About Me
Do you have “sticky” self-defeating thoughts that won’t leave you alone? Do you “know” you’re good enough but don’t “feel” it? Have you suffered the loss of a pet or loved one and struggling to find someone who “gets it”? I am here to help with these and more. We have all been faced with major changes and sacrifices in 2020. Some of these changes have left scares and holes in us. I truly believe we all have the power to grow and heal within us; sometimes we just need a little guidance and specialized tools to get started. I can help you gain strength, motivation, resiliency, and a deeper compassion for yourself and your journey.
I work with my clients using Feminist and Existential therapeutic underpinnings alongside my practice of the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model incorporating the robust and effective therapy Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), expressive arts, sandtray, and guided meditation.
2020 revolutionized therapy and reminded us of the beauties and pains that remain in the world. As an accomplice, I strive to provide culturally informed therapy and improve my & my fields awareness through advocacy. It takes incredible courage to seek help, especially now. I hope to be the therapist you can trust and connect with while taking this journey.
What I have done to prepare to help you
Education
Professional Memberships
Specialized Training
- Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of California, San Diego
- Graduate of Exotic Animal Training and Management Program
- Chi Sigma Iota Honor society
- Phi Sigma Theta Honor society
Classes I have Taught:
1. Counseling and Culture (MS)
2. Advanced Practicum (MS)
3. Pre Practicum (MS)
4. Modes of Individual Counseling (MS)
5. Human Development & Functioning (MS)
6. Crisis Intervention and Trauma Treatment (MS)
7. Leadership Skills and Personal Development (UG)
8. Introduction to Psychology (CC)
9. Psychology of Human Sexuality (CC)
10. Social Psychology (CC)
*Classes taught for California State University Fullerton's Master in Counseling program (MS), California State University Fullerton undergraduate (UG), and Compton Community College (CC)*
Specialized Training
Professional Memberships
Specialized Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Approved Consultant
- Approved EMDR Facilitator with EMDR Professional Training
- Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) Level one trained.
- Certified in working with Compassion Fatigue 2021
- EMDR Therapy for Suicidal clients, self harming behaviors and Borderline Personality Disorder training
- Safe TALK Trained
- Non-violent crisis intervention Trained
- Suicide for EMDR Training
- Neurodiversity and the LGBTQ+ Community: Best Practices for Services Providers
- Animal-Assisted Therapy Trained
- Implicit Bias training
- Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) and Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) trained
- Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing (DeTUR) trained
*I regularly attend conferences including EMDRIA, EMDR-Europe, EMDR-Asia, TRN-HAP and more. I also attend many presentations about special populations and therapeutic concerns. Many, though not all, have been listed on my specialty page*
Professional Memberships
Professional Memberships
International Conference Speaker
- International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D) Member
- Counselors for Social Justice through ACA Member
- International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (IARTC) through ACA
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Member
- American Counseling Association Member
- Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling through ACA member
- Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) formally known as Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC) through ACA member
- Association for Multicultural Counseling Development through ACAMember
- International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Member
- Human-Animal Interaction: Section 13 of Division 17 of the American Psychological Association Member
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Member
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Member
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers Member
- International Association of Canine Professionals Member
- Therapy Pet Unlimited Evaluator
- Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
International Conference Speaker
International Conference Speaker
International Conference Speaker
Guest Lecturer
International Conference Speaker
Guest Lecturer
- California State University, Dominguez Hills, Masters in Counseling
- Mt. San Antonio College
- The Compassion Fatigue Couch- Webinar
- KYOTO Animal School
- America's Teaching Zoo
- YIC Kyoto Pet Senmon Gakko
- Hiroshima Animal Care College
- Culver City High School
- Evergreen Elementary School
- Orange County CAMFT's 3000 Hour Club
Public Speaking
Recommendations From Therapists
"A damn smart accomplished therapist"
"Briana demonstrates excellent skill in the application of EMDR methodology, case conceptualization, and comprehensive understanding of the 8 phases and protocol"... "Briana conducts herself in a professional, responsible, ethical, and caring manner. I recommend her, without hesitation or reservation, in her pursuit to become Certified in EMDR"
"I have worked with Briana for years in EMDR therapy, networking, and consulting groups. She is knowledgeable and multi-talented, a rising star as a therapist, and will be an asset to your recovery, healing, and personal growth!"
-A.J. Popky LMFT, Ph. D.
One of the founders of EMDR therapy and Creator of DeTUR addiction protocol
"I have worked with Briana for years in EMDR therapy, networking, and consulting groups. She is knowledgeable and multi-talented, a rising star as a therapist, and will be an asset to your recovery, healing, and personal growth!"
"Briana demonstrates excellent skill in the application of EMDR methodology, case conceptualization, and comprehensive understanding of the 8 phases and protocol"... "Briana conducts herself in a professional, responsible, ethical, and caring manner. I recommend her, without hesitation or reservation, in her pursuit to become Certified in EMDR"
"I have worked with Briana for years in EMDR therapy, networking, and consulting groups. She is knowledgeable and multi-talented, a rising star as a therapist, and will be an asset to your recovery, healing, and personal growth!"
