Therapy for Peace of Mind

Meet the incredible team at Therapy for Peace of Mind. BIPOC therapist, mixed race therapist, multiracial therapist, biracial counselor, black therapist, Latina therapist, Latino counselor, Latinx therapist, Hispanic therapist, Asian therapist, Spanish speaking therapist, EDMR for trauma, recover from SA, EMDR for SA survivors, virtual EMDR, online EMDR, digital EMDR, Rob Nganga, nonreligious counselor, non-religious counselor, recovering from narcissism, support for lovers of narcissists, domestic abuse counseling, domestic abuse counselor, anger management counselor, anger management therapist, anger management therapy,

Meet The Team

Our clinicians at Therapy for Peace of Mind are allies to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities who love helping like-minded people. We are in the business of building resiliency and that starts by giving back to the communities we came from.

We use therapeutic models proven to help kids, teens, and adults heal from the impact of mental health issues and environmental stressors. In other words, we provide therapy for peace of mind. 

Everything starts with you clicking the button below to schedule your 15-minute Consultation over telehealth! We look forward to exploring your path to healing!

Ready to Get Started?

Other Services

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For members of the LGBTQ+ community, finding a therapist who is accepting and encouraging of them to be themselves can be difficult.

Whether you're still in the closet or you're shouting it from the rooftops, we all feel better when we know that safe space exists. Our priority is always to create a safe space for growth and reflection, while moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. 

As therapists who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, we have supported clients in exploring their gender and sexual orientation as well as provided letters for gender-affirming surgery. 

We are here to share this safe space with you and being a team of allies is something we take pride in. Wherever you are in your journey, we can help. 

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LGBTQ+

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For people who are Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), finding a therapist who understands our experience is essential to the healing process. 

It feels isolating to be the only person in your social circle who gets it - even worse is when you try to explain but get dismissed like your pain doesn’t matter. We want you to tell it like it is - and all of the pain that might come with that is more than welcome in the safe space we share with you. 

In addition to sharing that safe space, we strive to make mental health services affordable and accessible. That's why we offer sliding scale (low fee) spots to those with limited or no insurance coverage as well as why we hire therapists who provide therapy in languages other than English.

Culture, finances, and language often come up as barriers to mental health services. Our mission is to help people go above and beyond those barriers. As a great leader once said, "in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers." 

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BIPOC therapy, bilingual therapist, spanish speaking therapist

BIPOC

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You have tried everything with your kid or teen and things still aren't getting better. You've received calls from their teachers and you're having a hard time getting them to listen at home.

For parents, knowing that you have tried your best but things remain the same is exhausting. In these times, it can be helpful to bring in a new adult to talk to them.

Some issues we commonly treat in kids and teens are social anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma or abuse, addictions (screens, social media, video games, alcohol, drugs, etc.), self-harm (cutting, skin picking, etc.), suicidal thoughts, and gender identity.

In therapy with kids and teens, we connect on common interests, play games, make art, and establish a safe space before diving into deeper issues. Once we have that safe space to operate in, we can process issues which they may be struggling with. 

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kids, teens, therapy, children, adolescents, self-harm, gender diverse, school problems, positive reinforcement

Kids & Teens

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You went through a traumatic experience and now you don't know how to feel like yourself again. No matter what you do, you can't stop replaying it in your mind - maybe even having flashbacks or nightmares.

You don't want to go to your loved ones for help because you don't want to be a burden. It feels like you're the only one going through this and you couldn't feel more isolated. While we may not have your lived experience, we understand what it's like to feel unsafe and isolated. We also understand that we can't feel better if we don't feel safe and connected. 

As a survivor, your resilience is clear to us. Our job is to make that clear to you. By practicing coping skills, like mindfulness, guided imagery, and deep breathing, we can help you feel safe even when you're thinking about your traumatic experiences.

As more than a survivor, your lived experience is unique to us. At the same time, you are not alone. We are here to share a safe space with you so you can let it all out, feel more connected, and feel like yourself again. 

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trauma counseling, PTSD therapy, complex trauma, abuse survivor

Trauma & Abuse

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helps us gain insight into memories which are at the root of our pain and allows us to react to the present without the past interfering. 

When your past interferes with the present, we call them emotional wounds. Our minds and bodies have numerous self-healing processes that want us to get better. An open wound that's skin-deep will usually close and, though there may be a scar in its place, it will heal. Emotional wounds can be harder to deal with. 

Time doesn't heal all wounds. In fact, time may only make things worse. Fortunately, EMDR + Time = a heck of a lot better! 

EMDR changes our perception of painful memories from negative to neutral (and sometimes positive). In time, EMDR allows for our mind and body's self-healing processes to take place - closing the wound, but leaving a scar. 

Visit the EMDRIA website to learn more about EMDR: emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy

For those looking to make the most amount of progress in the shortest amount of time, we offer EMDR intensives - Book a Consultation with Rob Nganga to learn more about EMDR intensives!

