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 specialize in trauma recovery, pet loss & bereavement reconstruction, compassion fatigue, and addiction. I work with my clients using an Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and narrative perspective incorporating the robust and effective therapies 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

Current Adjunct Psychology Professor at Compton Community College

Specialized Training

Professional Memberships

Specialized Training

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained
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

Professional Memberships

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Member
American Counseling Association Member
Association for Multicultural Counseling Development 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

Recommendations From Therapists

"I have been acquainted with Briana for about a year in our work for EMDR Professional Training, and through EMDR networking and consulting groups. She is a wonderful teammate, knowledgeable, positive-minded, resourceful, and multi-talented. She is truly a rising star as a therapist, and will be an asset to your recovery, healing, and personal growth."

"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."

-Jacqueline Stewart 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."

-Alex Iacovitti AMFT

"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"

-Tyler Branco AMFT

"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 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"

-Kristen Garubba LMFT

About Me

What I have done to prepare to help you

Education

Professional Memberships

Specialized Training

Specialized Training

Professional Memberships

Specialized Training

Professional Memberships

Professional Memberships

Professional Memberships

Recommendations From Therapists

Therapy Badges

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