Eris Huemer Winans, PsyD, LMFT
Co-Founder, CEO, Clinical Director
Dr. Eris is the founder of Therapize Me. She holds a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy, and guides people all over the world toward making positive and lasting life changes and reinventing themselves from the inside out. Through her books, media appearances, seminars, and social networking, Dr. Eris shares her special brand of wit and insight by holding up a mirror to the face of individuals and relationships in modern society. Through these mediums, she helps people gain an understanding of who they are, get through internal roadblocks, and then use that knowledge to create the life they want so that they can feel good.
Dr. Eris believes in treating the whole person through the tool she co-created: the SELF LENS™ (love, work, play, home, mind, body, soul), while drawing from an eclectic blend of therapeutic approaches and techniques including the Process Communication Model, Solution Focused techniques, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Depth, Play, and more. She takes a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to looking at people’s personal experience and helps guide them through their life stages.
Dr. Eris has shared her expert advice on the psychology of human behaviors on HLN’s Dr. Drew On Call, Nancy Grace, Jeff Probst Show, Hallmark Channel, NPR, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, KiiS FM with Ryan Seacrest and others. She was a star of Bravo TV’s LA Shrinks, and the author of Break-Up Emergency: A Guide to Transform Your Break UP into a Break THROUGH.
Dalena Powell, AMFT133120, APCC11666
Dalena Powell, Associate Marriage Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor, has provided services to treat a variety of disorders and has worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma related issues such as domestic violence and childhood abuse amongst many other trauma related experiences, issues relating to self-esteem, Culture Specific/POC, navigating relationships, parenting, marriage, divorce, infidelity, as well as those needing assistance in adjusting to the many everyday
circumstances of life. Her focus has been strengthening her client’s inner resources, increasing coping skills, reducing stress and providing a safe, non-judgemental place to process their experiences.
Dalena believes in creating a warm, welcoming, relaxed, non-judgmental approach that honors each client’s individual experience and feelings. She practices strength-based interventions based in Cognitive Behavioral/Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT/TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Systems Therapy and trained to provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Dalena has worked in various capacities throughout her career in non-profit and social services programs serving as an Advocate, Group facilitator, Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and Administrator serving diverse communities including Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Homeless Services and Runaway Youth services for a total of over 15 years. She is also a Psychology professor teaching abnormal
behavior and treatment of disorders. Exploring the many facets of behavior, working with others to empower them towards their individual goals, believing in core resiliency and being there to just be a support to people are a few of the things that have driven her professional career.
Dalena obtained a B.A degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and completed her Masters studies in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling with the intention of furthering her expertise in the field and ensuring that she is providing services that allow people to grow and achieve their highest potential.
Aramesh Afshar, AMFT143333
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Krista Rutzen, AMFT130993
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Krista Rutzen (AMFT130993) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working with others to help them live the best life possible. She has worked in the mental health field for more than nine years with experience in behavioral therapy as well as a background in chemical dependency treatment. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma focused CBT (TF-CBT) and solution focused therapy modalities. She takes a strengths based approach while remaining empathetic and meeting the client where they are that day. Krista believes that therapy should be a collaborative experience, creating an empowering journey for each client.
Krista has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University as well as a Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also completed the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals through Sober College.
Jacey Milliner, AMFT140322
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Jacey Milliner (AMFT140322) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in facilitating profound self-transformation. When working with individuals, couples, and families, her approach is firmly rooted in the belief that each person possesses inherent value and untapped potential.
She is deeply committed to nurturing the therapeutic relationship, recognizing it as the cornerstone of the transformative journey with her clients. Within this dedicated space, her goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment, empowering clients to fearlessly explore the depths of their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Her dedication to supporting her community, particularly the POC/LGBTQ+ community, is an extension of her commitment to helping clients navigate a range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues.
She utilizes a versatile toolkit that is customized to meet the specific needs of her clients, incorporating therapeutic methodologies such as cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and emotion-focused theories. She specializes in clients seeking help with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, and the Black/POC/LGBTQ+ community.
Jacey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside before obtaining her Master’s degree in Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University.
Taylor Trafficanda, AMFT 146472
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Taylor Trafficanda (AMFT 146472) is a dedicated and compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Taylor views therapy as a collaborative effort, believing her clients are competent and capable of resolving personal problems with some guidance.
Taylor is committed to fostering a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment to facilitate growth, healing, and positive change. She adopts a combination of approaches, including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment Theory, to create an individualized plan that addresses the unique needs of each client. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational issues.
In her practice, Taylor works with adults, children, and couples, tailoring her approach to suit each demographic. She believes in the power of personalized therapy to empower clients and help them achieve their goals. Taylor’s compassionate nature and professional expertise make her a trusted partner in her clients’ journeys toward well-being.
Taylor is available for online sessions, dedicated to making therapy accessible and effective for all her clients. She provides a welcoming space for exploration and growth.
Tatiana Sofovich, AMFT 142973
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Tatiana Sofovich (AMFT142973) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, passionate about helping people feel understood, bring deeper clarity, and facilitate positive change.
