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Trainee Therapists

Our counseling staff consists of Marriage & Family Therapist Trainees and Professional Clinical Counseling Trainees who are working towards completing their degree required practicum and primarily provide therapeutic services. They are supervised by Dr. Avis Attaway, LMFT (34493), or Dr. Guy Balice (PSY 22638). 

The fee for a 50 minute session with a trainee therapist is $30

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Marissa Moreno

Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee

It is true that in this life, we may all face challenges that take a big toll on our personal well-being. However, your story of the challenges you have experienced are unique to you. Does your story involve feeling emotions of anxiety, depression, anger, grief? Do you feel defeated each day or find trouble being present in your familial, intimate, or social relationships? Whatever it may be that brought you here today, it would be my honor to provide you with the space where you can feel safe and comfortable in sharing your story with me.
 

I remember how freeing and comforting it was to have my own experience of being given the safe space to be vulnerable in sharing the emotions and hardships I was facing in therapy. When I felt the empathy and validation that was communicated to me in therapy, it was like taking in a breath of fresh air. I felt empowered and knew that I had the strength and tools to overcome the battles I was facing. From then on, I vowed that it would be my goal to provide this same life changing experience for my own future clients.
 

I enjoy creating a collaborative relationship with my clients and integrating approaches that are unique to their needs and goals. I am passionate about working with all ages and varying populations. Along with my training at Life Source, I have experience with working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and adolescents ages 12 to 18. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for taking this first step in seeking therapy and I look forward to getting to be a part of the rest of your journey.

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Kate Stahl-Kovell, PhD, MA

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Kate Stahl-Kovell is a maternal mental health specialist. As an intern at Life Source Affordable Counseling Services, Kate works primarily with mothers, gestational parents, couples, and families around the issues of anxiety during pregnancy, birth trauma, Postpartum PTSD, Postpartum Depression, adjusting to parenthood, and more. Her clinical work is steeped in trauma therapy, where she utilizes the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) to meet her clients' needs. Kate holds a MA and PhD from outside of but related to mental healthcare, where she studied dance, maternal health, and movement. As Editor in Chief at the Journal for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (JOPPPAH), she publishes cutting edge research on pregnancy, bonding, and maternal health. Kate also lectures at Mt. San Jacinto College. In her spare time, Kate can usually be found oil painting, hiking, and climbing throughout Southern California with her family.

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Scheryle Jann Simmons, PCC

Professional Clinical Counselor

People at birth do not receive a handbook on how to live life with its innate complexities; we all need some help, guidance, and support at times, to enjoy life and to have a more productive life. People suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and other difficulties. They feel stuck in those emotional states: feeling like this is their lot in life. They are miserable and feel that is the way it always will be. I know there can be change with help. One can have a happier, more productive life. Help is available. The courageous reach out for relief to a trained helper. I create a safe place for the client to change, a space where their emotions and thoughts are taken seriously. I help clients realize and activate their inner resilience to successfully gain knowledge and skills to help them feel differently; to change their behavior to have more joy, and a more productive, cohesive life. To live better each day.

 

Counseling is a collaborative endeavor. The client and therapist work together to accomplish the goals that are set by the client. I help the client get in touch with their inner self, decide what changes need to happen, and stay with them through their journey with support and guidance. I have benefited from counseling in my own life and can testify that reaching out for help can positively change your life. I have life experience in marriage, parenting, chemical dependency, and starting a second career by going back to college later in life. There is a way to decrease or eradicate emotional pain. I would be privileged to work with you and help you through your challenges.

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Amoni Adams-Anderson, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Hello! I am a second year graduate student working on my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am working towards a Marriage and Family Therapy license. I have worked in therapeutic environments for 8 years and I work with many demographics of patient. I am passionate about improving my client’s quality of life while providing a warm and welcoming environment. Let’s work together to enrich your quality of life and improve your relationships!

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Sydney Hernandez, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

I have found a passion in caring for others and working with individuals on their path to healing. Life can throw countless barriers and challenges in our way and working through them requires help! As a Trainee Marriage and Family Therapist I believe each person holds their own story and subsequent struggles that deserve authentic and goal-oriented counseling. My goal through counseling is to provide my clients with an safe and empowering space to process trauma, achieve goals, improve communication, manage emotions, increase self-acceptance, and improve overall mental health. Thank you for taking the time to seek out therapy and feel free to contact me to get started on your therapeutic journey.

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Christy M Cuara, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a strong point to begin changing your life” -Deborah Day

 

I am so glad you are here. It is difficult to understand why we may feel lost, tired, and hopeless during our most vulnerable moments.

 

My approach to therapy is to create and deliver a safe and supportive environment that allows individuals to connect, discover, and address challenges.

 

I am passionate about helping individuals uncover childhood trauma, build positive coping mechanisms and self-esteem, personal development, impact of loss, trauma, and improving interventions to support emotional, physical, and relationship recovery.

 

I strongly believe rapport, validation, and empathy are key factors in a therapeutic alliance. *Bilingual Spanish Speaking, LGBTQ+,

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Elyse Ndu, MFT/PPC

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee/Professional Clinical Counselor

Hello! My name is Elyse, and I welcome the opportunity to walk with you through wherever you find yourself in your journey. I am people person who strives to create a safe space for others to express themselves. My motto is no one makes it through life by themselves. While in training to become a clinician, I am to use a variety of therapeutic models. While I find different approaches useful for different situations, I really gravitate towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, and Solutions Focused approaches. I am especially drawn to the treatment of PTSD, Trauma, Eating Disorders, depression, and others. I strongly believe in supporting others to live their best lives. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, where I gained my first experience as a peer counselor. I have also done work in personal coaching and organizational consulting. I am in the last phase of my Marriage and Family training at Touro University. I enjoy meeting and working with people from all walks of life in the past helping them to develop new muscles to lead healthier lives. If you think we might be a good fit, I look forward to supporting your wellness. All the best.

