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
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 :)
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Shannon Ho, 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
Donna Cano, LMFT
Hello! My name is Donna Cano, I am a bilingual (Spanish/ English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have had the pleasure of working in the Mental Health field since 2015. During that time, I have gained clinical experience working with various populations including neurodiverse, foster care, youth, adults, and families. In addition to that, I am working in a foster agency as a Mental Health Program Manager who oversees the Mental Health Clinic.
Through my years of experience, I have recognized that this is sacred work that requires sensitivity and empathy. As a person who has received grace and support during challenging times, I would be humbly honored to reciprocate that for you. I aspire to create a safe space that allows you to share your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and voice. Going through difficult times does not need to be a lonely path. Reaching out for support can be the hardest part of this journey, however each step you take matters and is not taken for granted.
My Specializations Include:
Trauma
Stress
Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Life Transition
Depression
Adjustment
Attachment
My Hobbies Include:
Gardening , Puzzles, Making Flower Arrangements, Reading, Stand Up Comedies
SOCIAL WORKER, THERAPIST
Asha Rani, LCSW
Thank you for showing interest in working with me! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 3 years’ experience providing therapy, case management, and crisis services. My preferred pronouns are she/her/hers. My passion lies in supporting individuals in working through life’s various stressors and challenges. It is of the upmost importance to me to be able to build a safe and genuine connection with my clients through actively listening and gaining a better understanding on how I can best support their therapeutic needs.
My belief is that a positive client and therapist relationship is essential to creating a space that is trustful, safe, and comforting. It is in this space that clients can openly communicate and navigate their thoughts, feelings and emotions. And, walk away feeling empowered to navigate life stressors and circumstances with their new found tools in therapy. My hope is to help my clients feel that they are not alone in their experiences, and that I am along their side to help them gain better insight and understanding of their experiences.
My hope is that through my trauma informed, eclectic therapeutic approaches that my clients feel heard, understood, supported, and accepted in our therapeutic relationship. Ideally, treatment will help clients feel that they have effectively identified and addressed issues from their past and present and that they are then more ably equipped to face and address any obstacles in their life moving forward in a better informed, happier, and healthier way.
My Specializations Include:
Trauma, Anxiety/ Stress, Depression, Bipolar, LGBTQIA+, Grief, Crisis Intervention, and relationship difficulties
Pediatrics (7-12), Transitional Age Youth (18-25), Young Adult (21-35), Adulthood [35-50], Midlife [50-80]
My Therapeutic Orientations Include:
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive/Multicultural Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic
Psychoeducation
Strength-Based
Solution-Focused
My Hobbies Are:
Reading, long walks, and spending time with loved ones and my fur baby!
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.