https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/about daily 0.75 2025-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628571040819-LRCY6PK7M0ZWFVIUPSZQ/1+Lisa+Facing+Forward.jpg About - About Us Lisa Illingworth founded Guiding Strength Therapy on the Principle that “If you take care of your Therapists, they will take care of the Clients.” Lisa has worked in the mental health field at the highest levels for Over a Decade. Having worked at the major County departments, as well as the oldest and largest community mental health non-profits in Los Angeles, Lisa sharpened her knowledge of Therapy and Mental Health Procedures to create a new outlook on Quality Care. Quality Care is our Priority! Guiding Strength Therapy hand selects its Therapists to ensure a shared Passion, Dedication, and Empathy for providing Quality Care. Our therapists receive Guidance and Training from Lisa on a regular basis to ensure they are Motivated, and have a Great Support System. We take care of our Therapists so they can take care of You. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628571230359-7SBPWQUAHRFP2ZEA9V78/Tree.jpg About - Mission Statement Our Mission is to EMPOWER our clients to take back control of their lives. We aim to Alleviate apprehension, and educate the public about the Long-Term Benefits of Mental Health Therapy. https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/home daily 1.0 2025-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628099598429-LINO16QFNEGJ5HPIS2NT/1%2BLisa%2BFacing%2BForward.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628113920455-F21RQXGF8EB42LOXPWP3/2%2BAndrew.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628117163969-76ZGKBKGNX4N6GK3DQ5P/Cave.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/fees-insurance daily 0.75 2025-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628287938635-LTWDYNMOCSP0O3L0RUW1/Mountain+Lake.JPG Fees + Insurance https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/services daily 0.75 2021-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628054175421-PB1YIQ3HZQSLPZSVLXC6/Photo+by+Polina+Zimmerman+from+Pexels.jpg Services hand-drawn armchair icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628054566158-CT84BFLB6Y73126SA9CV/Photo+by+cottonbro+from+Pexels+2.jpg Services hand-drawn aim target icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628054531139-N776Z8RYROAYCMQTSV4M/Photo+by+cottonbro+from+Pexels.jpg Services hand-drawn empty pill bottle icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628054629310-BXBUM4VZKRN5I83N0LN6/Photo+by+RODNAE+Productions+from+Pexels.jpg Services hand-drawn simplified needles in back acupuncture icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628290396401-0JPFKPS7KYW6AJ5Q6SS7/Mountain+Trail.JPG Services - Anxiety Anxiety presents itself as excessive worry. It can result from reasonable stressors, or can occur for no identified reason. Anxiety can cause difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue and restlessness. Some individuals also experience panic attacks. These symptoms could impact your life in various areas (i.e., home, work, school). You may become easily overwhelmed when relating to family members and work colleagues. It could impact your ability to initiate tasks or activities, and impact your ability to maintain meaningful attention. Guiding Strength Therapy utilizes researched backed treatment interventions that lead to the most successful results. Your therapist will work with you to identify triggers to your anxiety, and assist with making connections between your thoughts, feelings and behavior. We work to help you develop a sense of control to challenge and re-frame negative thoughts, and assist with strategies to improve how you respond to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628290004846-Z3H4SIBWMMLC0Z4RDFNR/Rainy+Trail.JPG Services - Depression Depression can be described as excessive sadness or “feeling blue.” It could be triggered by reasonable events or be present when there is not an identified reason. Typically, there are negative thoughts about oneself, others, and of the future/world. Depression can develop a sense of hopelessness where, “nothing I do is good enough,” and one feels “what is the point of trying?” It could also include symptoms of difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, low energy/fatigue, and reduced desire to participate in activities that you used to find enjoyable. As with anxiety, your therapist will work with you to identify the barriers and underlying reasons to your depression. They will assist you with making connections between your thoughts, feelings and behavior, and show how to challenge and re-frame the negative and maladaptive thoughts that are getting in the way. Your therapist will collaborate on coping strategies for you that will help increase your energy. They will also show you how to manage setbacks so you don’t fall into old habits. We will work to teach you more effective communication and problem-solving strategies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628290365210-218HKEI4H0M8GF9AME56/Mountain+River.JPG Services - Trauma “Trauma” would be any negative event that occurred in your life that has caused a meaningful impact. This event, or events, can impacted how you think, feel or act in a negative way. Sometimes negative events can have significant impacts including nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the event or avoiding thinking about the event altogether. Typically trying to avoid thinking about it only puts more attention on it and creates a pressure where flashbacks and intense emotions come up at inconvenient time. This could impact your ability to focus, including being too distracted or overwhelmed by emotion to comprehend and thoroughly complete tasks. You may be participating