Brenda Santillan, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Brenda!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist based in Los Angeles, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults ages 18-60 and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ issues using person-centered, trauma-informed psychotherapy to assist clients in healing.

My focus

I work with young adults and adults dealing with family concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, communication struggles, religious trauma, and self-harm. Together, we navigate current stressors and develop new coping strategies that fit your life.

My approach

My approach varies based on your unique needs. I most frequently use person-centered and psychodynamic modalities to understand your perspective and help you make sense of your experiences. This flexible foundation allows us to tailor our work to what matters most to you.

My communication style

My style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, which may even mean some swear words here and there. As we meet, our communication will be shaped in the way that fits you best.

My journey to mental healthcare

My path to therapy was shaped by my work as a Special Education teacher, where I advocated for families and saw their need for accessible, culturally responsive mental health services. I'm committed to celebrating diversity and fostering meaningful connections with clients.

My goals for you

My work centers on providing a positive experience tailored to your current needs. I look at the collective events and stressors impacting you to help increase your strengths. My goal isn't to fix you, but to shine light on the strengths you already own as we work together to achieve your goals.

Our first session

The first session will feel a little different. We spend time getting to know each other, and I may ask questions about your life. It's all about building connection and setting a positive foundation for our work together.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx
Agnostic

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

Trauma Focused

Attachment-based

+ 4 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

LGBTQIA+

Body Positivity

Educators

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Queer

Racial Justice

Sex Worker

Sex-Positive/Kink

Single Mother

Transgender

+ 13 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 61 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Arts (MA) Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California and a Master of Arts (MA) in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Brenda Santillan