-Jacqueline Stewart LMFT
"Briana demonstrates excellent skill in the application of EMDR methodology, case conceptualization, and comprehensive understanding of the 8 phases and protocol"... "Briana conducts herself in a professional, responsible, ethical, and caring manner. I recommend her, without hesitation or reservation, in her pursuit to become Certified in EMDR"
"Briana demonstrates excellent skill in the application of EMDR methodology, case conceptualization, and comprehensive understanding of the 8 phases and protocol"... "Briana conducts herself in a professional, responsible, ethical, and caring manner. I recommend her, without hesitation or reservation, in her pursuit to become Certified in EMDR"
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
-Curtis C. Rouanzoin, Ph. D. FICPP, Licensed Psychologist, Approved Consultant in EMDR, &
One of the founders of EMDR Professional Training
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
-Ginger Klee LMFT, LPCC
"Briana is a wonderfully gifted and compassionate clinician who's grief and trauma work is absolutely stellar. Her empathy and creativity shine as she guides her clients through their personal journeys. Whether you are looking for an EMDR specialist, someone to speak with about the loss of a pet or loved one, or someone to guided you through processing past traumas; Briana can be that light in the dark"
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
"Briana is a passionate clinician that takes pleasure in guiding her clients through their most difficult moments. She combines her talents as an EMDR therapist and compassionate human to create a great therapeutic environment for clients to overcome their trauma and live a more healthy and fulfilling life. Clients working with Briana can expect to feel valued on an individual level that emphasizes growth and compassion."
-Tyler Branco LMFT
"Briana is a passionate clinician that takes pleasure in guiding her clients through their most difficult moments. She combines her talents as an EMDR therapist and compassionate human to create a great therapeutic environment for clients to overcome their trauma and live a more healthy and fulfilling life. Clients working with Briana can expect to feel valued on an individual level that emphasizes growth and compassion."
"Due to her vast, unique professional experiences and her passion for staying up-to-date on clinical research and education, she has been and will continue to be one of the people I consult with on challenging clinical cases of my own in my practice. I have heard her describe at length her work in EMDR therapy treating various populations and crises. I see her as a valuable colleague due to her sound judgement, clinical knowledge, and skills. She is passionate, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and uses her diverse experiences to her advantage as an EMDR professional"
"Briana is a passionate clinician that takes pleasure in guiding her clients through their most difficult moments. She combines her talents as an EMDR therapist and compassionate human to create a great therapeutic environment for clients to overcome their trauma and live a more healthy and fulfilling life. Clients working with Briana can expect to feel valued on an individual level that emphasizes growth and compassion."
-Alex Iacovitti LMFT
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
-Kristen Garubba, EdD, LMFT
"Briana is a dedicated therapist who provides a highly skilled approach to all areas of her work. Her expertise in EMDR therapy provides strong support in working with trauma and grief."
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
- Susan D. Cane, LMFT
I cannot recommend Briana enough. She is warm, dedicated and enthusiastic. Briana has a lot of skill in EMDR. She has positively impacted me by always being willing to offer support and advice for moving forward when a problem arises. (Consultee)
"Briana is a caring and compassionate therapist utilizing her training to effectively support clients in their therapeutic journey. Her unique niche in trauma and animal loss allows her to provide care to a wide range of clients. I highly recommend Briana and appreciate her hard work and caring approach."
I cannot recommend Briana enough. She is warm, dedicated and enthusiastic. Briana has a lot of skill in EMDR. She has positively impacted me by always being willing to offer support and advice for moving forward when a problem arises. (Consultee)
- Kelly Schooner , LMFT
Feedback from Presentations and Trainings
"Not only did I appreciate her depth of knowledge, I also appreciated her understanding of nuance and humanity in mental health"
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
"Briana created a safe, comfortable, supportive environment for consultation. I appreciated her enthusiasm, passion, energy & confidence."
- Basic Training Attendee
"Briana created a safe, comfortable, supportive environment for consultation. I appreciated her enthusiasm, passion, energy & confidence."
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
"Briana created a safe, comfortable, supportive environment for consultation. I appreciated her enthusiasm, passion, energy & confidence."
- Basic Training Attendee
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
- Basic Training Attendee
"Loved Briana! She was very responsive and helpful (in the most non-shaming of ways) during our practicum experience."
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
"Briana was very helpful, relatable and gave great insight into not only beginning to do EMDR but feeling more confident and comfortable doing so."
- Basic Training Attendee
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
- Basic Training Attendee
"Briana was a phenomenal speaker- Loved the energy she brought to the workshop."
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
"A wizard with abreaction-helped to move through stuck points with ease and clarity, assisted with building confidence, playful approach."
- EMDRIA Conference Attendee
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
- EMDRIA Conference Attendee
"This was a great session...More Please!!!"
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
- EMDRIA Conference Attendee
"This was one of my favorite sessions. I took a ton of notes and would seek out these trainers again."
"This was one of my top two favorite presentations from EMDRIA 2026!... These presenters were so well-prepared."
"This presentation was fantastic. I felt motivated about the topic to look more deeply into this issue and keep my eyes open for it in all my cases"
- EMDRIA Conference Attendee
"This presentation was fantastic. I felt motivated about the topic to look more deeply into this issue and keep my eyes open for it in all my cases"
"This presentation was fantastic. I felt motivated about the topic to look more deeply into this issue and keep my eyes open for it in all my cases"
"This presentation was fantastic. I felt motivated about the topic to look more deeply into this issue and keep my eyes open for it in all my cases"
- EMDRIA Conference Attendee
Therapy Badges