in unhealthy coping strategies such as substance use other high-risk behavior (sexual acting out, gambling, dangerous physical activities) as to avoid the feelings or as a form of distraction. Your therapist will help you understand how the trauma has impacted you on a bio-psycho-social level. We then assist in developing strategies to manage your distress by learning effective coping strategies and understanding the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behavior as it pertains to this trauma. Once it is determined you are ready, your therapist will work with you to discuss your trauma in a gradual and meaningful way where, overtime, talking about it causes less and less distress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628290270931-HT5CJLXHA3D2A3TLKMUT/Trail.JPG Services - Anger Anger issues could stem from a range of underlying concerns. Feelings of frustration, anger, and irritability that seem disproportionate to the triggering event. Sometimes anger can also go inward where one becomes passive, silent, but feels this boiling tension build inside. At Guiding Strength Therapy, we will work with you to identify the root of your anger, and tailor strategies specific to your case. Your therapist will work with you on how to appropriately express your thoughts and feelings, and develop techniques on how to communicate and collaborate with others to better achieve your goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628654187394-MNMVOJYFNPYZC2A0MU15/Lake+Boulders.jpg Services - Relationship Issues Relationship issues could be between romantic partners, friends and family members. Concerns could range from difficulty communicating, ineffective communications (yelling, avoiding), bonding and showing affection, and problem solving for day-to-day functions including maintaining the household or finances. At Guiding Strength Therapy, we will work to break down the seemingly “unmanageable” to make it manageable. First, your therapist will work at clearly identifying the problem, and collaborate with you on underlying factors and contributors that may be less observable. Through that process, specific strategies can be developed, whether it’s just improving communication, or at a deeper level of repairing trust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628654211136-YAA9S36R791U6PR91CP5/Green+Lake+Boulder.jpg Services - Career Issues Are you unhappy with your job or coworkers? Unsure what “next steps” to take, or starting something new? At Guiding Strength Therapy, we allow you an opportunity to vent and explore the reasons for your unhappiness. We then collaborate on strategies to help you reach your goals. https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/team daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628046198109-5LVMEPCNHDGRK7ZO8TCX/Lisa+Facing+Forward.jpg Team - FOUNDER, THERAPY Lisa Illingworth, LCSW I am a Licensed Psychotherapist working in the fields of Mental Health and Social Work since 2008. I began my career as a Social Worker with Los Angeles County caring for some of the most at-risk, high intensity populations in the country. I then worked several years at one of oldest and largest Non-Profit Community Mental Health Agencies in Los Angeles County. I started as a Field-Based Therapist, and worked my way up to Assistant Clinical Director. Currently, I work for another Non-Profit Community Mental Health Agency as Clinical Director. My goal is to help people THRIVE by combating the inside barriers that prohibit them from becoming the most authentic version of themselves. I want you to know that you can get through these barriers, and you are not alone on this journey. My Specializations Include: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Grief, Bipolar, Relationship Struggles, Autism, and OCD Older Adults, Adults, Young Adults, Teenagers, and children I have several Certifications and Specialized Training in Multiple Evidence-Based Practices, including: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) Seeking Safety Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP). My Hobbies Include: Hiking, Baking, and Photography. Actually, all the nature photos on the site are mine :) LinkedIn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/4516c18e-48d3-46f5-96a3-19b5b5f3427f/Bella_Photo+%281%29.jpeg Team - SOCIAL WORKER, THERAPIST Isabella Bachtelle, LCSW Hello and welcome! My name is Isabella Bachtelle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the mental health field since 2018 with a diverse range of populations. I began my career as a social worker providing treatment to under-served and at-risk populations in community mental health and government organizations. My background also includes providing specialized treatment to college students at a university counseling center, and individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use in addiction treatment programs. I utilize a strengths-based, holistic, and humanistic approach; meaning, I value the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual. My approach is grounded in empathy and I aim to provide a safe, supportive, and trusting space for all. My goal is to empower and support you in identifying your strengths, navigating life’s barriers, and collaboratively working together to achieve your goals. My Specializations Include: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Substance Use, Grief and Loss, ADHD, Bipolar, Relationship Conflicts, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults I Have Specialized Training In Evidence-Based Practices: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Motivational Interviewing (MI) My Hobbies Include: Playing sports (volleyball, basketball, softball), camping, backpacking, reading, baking, gardening, and mostly hanging out with my French Bulldog :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1633073364414-Q399O4L2NA5AST1WPT1O/Heather+Emma+Valdovinos.