Meet Our Buena Vibra Providers
At Buena Vibra Psychological Services, Inc., we believe that everyone has the potential to experience Buena Vibra. Our team of experienced psychotherapists are dedicated to helping our clients develop the skills and strategies they need to cultivate a positive mindset and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, we are here to help you find your Buena Vibra and embrace all the possibilities that life has to offer.
Justine Collazo, LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist Lic.#119202
Registered Art Therapist, ATR #20-201
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress. I help couples and families adjust to changing circumstances and improve communication. Along with my professional experience, I have the personal experience of sitting in the client chair. Coming from a multicultural, blended family, I understand the complexities and nuances in diverse family systems. And it’s these perspectives I bring to my work with clients- considering each whole person in my approach to treatment. I use an eclectic theoretical approach, incorporating theories such as Psychodynamic, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Person Centered, Narrative Therapy, Systemic and Structural Family Therapy along with Mindfulness and Somatic techniques. In addition to talk therapy, I offer Art Therapy as an expressive modality that can be incorporated to support your goals. It allows for processing through creative expression, engaging our senses, and meaning-making.
I help those who may struggle with roller coaster moods, big emotions, and high levels of stress or anxiety that drive day-to-day habits and interactions. We all find ways to deal with our inner and outer worlds, but sometimes those familiar ways of coping aren’t helpful long term or we outgrow what once worked for us. I believe building the mind-body connection through Mindfulness is key to deepening awareness and understanding. Learning to tune into the messages our body sends and working through the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and beliefs that keep us stuck or repeating damaging patterns helps pave the way for long lasting change. We’ll work together to develop practical strategies for coping, behavior activation, stress reduction, assertive and interpersonal communication. I look forward to developing a therapeutic relationship with you and supporting your growth.
Mildred Ortiz, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist Lic. Psy28287
Spanish Speaking Therapist
I’ve learned and grown as a therapist through my professional experiences
serving my community working with adults, couples, and families. I’ve provided clinical support and guidance to patients of different walks of life, experiences, cultures and traditions, including monolingual Spanish speakers. As a therapist, I’ve helped people faced with overwhelming life stressors, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’ve provided therapeutic support to individuals feeling troubled by recent life transitions, grief and loss, difficulties with employment, or relationship issues involving intimacy and communication. In the years serving as a clinical psychologist. I have come to appreciate and value our desire and need to relate to others in healthy ways, while maintaining our sense of autonomy. I strive to help clients create healthy boundaries for themselves, while taking great care in exploring, identifying and preserving cultural and traditional value systems within their relationships.
Tristin Salazar-Dang, AMFT
CA-Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144018
Supervised by Dr. Mildred Ortiz, Psy28287
As a mixed woman, I have an awareness of various social identities that can create added pressure and hidden stress. We are continually evolving and growing, but there are times when those changes are hard to accept or feel forced upon us. Therefore, I am here to listen if you have felt silenced, offer validation if you have been ignored, and provide support as you embark on your new self-guided journey. Asking for help is never easy and turning the focus inward and holding yourself accountable can be equally as daunting. Please know I enjoy creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, whether that be in-person or online. Choosing a therapist is not easy! I hope we can work together to achieve your treatment goals during this significant time in your life. Once again, I am so happy, you’re here!
Elvis Gonzalez (preferred name: Elliott), AMFT
CA-Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #150297
Supervised by Dr. Mildred Ortiz, Psy28287
Spanish Speaking Therapist
Hola! my name is Elliott Gonzalez! Professionally, I have worked with individual, couples, and families in community mental health and K-12 academic settings. A philosophical stance I maintain is that we have the answers we need deep within us, we just sometimes need help accessing them. Because of everyone’s unique story, I utilize an eclectic approach to meet your needs by including elements of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Gottman, and Person-Centered Therapy. I also maintain a collaborative and empathetic approach to care and can match your energy!
Experience wise, I’ve helped clients experiencing complex trauma, mood disorders, career transitions, interpersonal conflict, grief, high levels of stress and anxiety, and men’s issues. It’s always an honor being a part of a client’s journey to self-discovery and living authentically, so I hope I can be a part of your journey as well!
Sveta Rao, AMFT
CA-Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #147335
Supervised by Dr. Mildred Ortiz, PSY28287
Hi, I am Sveta! I use she/her pronouns and my name is pronounced sway-tha. I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy virtually in California.
I am passionate about working with the interplay of attachment wounds, trauma, shame, and grief that show up as mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression in our everyday lives. As a queer, South asian therapist, my clinical interests include working with historically overlooked populations and harmful messaging. My approach is warm and curious but also direct and authentic. I have received extensive training in Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am excited to work with you.
Guadalupe Thompson
Client Coordinator/Coordinadora de paciente
