I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is a master clinician and supervisor, providing therapy for teens, and adults of all ages for over 25 years. I have worked for Palomar Family Counseling Services for over 17 years.

Within a safe, non-judgmental environment where you are truly listened to, I will work with you to help you understand how some of your behaviors and thoughts may not be serving you well. My goal is to help people thrive, not simply survive. My goal is to help my clients gain the tools to help them become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that because of my life experiences, I can help you understand yourself better. It is that understanding that will help you create a more satisfying life.

I am also a professional storyteller and have been on staff at our local children’s hospital in their Healing Arts Department telling stories to the children in their inpatient setting. Changing your story can change your life.

Specialties include: working with the LBGTQ community, trauma-informed work with experience in intimate partner abuse and sexual assault, mid-life and aging issues, dealing with divorce and family changes, grief and loss, anxiety, expressive arts, people pondering life choices, dealing with health conditions, work-life balance issues, spiritual trauma and questions about spirituality, adoption, chronic illness and health.

I provide Individual and family therapy. My therapeutic models include: CBT, Narrative Therapy, Feminist Empowerment, Solution-Focused, and Expressive Arts.

I provide therapy services online, by phone and in person in Escondido or Fallbrook CA.

I accept clients on a sliding fee scale and also accept MediCal, MediCare, Tri-Care, Aetna, United Healthcare.

Gwen Evans, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, is a clinical therapist in Escondido and Fallbrook. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and was also inducted into Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling’s Academic and Professional Honor Society. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH). By way of military service in the United States Navy, she is a happy transplant to California from New York. She has lived in San Diego for the past 39 years.

Gwen’s clinical experience is diverse, including work in domestic violence, adult abuse prevention, and crisis intervention programs. She works with a wide range of clients, from court-mandated and Medi-Cal funded, to veterans, military, individuals, adults, and couples of all ages. Gwen’s areas of expertise cover spirituality or faith-based issues, midlife and aging, military deployment, childhood trauma, and intimacy issues. In addition to her role as a family therapist, Gwen is a premarital (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) SYMBIS facilitator, ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) certified, Certified First Responder Treatment Provider, Certified STOP (Domestic Violence Prevention and Training) Program provider, and is an Early Career Professional Member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists). She uses various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused therapy, to provide personalized care to her clients.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, drinking good coffee, facilitating personal development and enrichment workshops, completing jigsaw puzzles, and getting her cats trained to become certified for animal-assisted therapy.

Service are offered on a sliding scale.

APCC #14741

Clinical Supervisor: Patti Christensen, LCSW 24129

I am a first-generation Hispanic and Latin-American Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, bringing a culturally attuned and compassionate perspective to my work. My background as a Registered Behavior Technician includes supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as working with women and families in crisis through non-profit clinical settings. Personal experiences with family mental health challenges have also shaped my approach, particularly in understanding complex family dynamics and the challenges of caregiver roles.

My Perspective on Therapy
I see therapy as the translation of the human experience, bridging the connection between mind and body to help clients reconnect with themselves. Therapy offers a space to observe and process the patterns, attachment styles, and narratives that shape our lives. My goal is to provide clients with a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can explore these aspects with clarity and empowerment.

Who I Help
I work with adults, couples, and families navigating significant life transitions or abrupt changes. I also support women managing hormonal imbalances or chronic medical issues, such as PCOS, understanding the unique mental toll these conditions can bring. Additionally, I assist couples and families facing challenges involving a family member or partner who experiences or has experienced psychosis or substance use concerns, offering guidance to strengthen the family system in the context of these dynamics.

How I Work
Using a systemic approach, I draw from Internal Family Systems to help clients explore their inner parts and emotional processes, while incorporating principles from Gottman Theory to improve relationship dynamics. I also integrate neuropsychological and biological insights, providing psychoeducation on the impact of hormones and brain function on mental health. This approach allows clients to understand both emotional and biological factors in their overall well-being.

Empowering Your Journey
I am committed to helping clients gain clarity, resilience, and self-connection as they navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to support you in crafting a meaningful path toward growth, connection, and harmony.”

Elyssa Becerra, AMFT, License #150109

Supervised by Laura Harris, LCSW, #1821

When an individual, a couple, or family members decide to share their life challenges, relational struggles, and suffering with a therapist, they seek to engage in a relationship to obtain some relief by making new meaning to their life experiences. During these interactions, we explore the workings of the minds both outside and inside the session and gain an experiential understanding of how we see ourselves and our patterns of relating to others, which opens new possibilities to experience life. My psychodynamic psychotherapy orientation is what informs me along this journey to self-understanding.

I have a California License in Marriage and Family Therapy and a certificate of Associate in Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. I also trained in Core Skills of Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach to working with couples to understand how partners can meet their needs better.

I have worked for Palomar Family Counseling Service for six years in clinical and school-based (elementary and middle school) settings with children and adolescents, couples, and families in person and via telehealth. I supported their efforts to enhance the quality of their lives by understanding what led them to experience painful states of mind and using solutions that add suffering instead of alleviating it. This therapeutic work contributes to personal development and transformation.

