CLARISSA CORDOVA, AMFT
she/her
Supporting Your Healing ​
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As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I've worked with numerous individuals and couples, who've taken the courageous step of seeking help. I want to acknowledge the trust you're placing in me and assure you that I'll provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to explore your challenges and work towards positive change. My expertise lies in helping you develop stronger, more resilient relationships that bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
Growing up Latina, I realized that our community often faces unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health services. I recognize the significance of representation in mental health care. I became a therapist because I want to be a source of hope, comfort, and validation for those who may feel unseen or unheard. As a therapist, I'm committed to providing culturally responsive care that acknowledges the rich diversity of our experiences. By doing so, I hope to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and empower more Latinx/e individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST...
CLIENTS I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH?
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I'm passionate about working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from minority groups and first-generation communities. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or circumstances. My specialties include working with trauma, anxiety, and relationship dynamics.
I'm committed to making therapy accessible to everyone, regardless of language barriers. That's why I offer sessions in Spanish. Whether you're more comfortable speaking in Spanish or prefer to switch between languages, I'm here to support you.
Top Challenges I Work Best With:
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Phase of Life
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Women’s Issues
What does starting therapy look like?
If you are interested in working with me, please call us at 949-329-5233 or fill in the contact form below and a representative from our office will get back to you to see if I would be a good fit for your needs.
If it is deemed we are a good fit, you will receive your intake documents through your email to be completed electronically in the client portal of our electronic health record. There will be about 6-8 pages to sign in order to begin services, including informed consent forms, intake questionnaires, demographic questionnaires, and credit card form, etc. The exact forms will depend on the treatment service and the need for counseling.
What can I expect in a first session?
During the first session, I will cover the practice policies and go over your intake questionnaires to ensure we have a good grasp for establishing treatment goals. The first session will be used to gather more information about yourself (or your relationship with your partner), your relationship with the problem at hand, and establishing clearly defined goals for treatment, as well as establish therapeutic rapport to ensure a comfortable space for your continued growth in treatment.
MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
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Associate Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California
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Supervised by Dr. Melanie Gonzalez, PsyD, LMFT
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Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University
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Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
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Experience working with Anxiety, ADHD, Mood Disorders & Trauma
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LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Affirmative Care Trained
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Relationships- BIPOC, Interracial/Intercultural, LGBT+, & Traditional Relationships
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Bilingual: English & Spanish
How do I help you reach your goals?
In our sessions, we'll work together to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be holding you back. We'll focus on developing coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Your cultural identity is an essential part of who you are, and I'm dedicated to respecting and honoring that. Together, we'll explore how your cultural background influences your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop strategies that are tailored to your unique needs.
Trauma can be complex and deeply personal. We'll work together to develop coping strategies and techniques to manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being. I'll prioritize your comfort and safety throughout our work together.
In our therapy sessions, we'll draw on the principles of CBT to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. We'll also prioritize cultural sensitivity, recognizing the importance of your cultural background and experiences in shaping your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Finally, we'll take a trauma-informed approach, emphasizing safety, trust, and empowerment throughout our work together