am committed to providing collaborative, client-centered therapy that integrates techniques that are appropriate to each client’s needs. I believe that everyone has the ability and resources to overcome their difficulties with the help of therapy. I aim to be an empathetic clinician who helps each client feel safe as they work through their challenges and make the changes they want to make in their life. I believe in celebrating and affirming diversity in all its forms and will work from each client’s worldview, identity, values, and beliefs. I practice self-care through drawing, painting, and visiting art museums.  

Clinician

Hello, my name is Adelina Guerra. I am in my last year of graduate school where I am pursuing a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling at the University of Massachusetts Global. I am passionate about mental health and being an advocate in this field for those in need. I believe every individual holds the ability to create change and achieve any goal they have set out for themselves. I have enjoyed accompany clients on their journeys of self discovery. I am committed to collaborating with clients and utilizing a client centered approach. This gives me the ability to give clients the autonomy they need and support them through their journey in discovering their strengths and finding new purposes in their life. My goal in this field is to serve the community around me, motivate clients, and give clients the hope they need to get through any obstacles. 

In my spare time i enjoy spending time in Big Bear, being around my loved ones, and crocheting blankets.