Before joining PFCS, I had experience with diverse cultures working in an international corporation where I interacted with teams in Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

I provide therapy services online.

To make an appointment, please contact 760-741-2660 or email [email protected].

Benoit Vincent, LMFT / License #139135

I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Health Coach. Also, I work as a facilitator in the Parenting Training program at Elementary schools. I became a health counselor to fulfill my passion for working with children and parents to improve their health and family life. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California Baptist University and my Master of Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University.

As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to improve relationships and well-being, I support clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, and personal growth. I believe the most important factor is the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I work from a collaborative, empathic, and nonjudgmental approach to assist you with gaining insight and finding solutions for the challenges you are facing.

My focus on treatment is on young adults, relationships, marital distress and communication, parenting, stress management, and life transitions. If you are looking for support and guidance with improving your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

My goal is to help you utilize your strengths, feel in control and build self-compassion in order to enjoy life. I am a proficient Spanish speaker and have experience working with clients in both English and Spanish.

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Soy terapeuta matrimonial y familiar registrada y asesora de salud certificada. Además, trabajo como facilitadora en el programa de Capacitación para Padres en escuelas primarias. Me convertí en consejera de salud para cumplir mi pasión de trabajar con niños y padres para mejorar su salud y su vida familiar. Completé mi Licenciatura en Psicología en la Universidad Bautista de California y mi Maestría en Psicología de Consejería en la Universidad Bautista de California.

Como terapeuta matrimonial y familiar asociado, trabajo con individuos, parejas y familias para mejorar las relaciones y el bienestar, apoyo a clientes que experimentan depresión, ansiedad, trauma, problemas de autoestima y crecimiento personal. Creo que el factor más importante es la relación entre terapeuta y cliente. Por lo tanto, trabajo desde un enfoque colaborativo, empático y sin prejuicios para ayudarlo a obtener conocimientos y encontrar soluciones para los desafíos que enfrenta.

Mi enfoque en el tratamiento se centra en los adultos jóvenes, las relaciones, la comunicación y los problemas conyugales, la crianza de los hijos, el manejo del estrés y las transiciones de la vida. Si está buscando apoyo y orientación para mejorar su vida, espero trabajar con usted para lograr sus objetivos.

Sometimes, it feels like everything is going wrong. Problems come at us one after another, leaving us barely able to breathe. The worst part? We feel completely alone—no one notices or offers help. Our partners are upset, the kids bring home their own troubles, and our homes are filled with negativity. We hesitate to turn to friends or family, fearing criticism or disappointment, or simply, we just can’t. We find ourselves disconnected from those around us and even from ourselves. We want to make things right, but we’re unsure where to start.

As a marriage and family therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families. My culturally sensitive therapeutic approach integrates solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and the Gottman Method couple therapy. I help clients understand their challenges, organize their thoughts and emotions, simplify tasks, set goals, and develop the resilience to get back up when they stumble. Often, deeper struggles emerge in the stories clients tell themselves. I guide them through these past narratives with acceptance and closure, helping them shape a future that aligns more closely with their desires. I believe that an individual’s mental wellness is the foundation of healthy friendships and couple relationships, which in turn, fosters a healthy family dynamic.

I am also a certified child-centered play therapist. I use a client-centered approach rooted in attachment theory to help children aged 5 to 12 express themselves in a safe, supportive environment. Play, being a child’s natural language, engages multiple senses and allows them to explore their emotions and practice building relationships. Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to communicate, connect, and experience a miniature version of the real world, especially when they’re not yet ready for the abstract thinking required in talk therapy. I also offer support to caregivers, recognizing how their own childhood experiences can influence their parenting, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to the United States as a college student. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and international students, I am committed to providing culturally sensitive mental health support tailored to their unique experiences.

I am proud to be part of a compassionate team of therapists with extensive experience across various specialties. I’ve had the privilege of training under one of the nation’s leading play therapists, which has deepened my commitment to continually seeking and developing innovative approaches to enhance clients’ mental wellness. My goal is to empower individuals, couples, families, and children to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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時々、すべてがうまくいかないように感じることがあります。問題が次々と押し寄せ、息が詰まりそうになります。最悪なのは、自分が完全に孤立しているように感じることです。誰も気づかないし、助けてくれる人もいません。パートナーはイライラしていて、子供たちは自分の問題を抱えて帰ってきます。家の中はネガティブな雰囲気で満たされています。批判や失望を恐れて友人や家族に頼ることをためらってしまい、あるいは単に頼ることができない状態にあります。周りの人々や自分自身とのつながりを失ってしまったように感じます。どうにかしたいと思っても、どこから始めればいいのか分かりません。

