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
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.
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.
Manuela Castro, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee
We all go through struggles in our lives. If you are here deciding if you want to take that leap and improve your life and mental health. Do it! It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to ask for help. I am passionate about helping individuals from different demographics and populations. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, daily life issues, truama, or would like to improve yourself I can help you.
This can be an overwhelming proces but I will create a safe and compassionate environment with no judgement. You are free to speak what is on your mind and feel your emotions with no shame or guilt. You will feel empowered by feeling supported, validated and heard.
You are my priority. Each client's treatment plan will be individualize to meet their needs and goals. We will work together to reach the goals you have set for yourself. I want you to live your best life and be your best self. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultuation to see if you would like to move forward with me.
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.
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. (:
Kaoru Pasache, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee
Adversities are inevitable in life. In order to swim through a sea of challenges, we all need support and need to learn healthy coping skills. The courage to reach out for help already shows one’s strength; I respond with respect, compassion, empathy, and integrity, and strive to create safe and non-judgmental space.
My name is Kaoru (Kay). I am from Japan and have been living in the U.S. for 17 years. I am a firm believer in the power of dialogue. An hour of quality dialogue can be a transformative experience of finding a life-long friend or partner. I believe quality dialogues are also necessary and possible in the therapy room between couples and family members for mutual understanding.
Are you experiencing pain, fear, and distress due to relationship challenges or life transitions? Are you feeling hopeless due to depression, anxiety, or trauma? Do you feel stuck with communication problems, boundary issues, or negative self-image? Are you hurt experiencing oppression or microaggression from others? Do you recognize yourself as a Highly Sensitve Person (HSP) and find interpersonal relationships emotionally exhausting? Are you feeling left behind from society due to an illness? I’d like to hear your story and help you process feelings, experience self-exploration/discovery, and cultivate self-compassion. I have some experiences with such individuals and I also worked with neurodivergent population in the past at a non-clinical setting. My interest areas for therapy also include grief, crisis intervention, and women’s health. I see my role as a therapist as someone who stays nearby and carries a lantern as you walk the dark and bumpy road, so you can see things better and find hope. My personal beliefs align with person-centered and existential therapy. In many circumstances, we don’t have control over obstacles in life. Still, what choices do we make to move forward? How do we continue to grow as a person? From the family systems perspective, we can review multiple aspects of family such as: structure, dynamic, culture, communication, patterns, roles, and history. Then explore how they have impacted your development and coping methods. I encourage holistic approaches in some cases, like reviewing diet and activities, engaging with nature and animals, and utilizing art and music. I’m naturally into Eastern approaches such as mindfulness practice/meditation, yoga, and use of acupressure points. I am happy to share some tips and somatic approaches to ease emotional and physical symptoms. I am committed to serve clients with diverse background including underserved population and immigrants, and I respect clients’ spirituality and faith.
Dre Meller, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee
As a parent of an anxious and stressed teen, you may be wondering what you can do to support your child. Anxiety and stress can feel like a huge weight to carry, but your teen and family does not have to carry it alone. I believe one of the best things teens can do is get support while their brains are still developing. It can be hard to ask for help and can feel overwhelming. My passion is helping others find a sense of relief from anxiety. I help teens turn stress into success.
My style of therapy is affirming, integrative, and trauma-informed. I believe in a client centered approach and offer help with processing trauma, finding positive coping strategies that work for you, and reducing stress through mindful awareness. I offer an eclectic mix of therapy styles including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Comprehensive Resource Model. I see therapy as a process of weaving together positive tools and processing thoughts, experiences, and emotions through trauma informed approaches.
I have over 20 years of experience working with young people in schools. Prior to my experience as a Trainee Therapist I have worked as an educator teaching in the wellness and special education fields. My previous master's degree is in human development with a focus on social change.
We all have a story to tell. And.. "There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story." - Mister Rogers.