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Emma Valdovinos, AMFT My name is Emma Valdovinos and I am a bilingual Spanish/ English Associate Marital and Family Therapist. I have been in the Mental Health Field for 4 years and have worked with all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults from different cultural backgrounds. I am aware of the cultural factors that impact how we move and navigate through the world, which is why I humbly seek to provide culturally competent services. My experience includes working with high-risk populations through different programs from well-known non-profit organizations, these programs include field-based services, outpatient mental health, and inpatient substance use treatment. The experience I have obtained working with a vast array of presenting problems has given me the ability to collaboratively work alongside clients to get them closer to their goals. I am passionate about mental health and helping others; I truly believe that every individual has the tools they need to become the person they want to be, they just need someone to help uncover their capabilities. My goal is to provide clients with a safe place to explore their struggles, learn new skills, and discover their natural strengths. My Specializations Include: Substance Use, Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Relationship Conflicts, ADHD, Domestic Violence, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Grief/ Loss, Mindfulness, Coping Skills Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults My Certifications/ Evidence-Based Practices: Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification My Hobbies Include: Hiking, Gardening, Cooking, Reading, and canvas painting (though I am far from being a professional artist, I enjoy the freedom of being creative!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/86a21e3d-2fb1-4c07-b3be-35a03da1965f/Lori_Pierson_Headshot.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Lori Pierson, LMFT Hello, I'm Lori Pierson, a therapist with 11 years of experience in working with Older Adults, Adults, Young Adults, Teens, and Adolescents on their mental health journey. I create a warm, judgment-free, safe environment with a sprinkle of humor to establish long-lasting connections Focusing on treating depression, anxiety, trauma, managing ADHD, Life Transitions, PTSD, LGBTQ+ issues, and crisis intervention, utilizing each individual's unique strengths in navigating their challenges and finding healing and growth. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy that I approach with an eclectic style that's customized to my clients specific needs. Outside of my practice, you'll often find me at the beach. Swimming is my favorite form of me-time. I have a deep love for nature and wildlife, which I often draw inspiration from in my therapeutic work. I look forward to guiding you on your journey towards mental and emotional wellness.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/085aa447-7cf7-43d0-bdbe-2d74c301054b/CP+New+Photo.JPG Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Cecilia Polkinhorn, LMFT I am a licensed psychotherapist as well as a registered art therapist. In 2017 I began my clinical experience working at elementary school settings with children ages 5-12. I then worked at a trauma-informed non-profit agency for four years and gained experience working with a mixed population while integrating art therapy modalities into my practice. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, couples, families, and groups, using art or traditional talk therapy to identify emotions, explore sources of internal or external conflict, and introduce healthier coping strategies into everyday lives. My Specializations Include: Anxiety, Depression, Bi-polar, Trauma, Grief, OCD, Relationship Issues, and Self-esteem My Certifications and Experience Include: AT-R#21-209 2019: Expressive Arts Therapy Workshop with Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC 2017-2018: School-based Child Therapy Training Program with Fereshteh Mazdyasni, MA, LMFT My Hobbies Include: Drawing, painting, photography and general image-making :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/5f30722f-46ce-4cf7-82ad-9ce84d3d29fc/SH+Headshot.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Shannon Sais, LMFT Hi, and welcome! I am a Licensed Psychotherapist and have been working in mental health since 2017. My background has primarily been in community mental health, non-profits and substance use, although I have shifted to private practice more recently and now mainly work with youth (ages 8-18), young adults and anyone older. I've worked with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, and grief among other areas. I take on a narrative and holistic approach to my work - in other words, what's important to you is important to me, and I hope for us to work together to figure out how we can see the whole picture in terms of what affects your well being and mental health. My goal is to empower you, to cheer you on and to help you reach whatever goals YOU have your sights on. In my free time, I like to be a couch potato and to hang out with my birds (I'm a bird lady). Outside of being at home, however, I also enjoy traveling, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, drawing, painting and listening/playing music. My Specializations Include: Anxiety/Stress, Depression, ADHD, Trauma, Grief, PTSD, Relationship Struggles, Autism, OCD Adults, Young Adults, Teenagers, and Children (above age 8) I have several Certifications and Specialized Training in Multiple Evidence-Based Practices, including: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) Seeking Safety Motivational Interviewing (MI) Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Thank you for considering me as part of your journey, and I hope to see you soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/5b008a08-97e2-4ebd-8705-3d20374be454/DM+Headshot.