私は、マリッジファミリーセラピストとして、個人、カップル、家族を対象にカウンセリングを行なっております。ソリューションフォーカストセラピー、ナレティブセラピー、そしてゴットマンメソッドを取り入れた療法で、皆様が抱えている問題を理解し、思考や感情を整理し、目標を設定し、タスクを簡素化し、転んでも再び立ち上がるための回復力を身につけるお手伝いをいたします。また、皆様が自分に語りかける言葉の中に、より深い問題が浮かび上がることがよくあります。過去の自分を受け入れ、心の整理をする事で、皆様が望む未来の自分の精神状態により近くなれるよう、応援致します。　私は、個人の健全な精神状態が、健全な友人関係や交際、夫婦関係の基盤であり、それが健全な家族関係を育むと信じています。

また、私は認定チャイルドセンタードプレイセラピストです。チャイルドセンタードプレイセラピーは、アタッチメント理論に基づいたクライアント中心のアプローチを用いて、5歳から12歳の子供たちが安全な環境で自己表現できる治療法です。「遊び」は子供たちにとって自然な言語であり、複数の感覚を使って感情を探求し、健全な人間関係を築く練習をすることができます。プレイセラピーは、成長の段階で会話療法に必要な抽象的な思考がまだ身についていない子供たちのために、発達学的に適切な方法で行われます。「遊び」には色々な感情が伴います。「遊び」だから可能な表現や行動を通じて、心の健康を促進します。それに加えまして、保護者の皆様への精神的サポートも行っております。ご自身の子供時代の経験が育児に影響を与えることは多々あります。多数の専門家が、保護者の精神状態や行動が子供の成長や発達を左右すると主張していますが、それは改善策があると言う希望と共に、時には多大なプレッシャーやストレスにもなります。子育中に、こんなはずではなかったのに…と思い悩む事などがございましたら、お気軽にご相談ください。

留学、移民に伴う精神的サポートも行います。

私は、さまざまな専門分野で豊富な経験を持つ思いやりのあるセラピストチームの一員であることを誇りに思っています。また、全国有数のプレイセラピストの指導を受ける機会を得ており、クライアントのメンタルウェルネスを向上させるための革新的なアプローチを探求し、発展させることへの取り組みを一層深めています。私の目標は、個人、カップル、家族、そして子どもたちがより健やかで充実した生活を送れるように支援することです。

日本語でご相談いただけます。[email protected]まで、お気軽にお問い合わせください。

 To make an appointment, email [email protected] or call 760.741.2660

Sachiko Yamauchi Zhang, AMFT #137281

Supervised by Patti Christensen, LCSW #24129

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for families, children, teens, and young adults. I believe in the power of compassionate understanding and works to support clients through their unique challenges, respecting and celebrating diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

I have worked as a school-based therapist leading individual and group sessions for the past 2 years (elementary and middle school) and work clinically with individuals, couples, and families. 

As an adjunct faculty member and Doctoral student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, I also teach and mentor future therapists, emphasizing the importance of empathy, cultural competence, and inclusive practices.

My approach combines evidence-based methods with a warm, client-centered attitude, helping individuals and families navigate their journeys with confidence and resilience. My commitment is to ensure every client feels heard, valued, and supported in their path toward growth and harmony.

To request an appoint with Francesca, please call 760.741.2660 or email [email protected].

Francesca Kohani, AMFT #144482, APCC # 15596

Clinical Supervisor Chris DuVall, LMFT #38021

Natalia Esparza-Bugarin, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, provides therapy services in English and Spanish. She recently graduated from her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University.

She utilizes a collaborative Emotion-Focused, Feminist, and Attachment-based approach. She works with individuals of all ages (with a special focus on teens and adults), couples, and families.  Her areas of expertise include childhood trauma, attachment injuries, emotional dysregulation, coping skills, personal growth, and communication skills.

She has previous experience working with victims of crime including survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse as a Case Coordinator at One Safe Place. She has also worked with youth in the foster care system as a Residential Counselor and Supervisor at Casa De Amparo.

Available in-person in Fallbrook, CA, as well as telehealth.

Natalia Esparza-Bugarin, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #150245

Clinical Supervisor: Patti Christensen LCSW #24129

To make an appointment with Natalia, call 760.741.2660 or email [email protected]

Natalia Esparza-Bugarin, Asociada Terapeuta Matrimonial y Familiar AMFT #150245, recibió su Maestría en Terapia Matrimonial y Familiar en la Universidad de Alliant International. Recibió su Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego.

Da terapia en ingles y español y utiliza un enfoque colaborativo centrado en las emociones, feminismo y basado en el apego. Trabaja con individuos de todas edades (especializada en adolescentes y adultos), parejas y familias.  Sus áreas de especialización incluyen trauma infantil, desregulación emocional, habilidades de afrontamiento, crecimiento personal y habilidades de comunicación.

Tiene experiencia previa trabajando con víctimas de delitos, incluidos sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y abuso sexual, como coordinadora de casos en One Safe Place. También ha trabajado con jóvenes en el sistema de cuidado de crianza como consejera y supervisora ​​residencial en Casa De Amparo.

Disponible en persona en Fallbrook, CA, y mediante telesalud.

Supervisora: Patti Christensen LCSW #24129