Achieve A New Mastery Over Your Life!
Our 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 :)
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 :)
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!)
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..
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Heavyn Castillo, LMFT
Hello, and welcome! My name is Heavyn Castillo, and I am a licensed therapist. I began my journey in the mental health field in 2023, and since then, I have been passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and respect.
My professional background is rooted in community mental health, nonprofit work, and substance use treatment for adolescents. I strive to create a warm, and welcoming, environment where you can feel safe being your authentic self. Building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is at the core of my work, and I aim to meet you exactly where you are.
Throughout my experience, I have primarily worked with youth ages 8–18, addressing concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use, along with a variety of other emotional and behavioral challenges. I strongly believe in recognizing and building upon each individual’s unique strengths, using them as a foundation to support growth and help clients reach their personal goals.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a focus on Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Humanistic principles. I tailor each session to fit your needs, focusing on what is most important to you and how you want to navigate your experiences. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, I am here to support you in the present moment while helping you build tools for the future.
My goal is to empower you, encourage resilience, and walk alongside you as you work toward the life you envision for yourself. I believe that everyone already possesses the inner strengths and abilities needed for change—it’s just a matter of uncovering and strengthening those tools together.
My Specializations Include:
Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Stress and burnout, Life transitions, Family conflict, Self-esteem development
My Hobbies Include:
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring nature through camping, hiking, and fishing. I also love trying new coffee shops, traveling, and painting (even if my artwork isn’t perfect!). I value time spent relaxing, connecting with loved ones, and hanging out with my dog.
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!
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
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
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
SOCIAL WORKER, THERAPIST
Marcus Lowenhaupt, LCSW
Are you ready to take more control of your life, but not quite sure where to start? I’m here to help you figure that out. My approach is warm, conversational, collaborative, and direct. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, knowing you have someone alongside you who genuinely cares, while also being challenged in ways that lead to real growth.
In our work together, my goal is to help you gain clarity, build insight, and recognize the areas where you have more control and agency than it may feel like. I help clients look at their situations from a different perspective, breaking through patterns that keep them feeling stuck. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or gently push when needed, and it always comes from a place of empathy, support, and respect.
My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and relational work. I incorporate psychoeducation, practical strategies, and even a bit of humor, but my focus is on helping you understand yourself more deeply and find realistic ways to move forward. Together, we’ll identify goals, explore what’s getting in the way, and create a path toward lasting change.
My Specializations Include:
Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Anger Management, Emotional Regulation, Relationship Challenges, Personality Patterns, Trauma, and Grief
Adults, Young Adults, Couples
Specialized Training:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (with plans for future certification)
My Hobbies Include:
Film, classical music and jazz, nature walks, cooking, and road trips with my family
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
James Jones, LMFT
If you are looking for a therapist who is caring, sympathetic, and truly listens—please keep reading. Many therapists feel the need to curate their ideal client, but I am confident I can help you regardless of your background. My extensive experience has introduced me to clients with wonderfully diverse lives, who have trusted me with their most vulnerable moments. When you work with me, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a compassionate and deeply trained therapist.
My goal is to help people THRIVE by gently working through the internal barriers that keep 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. I believe in therapies that honor your story and your whole self—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shift unhelpful patterns, Narrative Therapy to reclaim your voice, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to calm the noise inside. Above all, I lead with empathy, patience, and a commitment to truly hearing you.
My Specializations Include:
Trauma, Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Grief, Dual Diagnosis, Relationship Struggles, Chronic Pain, and Substance Use Disorders
LGBTQ+, Adolescents & Adults, Couples & Families, Tribal Communities, Older Adults
My Approach is Grounded In:
CBT | Narrative Therapy | MBSR | Trauma-Informed Care | Solution-Focused Therapy
My Hobbies:
Outside of sessions, you'll find me hiking, baking, or behind a camera—because I believe healing happens when we reconnect with what brings us joy.
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.