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Dalia Marchoud, LMFT I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I specialize in working with children, individuals, and family systems. I have worked in community mental health, mainly treating underserved communities, and more recently exposed to the military population. My theoretical orientation is grounded in humanistic and relational. However, it's essential to understand my client's needs and adjust treatment for my clients through integrative principles. I believe that it's necessary to understand emotional distress in individuals and families based on the social and cultural contexts that affect our lives. I hope to provide a safe space where people feel seen and heard through authenticity, honesty, and trust. Therapy is a tool that can be helpful for self-growth, whatever that looks like for each individual. It's a place that can be empowering and challenging. We only see parts of ourselves and therapy can act as a mirror- a reflective surface, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly. My specializations include: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Relationship conflicts Children, Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families Certification and Trainings: Domestic Violence Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) Hobbies: Playing sports, scuba diving, and cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/4c5c18e5-be65-4ad5-82eb-1d9c969fee48/Mina+Headshot.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Mina Gerges, LMFT As a mental health professional, I believe meaningful change begins with honesty, accountability, and the courage to look inward. I value creating a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood—without judgment. My approach is grounded in authentic connection, because real growth happens in relationships where you can show up as your full self. I balance compassion with directness. I will meet you with warmth and empathy, while also gently challenging you to take ownership of your patterns, choices, and goals. Therapy with me is not about blame—it’s about empowerment. Together, we’ll identify what’s keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. I believe you are the expert on your life. My goal is to help you reconnect with your inner resilience, strengthen your voice, and step into the most aligned version of yourself. Growth requires both support and accountability—and I am committed to offering both. My Specializations Include: Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, men’s relationship issues, relationship and family conflict, attachment issues, and development of self-esteem. Older Adults, Adults, Young Adults, and children. My Certifications/ Evidence-Based Practices: Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) My Hobbies Include: Scenic drives, Golfing, and Stand Up Comedy Shows https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/22f95700-d29d-44d8-af96-7c7c31c12da6/YM+headshot+%28jpeg%29.jpg Team - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST Yasamin Manesh, LMFT Hi! If you are looking for a therapist who is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, I would be honored to support you. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Since 2021, I have worked in the mental health field ranging from school settings with children and families in under served communities to most recently in the PHP/IOP level of care with teens and adults. I hope to create a space where you can feel truly seen and where we can deepen your self-understanding, explore patterns, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. Working with high-risk populations has strengthened my ability to adapt quickly to clients' needs and hold space for complex emotions. My approach is integrative, humanistic, and trauma-informed. I tailor sessions to your unique needs and goals, helping you build self-awareness and insight into how past experiences may be shaping the present. I bring a culturally competent lens to therapy and deeply value the impact of identity, culture, and inter-generational dynamics on mental health. At the heart of my work is the goal of helping you feel more connected to yourself and others. I want to support you in becoming more empowered, more self-compassionate, and more aligned with the life you want to live. My Specializations Include: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship/Attachment Issues, Emotion Dysregulation, Identity Exploration, Self-Esteem, ADHD, Autism, Stress/Burnout Management, Life Transitions Children, Families, Teens, Young Adults, and Adults I Have Specialized Training In Evidence-Based Practices: Narrative Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) My Hobbies Are: long walks with podcasts/music, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, reading, watching Netflix with my cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6108c8c51e1a7a402b031a8f/1628572647278-TPXE1C7UWR5JIEVE08KC/Andrew.jpg Team - OPERATIONS MANAGER, CONSULTING Andrew Illingworth I have worked as a Director of Education for Vocational Schools since 2005. I am trained as an Accountant, and also worked as the Accounting Manager for a Co-op buying group that was part of the largest buying group in the United States. My goal at Guiding Strength Therapy is to remove any barriers between Therapists and their ability to provide Therapy to our clients. https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-08-25 https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/resources daily 0.75 2025-08-25