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Maya Curtis-Bobo, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

The human experience can be difficult to manage with the unknowns of life that we anticipate daily. These life experiences can often leave us feeling inadequate and alone longing for understanding. As a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee, I aim to provide a place of comfort for each client to be seen and heard through their presenting struggles. My eight years of experience in healthcare have allowed me to align the connection of the impact of mental well-being on physical health. I am passionate about working alongside clients as they reach life goals, adopt beneficial habits, and improve overall well-being. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment of seeking therapy, as I look forward to working with you soon!

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Amanda Turner-Keulen, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Hello! My name is Amanda and I am a graduate student pursuing my licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a trainee here at Life Source Affordable Counseling because I understand how difficult it can be to obtain quality and affordable care, and I stand behind their Mission Statement that mental health care services should be a basic human right for everyone.

 

Whether you are searching for peace, growth, or healing, I would like to begin by saying how amazing it is that you have reached this step of self-care. We all want to enter the realm of thriving in a world where many of us are surviving, but it is hard to articulate that sentiment when there is chaos around us, or even inside of us. I like to see individuals, couples, and families from a perspective that everyone, and every system is unique. I understand that what worked for one, may not work for all. I hope to provide a balanced experience consisting of proven techniques and holistic interventions, while creating a safe space for vulnerability. I am prepared to support whatever need you have in a non-judgmental environment.

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Paige Lauren-Taylor, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Paige Lauren-Taylor was born in Houston, TX and moved to Los Angeles in January 2013, after graduating from University of Houston, Magna Cum Laude. Paige found her passion for mental health and wellness when she began working as an administrative assistant for a psychologists' office in Los Angeles in 2018. In Spring 2022 she decided to go back to school to gain her Master's degree and become an MFT. She currently attends the online program with Alliant International University and is slated to graduate in April 2024. She is versed in many evidence based practices, but mainly practices narrative and emotion-focused therapy. Paige recently got married, February 2023 and is the proud pet parent of one absolutely perfect puppy.

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Karina Aceves, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

​I am passionate about helping those that need help. Making a decision to seek help is difficult. The therapy process is a way to begin healing your past traumas. Its a way to explore your potential to making changes to face any stressors or challenges you may face. I love to work in collaboration with you, to help you utilize your strengths, and apply them to your life. I provide a safe and encouraging environment that is based on respect and empathy. I have helped clients with depression, anxiety, anger, grief and loss, and addiction problems. I work with clients to feel empowered so that they can make the changes necessary for their success.

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Benita Revies, MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Hello, my name is Benita, I have always had compassion for helping others and working with people facing many challenges in their life. We all have our own unique set of life challenges, sometimes with heartaches along the way. I gained years of experience when I started my career working in Substance abuse counseling, then I decided to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in human services, with a concentration in addictions from the University of Phoenix. At this point in my career, I decided to gain experience in mental/behavioral health services, where my new journey towards earning a Master of Science degree in counseling of psychology, from California Baptist University. My master’s degree will assist me in obtaining licensure in Marriage and Family Therapist. During my educational journey, I learned several approaches and different forms of therapies, in which I found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused approaches to be very useful. My goal through therapy is to provide clients from many walks of life with a safe and comfortable environment, where I can empower and motivate them into a healthier quality life. While posing the ability to provide a wide range of treatment options, I’m especially drawn to providing treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, addictions, and trauma. While also empowering, and motivating clients to increase self-care, self-love, and self-acceptance. I hope you find me as a good fit towards your goals, and it would be an honor to support you to your wellness.

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Eriana Jones,  MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

I am an MFT Trainee with a passion for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. With a focus on supporting personal growth and well-being, I have valuable experience working with at-risk youth and individuals dealing with stress and anxiety. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and am dedicated to walking alongside those seeking positive change. Guided by empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients. If you feel we could be a good fit, I would be delighted to join you on your therapeutic journey. (:

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Paloma Margaret Mckenna,  MFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Welcome! I’m glad you are here.

 

Seeking help for better relationships and improved mental health is an important step to feeling well and connected. Compassionate listening and empathizing are essential tools to both learn and receive. I have found that many people are missing experiences of being received and loved exactly from where they are and many people have to deny certain parts of themselves out of a lack of safety or responsiveness to what is often underneath the problems they face. As a trainee, my emphasis is to work with couples, young to old adults, teens and adolescents who are struggling to face the challenges that they are met with. Whether the issue that brings you to therapy is relational, or whether it is related to past traumatic experiences that leave you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, stuck, and/or on edge, I believe in the power and essential need to reach out, share your story, learn new skills, and receive guidance and support from a trained professional who is knowledgeable and who cares.

 

I am most drawn to mind-body approaches, rooted in the science of attachment theory, family systems and neurobiology. In my free time, you will find me geeking out on the mind-body-spirit connection, embracing new experiences, spending time in nature, practicing yoga, integrating ayurvedic hacks, playing pickleball, and sharing quality time with my loved ones, including my lover/partner of 9 years, son and dog.

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