Avana Pace

My name is Avana Pace and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I use telehealth therapy to help adults live a more empowered and fulfilled life when faced with depression, anxiety, navigating relationships, and the stress of life. My approach to therapy is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.

My approach

I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I work from a client-centered perspective to understand the goals my clients have for their therapy experience and help them build their unique strengths to achieve them. I utilize a blended approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-Based Therapy. My goal is for my clients to feel empowered to make changes in the important areas of their life.

My focus

In my experience, my style and approach is a good fit for adults who are coming to therapy with an open mind and a desire to make a shift in their current life. I focus on helping those dealing with the challenges that come with life transitions, social pressures, and relationship conflict. For many of my clients, these challenges take the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-worth. I work to help my clients more successfully navigate these factors and build skills to develop a more empowered life.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, open-minded, empathic, and honest. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment, giving my clients the space to freely explore all parts of themselves. I always encourage my clients to be as transparent with me as possible, as I believe honesty and compassion are the foundations of a strong and healthy therapeutic relationship.

My journey to mental healthcare

I knew I wanted to be a therapist at thirteen years old when my own therapy journey changed my life. I remember realizing how powerful the support of a caring therapist was, and at that moment I decided to dedicate my life to helping others in that same way. I believe helping others is the most rewarding way I can make a difference in the world. For me, it is a privilege to get to sit with my clients week after week and be an active part of their journey as they grow into the version of themselves they most want to be.

My goals for you

Goal setting is a very important part of the therapy process, and for some, it can feel quite challenging. I work with my clients to set goals in a collaborative way, so they feel confident and in control of the direction of the therapeutic process.

My first session with you

In our first session, we will spend the majority of the time talking about what brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of this experience. This is the first step for us to start to build a relationship together that feels safe, comfortable, and supportive, so we can work collaboratively to help you reach your goals. Everyone is different, and my approach is to ask questions with an open mind and to be ready to learn from you about your own experience.