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EMDR therapy, bilateral stimulation, brainspotting

EMDR

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We often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people understand and change the cycle of unhelpful, negative thoughts and hurt feelings in order to create more positive behaviors.

At our lowest points, we may experience unhelpful thoughts, like "I'm not good enough" or "I'm unlovable" even if we know they aren't true. These unhelpful and negative thoughts usually go hand in hand with hurt feelings, like guilt, shame, anger, or embarrassment.

When we don't talk about it, we may experience unhelpful thoughts and hurt feelings as a never-ending cycle. To end that cycle, we help you change negative thoughts to positive or neutral ones which leads to more positive feelings, like relief, calm, happiness, and pride. 

Correcting the never-ending cycle of unhelpful, negative thoughts and hurt feelings allows us to behave in more thoughtful and sensitive ways. If you want to improve your relationship with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, try meeting with a therapist trained in CBT!

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CBT therapy, Cognitive therapy, Behavioral therapy

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It's not talked about enough, but domestic violence means so much more than just physical or sexual violence. Things like gaslighting, intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse, coercion, and threats can leave long-lasting scars.

People like to ask survivors of abuse, "Why don't you just leave?" Well, what happens when you try to leave an abusive relationship? Does the abuser just stop abusing? No.

If setting boundaries with your partner leads to an emotional outburst, we may feel powerless to change. We may tell ourselves this is normal and we may believe this is love.

Overcoming this type of thinking is not easy. With the support of domestic violence counseling, you can recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships and learn better ways to set boundaries.

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domestic violence counseling, domestic abuse, physical abuse, gaslighting, attachment, narcissism

Domestic Violence

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Talking with others about our boundaries doesn’t always feel good; so we might let things go instead of speaking up for ourselves. This is especially true for those of us who have an insecure attachment style.

Attachment theory tells us that childhood memories of not having needs met when we cried out or spoke up makes us less likely to ask for help meeting our needs in adulthood. In some cases, we may not even know what our needs are.

Assertiveness is the clear communication of thoughts, feelings, and needs, typically demonstrated in the boundaries we set. People who are used to passive and passive-aggressive communication styles often feel they can’t be assertive without being aggressive. 

If you didn't know, let us be the first to tell you "No" is a complete sentence. Through teaching how to assert thoughts, feelings, and needs, we help people set firm boundaries and have secure attachments.

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assertiveness, communication skills, attachment

Assertiveness

My name is Rob (he/him) and I established Therapy for Peace of Mind to uphold the values of inclusion, respect, and nonviolence.

I view the client-therapist relationship as a car we are in together. In that car, you are in the driver's seat and you decide where we are going and when we get there. If you want to stop or slow down along the way, that's completely up to you.

As your therapist, I'm in the passenger seat with my experience and compassion serving as the GPS. I can help you avoid getting lost or getting stuck, but you are always in control of how fast we move and where we are going. 

I provide therapy to people age 10 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families with the following issues:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - certified through EMDRIA*

** In addition to California, I am also licensed in Florida and Vermont. I do not accept insurance for clients living outside of California. **

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EDMR for trauma, recover from SA, EMDR for SA survivors, virtual EMDR, online EMDR, digital EMDR, Rob Nganga, EMDR certified therapist, mixed race therapist, multiracial therapist, biracial counselor

Robert Austin Nganga

Supervisor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

My name is Ashley (they/siya) and I am a second-generation Filipino of American nationality and a non-binary person of color.

My Counseling and Art Therapy practice is informed by my many different lived experiences and I use a person-centered approach to process issues with acculturation, anxiety, depression, homelessness and life transitions, intersectionality, perfectionism, and more. 

As your counselor, I believe you are the expert on your journey. I look forward to having thoughtful conversations that explore your experiences mindfully and lead to creative, emotional, and spiritual insights and growth. 

I provide therapy to people age 18 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals and families with the following issues:

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queer filipina therapist, queer filipino therapist, queer therapist, LGBTQ therapist, Asian therapist, BIPOC therapist

Ashley Abigail Gruezo Resurreccion

Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor supervised by Robert Nganga, LMFT # 125533

My name is Hassan (he/him) and I’m a therapist who cares about supporting my community(s), and I'll care about supporting you.

I'll meet you where you're at and support you in meeting your goals. I believe change happens when people are witnessed 3 times: in conflict, in recovery, and in proximity to an ideal version of themself.

I believe we move forward after all of the "best and worst parts" of us are seen, and reminded they are capable of being validated, safe, healed, and loved.

I provide therapy to people age 13 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families with the following issues:

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black man therapist, African American male counselor

Hassan Malik Hercules-Barnett

Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor supervised by Robert Nganga, LMFT # 125533

My name is Mish (they/them) and I'm a dedicated and compassionate mental health therapist who proudly identifies as a Queer Person of Color (QPOC). 

