Piernas Marriage & Family Therapy

• I’m not just a smile and nod therapist. I believe therapy should work. That means setting clear goals when we start our work and meeting weekly until your goals have been achieved. I check in with you periodically to make sure we are on track. We also set commitments at the end of each session to insure accountability and direction. What this means is that every client walks out of my office with a plan knowing specifically what they will be working on in the coming week.

• I give you actual tools to help you tackle the hard things. That means homework. It could be a journal prompt, a challenge or just something for you to ponder. I only work with individuals and couples who are ready to do the work. The homework I assign is given to aid in practice, introspection or accountability. It is not usually difficult, but necessary for change and growth to occur.

• Therapy with me is easy. That means show up as you are. I offer in person (preferred) or Telehealth for those seeking couples therapy across California. It’s fine with me if you are doing therapy in your car (as long as you are not driving and/or do not have someone in the car with you who is not also engaged in your treatment), it is also okay if you are holding your baby or in your closet to get a little privacy from others in your home. All I care about is that you are comfortable in session. The reason I care about your comfort so much is because studies show that the single most predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between client and clinician. If you are comfortable with me, you can then be open and vulnerable. If that happens, the likelihood of you meeting your therapeutic goals and finding healing is significantly higher. Your success is my success.

• I only take on clients I believe I can help. I’m not the therapist for everyone. If we schedule a consult call and we’re not a great fit, I’ll refer you to someone who can best serve you.

• I have been married since 2012 and in this relationship since 2005. I say this because I know how challenging relationships can be and I can relate to some issues that cause clients/couples to have relationship fatigue. This does not mean that my relationship is perfect, however I have been able to sustain my relationship over the years largely due to my skills and knowledge. I know what it takes to apologize and accept responsibility and how to utilize great communication tools to get through difficult or triggering moments. This makes it easier for me to teach you how to do the same.

• I am a mother of three. I know what it is like to juggle work, my children, their school and extra curricular life, managing a household while trying to maintain my sanity and it can definitely be a challenge. I know what this looks like and feels like because I am also in the struggle. What this also means is that I have tips and great advice to share about managing life with a family.

•  I work with couples and individuals to address issues that they may be experiencing concerning communication and conflict in relationships. My aim is to provide insight, but also to nurture and develop insight when needed.

• I provide a safe non-judgmental space for facing transitions that bring up feelings of fear, loss, anger, disappointment, and ultimately growth. I meet the most vulnerable moments of my client’s lives with understanding and acceptance.

• We’ll laugh A LOT in therapy. Life is short, so we can’t be serious all the time.

    THE ACADEMIC STUFF YOU PROBABLY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT

• I have a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

• I’m licensed in California (#105849).

• I utilize the Gottman Method of  couples therapy , and also use some EFT practice with couples.

• I offer workshops for couples to teach tools in a class format for those interested in learning tools, but not ready, willing, or able to attend therapy weekly.