Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Thousand Oaks, CA

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 20 years of experience. I provide compassionate and culturally responsive care to clients from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. My expertise includes treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and alcohol and substance use challenges, along with concerns such as codependency, conflict resolution, anger management, divorce and separation, low self-esteem, employment-related difficulties, and major life transitions. My advanced training during my alcohol/substance abuse fellowship strengthened my background in addiction treatment.

I earned my master’s in psychology and marriage and family therapy from Alliant International University. My therapeutic orientation is humanistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I use integrative, client-centered approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive processing therapy.

I take an empowering approach that supports clients in building insight, confidence, and the coping skills needed to improve well-being. I prioritize communication, partnership, and a trusting therapeutic connection. Sessions begin with active listening and a nonjudgmental space designed to help clients feel supported as they work toward meaningful change.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 12 years of experience. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and life transitions. I focus on understanding how social and emotional needs are shaped by environmental influences, genetics, and social interactions. My experience includes ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum, community mental health with families, and adult private practice. I support clients in functioning at home, school, and work while navigating life’s challenges with confidence.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from California State University, Northridge. I am also certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and managing and adapting practice, structured evidence-based models used to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and disruptive behaviors.

Since no one method works for everyone, we will explore your goals, understand the barriers you may have faced in the past, and develop a personalized plan that supports meaningful progress. Therapy can be a place where things begin to make sense, and where you can gain the insight and practical tools needed to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Fernando Avila is a Licensed Psychologist (PhD) who specializes in treating a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and stress in adolescents and adults. He has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. 

Fernando completed his PhD at the University of Denver. As a Latino male born in a different country, he personally understands that people are very unique and from a variety of backgrounds. He has an open and honest approach with others. 

Fernando is a supportive and collaborative therapist who seeks to help those in need. He sees each individual as unique and hopes to provide the necessary coping skills that will help you thrive and meet your goals. Fernando will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing a variety of tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a strength-based approach. 

Sara Lewis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that has over 11 years of experience. She specializes in treating children, teens, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Sara is passionate about assisting others in obtaining optimal mental health while managing challenges of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, career and professional issues, and social concerns.

Sara completed her Master's degree in Social Work at California State University-San Bernardino, with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families. She is a divorced mother and grandmother that has intimately experienced the joys and stressors that accompany a life of varied and diverse emotions. Sara's professional expertise enables her to provide support and a collaborative experience to clients seeking help. Sara's interventions/modalities are eclectic and include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and much more.

Sara will provide empathy and understanding to support you on your therapeutic journey while helping you obtain symptom reduction and better functioning in your daily life. Start your new path—schedule an appointment today.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore identity, strengthen relationships, and heal from past experiences. My goal is to empower you to connect with your inner resilience, find clarity, and build meaningful change. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you, it’s about reconnecting with who you are.

I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. My training emphasized evidence-based practices and a humanistic approach that respects each client’s unique story. I draw from relational, person-centered methods to tailor care to your specific needs, always focusing on trust, compassion, and growth.

I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where you are the expert of your own life. My role is to offer genuine support, cultural awareness, and an environment built on openness and honesty. If you’re seeking a therapist who will listen with empathy and guide you toward insight, healing, and wholeness, I would be honored to connect with you.