My mission is to empower my clients to live authentically and heal the generational wounds that may be impacting their present lives. I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where individuals can explore their identities, overcome challenges, and thrive.

As your therapist, I believe you have the inner strength & ability to create mindful, powerful positive changes in your life to reach any goal. I'm passionate about riding alongside and supporting you on your therapy journey.

I provide therapy to people age 12 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families with the following issues:

Gender Identity (Transgender, Agender, or Non-Binary)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

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EDMR for trauma, recover from SA, EMDR for SA survivors, virtual EMDR, online EMDR, digital EMDR, BIPOC therapist, mixed race therapist, multiracial therapist, biracial counselor, black therapist, neurodivergent therapist, queer therapist, LGBTQ therapist

Michelle C. "Mish" Lowery

Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist supervised by Robert Nganga, LMFT # 125533

My name is Nicole (she/her) and together we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties.

Having the courage to talk to someone is a brave first step. You are more than your anxious thoughts, traumatic experiences, or shortcomings. You are capable of moving past sadness, disappointments, or heartbreak.

Growth happens when you can be seen, understood, and recognize that self-acceptance is the best skill nobody teaches us. You deserve a safe, nurturing, and attentive space and I know how to provide that.

I provide therapy to people age 14 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families with the following issues:

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black therapist, black woman therapist, African American female counselor

Nicole Johnson

My name is Paulina (she/her/ella) and I am a passionate and empathetic therapist who proudly identifies as a 1.5-generation immigrant and Latina.

My mission is to support individuals in reconnecting with their identities, healing generational trauma, and finding empowerment in their stories. I believe healing happens in connection through trust, curiosity, and collaboration. 

As a parent and a professional, I deeply understand how challenging it can be to hold multiple roles while also nurturing your own growth. I am honored to walk alongside you in this process. 

I provide therapy to people age 14 and up in Spanish and English - and I am passionate about supporting individuals and families with the following issues:

BIPOC Individuals during the Perinatal & Postpartum Periods

Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) for Somatic Healing

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD

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Hola, mi nombre es Paulina (ella) y soy una terapeuta apasionada y empática. Me identifico con orgullo como inmigrante Latina de generación 1.5.

Mi misión es acompañar a las personas en el proceso de reconectarse con su identidad, sanar traumas generacionales y encontrar fuerza en sus propias historias. Creo que la sanación ocurre en conexión, a través de la confianza, la curiosidad y el trabajo en equipo.

Como mamá y profesional, entiendo lo difícil que puede ser sostener varios roles a la vez mientras también tratamos de cuidar nuestro propio bienestar. Para mí, es un honor caminar contigo en este camino.

Ofrezco terapia en español e inglés para personas de 14 años en adelante. Me apasiona trabajar con personas y familias que estén atravesando temas como:

Ser estudiante de primera generación o universitario/a

Trauma relacionado con inmigración y aculturación

Experiencias difíciles vividas en el entorno militar

Procesos perinatales y posparto en personas BIPOC

Exploración de identidad y momentos de cambio en la vida

Algunos de los enfoques terapéuticos que utilizo son:

EMDR (Desensibilización y Reprocesamiento por Movimientos Oculares)

TRM (Modelo de Resiliencia ante el Trauma) para sanar desde el cuerpo

Terapia Cognitivo Conductual centrada en el trauma (TF-CBT)

Terapia de Procesamiento Cognitivo (CPT) para el TEPT

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Latina therapist, Latino counselor, Latinx therapist, Hispanic therapist, Spanish speaking woman therapist, therapist for immigrants

Paulina Patricia Chavez Medina

My name is Rolan (he/him) and I am a first-generation Vietnamese-American, cisgender queer man.

I am deeply committed to empowering queer BIPOC individuals to embrace and celebrate the richness of their identities. My practice is rooted in a strengths-based, person-centered approach, with a deep respect for the influence of culture, community, and the complex intersections of identity.

As your therapist, I will wear many hats—confidant, educator, and guide—always attuned to your unique experiences and aspirations to support your healing, resilience, and personal growth.

I provide therapy to people age 10 and up - and I am passionate about supporting individuals and families with the following issues:

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queer therapist, LGBTQ therapist, Asian therapist

Rolan Dac-Thien Huynh

My name is Will (he/him) and I'm a therapist whose prime focus is to better an individual's life experience by embracing our current identity and achieving our set goals. 

All our experiences in life are valid and should be acknowledged. Through therapy we will go on the journey of processing our life experiences for the purpose of being a stronger and well balanced individual. 

My goal is to provide a safe place for you to begin your journey in experiencing a healthy happy life and/or maintaining one. The goals we set together in session will also help us with our achievements in our day-to-day life.  

Gender Identity (transgender, agender, or non-binary)