Sukai Kah, Psyd
PsyD Trainee
Hello! Currently I am attending Azusa Pacific University getting a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. I have a passion for helping others which has stemmed from childhood. While getting my master’s in forensic psychology, I realized that I wanted to shift towards clinical psychology. I have previous experience working with diverse populations. I have experience working with adolescents and elder adults dealing with daily life stressors, anxiety, and depression. I have gained this experience due to working as a Therapeutic Behavioral Coach and a Social Worker. Currently my interest is working with diverse populations with a wide range of presenting problems. I believe in providing a safe and supportive place to all. Seeking therapy is a step and I want to walk with my clients on their therapeutic journey.
Thema Poarch, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee
Life’s journey is filled with challenges that help us grow toward clarity, acceptance, and understanding. As your therapist, I will support you in navigating through the complexities of life by providing a safe space to express your thoughts freely. If you are struggling with cycles of distress due to anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-worth, or relationship issues, I would like to collaborate with you on your journey to inner peace.
My style of therapy is a person-centered approach that provides a nonjudgmental environment conducive to honest self-exploration. Areas of specialized training include Solutions-Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) trauma therapy.
I embrace spirituality as a resource for empowerment, healing, and finding meaning in life's journey. My goal for every client is to provide a safe refuge where we can work together to unlock your superpower.
Miguel Angel Cervantes, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee
Welcome! My name is Miguel Cervantes, I am a bilingual (Hablo Español) Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee.
I received my Bachelor’s in Sociology from California State University, of San Bernardino. I am currently wrapping up my last two semesters of Grad school at California Baptist University. I will receive my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology next spring of 2024. I am also currently completing my practicum with Life Source Affordable Counseling Services, via in person or telehealth.
I am aware that taking this big step is not always easy but trust me you’re on the right track. Mental health awareness is important in every stage of life, it can influence our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions. I have experience working with adults, youth, adolescents, crisis, and coping skills management. I have worked as a youth advocate, and I currently work as a Social Worker.
I provide a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental, and comfortable environment, for my clients to start their healing and feel better about themselves. I have interest in clients who need the right guidance, motivation, and coping strategies to improve any aspect of their life. If you have difficulties with controlling emotions, self-control, decision making, anxiety, anger management, communicating, or depression symptoms please reach out for a free phone consultation and together start your new path. As I understand every client has unique needs, I will adjust any interventions or techniques to help you reach your desired goals. Remember, to get to a destination you must take control of the wheel. You got this.
Isaiah Whisner
Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee/Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee
Hi, my name is Isaiah Whisner, a therapist trainee here at Life Source Affordable Counseling. When people are facing major life transitions the first brave step is to acknowledge that you need help. I am happy that you have taken that first step to starting therapy.
I enjoy working with high school students, college students, and adults experiencing major life transitions and I am passionate about working with and helping LGBTQIA+ youth and adults by providing a safe and nurturing space where you can feel accepted and understood. Together we can create meaningful changes and the possibility of a more fulfilling life.
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and going to concerts. In the evenings you can find me in the kitchen creating delicious meals for family and friends. I like traveling as a way of experiencing new cultures and learning new points of view. My three favorite places so far are Iceland, Ireland, and Norway. I look forward to working with you.
Diane Louise Maldonado
Clinical Mental Health Counselor Trainee
Hi my name is Diane Maldonado and I am a Trainee in the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have had training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and have a deep desire to help them become restored. Assisting your family as you navigate the grief that comes with experiencing these deep wounds, so that everyone can negotiate the future together, is my intentional purpose. Advocating for you and supporting your life journey is my aspiration by helping you discover the tools within yourself to empower you to be even more successful. “Healing takes time, some wounds take longer.” Let me help you walk through this time in your life as we heal these wounds. I practice deep breathing, mindfulness-based therapy, strengths based, and cognitive behavioral therapy myself. You don’t know if a tool works until you use it, so let’s find the tools you need. I read a book several years back and one of the quotes stuck with me, it says: “Often the hardest person to fight for is yourself. But you must. Your heart is needed. You must be present and engaged in order to love well and fight on behalf of others. Without you, much will be lost.” Stasi Eldredge, Captivating.
I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better.