She specializes in relational issues, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-esteem. Her experience includes working with couples, adults, families, adolescents, and children. Tatiana provides a safe environment for individuals and couples to express themselves and process their thoughts, feelings, and navigate life’s challenges. She believes in the transformative power of establishing a supportive therapeutic to support client’s in working towards their goals. With compassion, empathy, and a commitment to your well-being, she is dedicated to helping client’s gain insight, foster their self-trust, strengthen relational dynamics, increase skills, and implement tools for self-empowerment.
Tatiana works collaboratively, utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach, providing therapy through a multicultural lens. She customizes therapy according to personal needs and works from a holistic and integrative model, drawing upon Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused techniques, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theory.
Tatiana received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Through The Gottman Institute, she is training in Gottman Couples Therapy, an evidence-based couples therapy model. She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and is beginning her certification in EMDR.
Tatiana provides therapy in both the English and Spanish language.
Daniella Diflorio, AMFT148284
Daniella is an empathetic Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relational issues, and grief/loss. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Daniella’s therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She is passionate about using art therapy as a tool to create a safe space for adolescents and children to creatively express themselves and explore their emotions.
During her graduate program, Daniella volunteered as a group co-facilitator for a grief support group, supporting children and adolescents in navigating grief, identifying strengths, and developing coping skills.
Daniella is dedicated to guiding clients towards more meaningful connections and empowering them to uncover and reconnect with their authentic selves. She is committed to fostering a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can build resilience and achieve personal growth.
Caroline Tudor, MA, AMFT133264
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Caroline Tudor (AMFT 133264) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who believes in the healing power of trust in any therapeutic relationship. Her experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence and couples and relationship issues has helped mold her to be an open-minded, empathic, and non-judgmental therapist. Caroline received her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she studied Jungian psychology. Caroline uses a psychodynamic and depth-oriented approach to help her clients explore the roots of their symptoms and believes in the value of long-term therapeutic treatment and relationships. She also leans on family systems theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Humanistic Psychology, and a client-centered approach to help her clients navigate the difficulties in their lives that may be keeping them stuck and in pain. Caroline’s clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, codependency, couples therapy, group therapy, phase of life issues (teens and early adulthood), and multicultural issues. Caroline wrote her master’s thesis on the importance of understanding multi-racial identity, and the role it plays in anti-racism.
Dana Secor LMFT 106030
Marriage and Family Therapist
Dana Secor is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. She previously received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New York University and has trained extensively in the field since 1998.
Dana taylors therapy to each individual using a Holistic, Person or Client Centered approach. She is proficient in such area as Anxiety/Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Somatic Therapy including Autonomic Regulation Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and co-occurring disorders (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency/Substance Abuse). She was a program manager for a rehabilitation center and has worked as a primary therapist in residential treatment facilities for teens, as well as adults. In addition, she is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
She is passionate about helping people with trauma and Dissociative Disorders work on integrating their mind, body, and soul together. She is certified in Nutrition Therapy, and is a certified Mental Health Nutrition Integrative Medicine Provider. She has worked extensively with clients affected by eating disorders, weight management, and the bariatric population. She is also experienced in working with clients affected by cancer, as well as grief counseling for terminally ill clients and their families. Her experience spans over two decades and she has also worked with clients affected by severe and persistent mental illness. She is an extrememly compassionate, empathetic, and nurturing individual.
Emine Hreno, MA, AMFT136427
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Emine is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT136427) and is skilled at connecting with individual clients, couples and families in an attentive and supportive manner. She has passion for working with diverse and marginalized populations, including transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her therapeutic philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing and she strives to provide a safe space where clients can freely express themselves, work through difficult emotions, acquire new coping skills and develop a fulfilling life. With a collaborative and goal-oriented approach, she draws from various modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.
Emine completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Palo Alto University. Her graduate internship experience included providing school-based therapy to students from diverse and often challenging backgrounds. After graduation she continued to work at schools providing therapy and collaborating with parents to support adolescents with issues such as social anxiety, trauma, LGBTQA+, gender roles, depression, eating disorders, body image, relationship and friendship issues. Emine also has experience as a suicide prevention and crisis intervention phone counselor at Star Vista, a 24-hour counseling hotline which equipped her to handle difficult and serious issues to better serve her clients.
Lindsay Ratkovich, MA, AMFT138880
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Lindsay is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 138880) and specializes in treating clients who struggle with anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Her approach incorporates family systems, psychodynamic, narrative, CBT and solution focused modalities to offer a comprehensive approach to treatment. Lindsay has worked in a number of IOPs, PHPs and residential treatment centers for clients that struggle with mood disorders, traumas and addiction related issues. Lindsay believes that insight is half the battle when it comes to psychotherapy, but it’s understanding HOW we get to where we want to be that the true work begins in therapy.
Lindsay received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She received her clinical training from the prestigious Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, CA working with adults, couples and teens.
Setareh Sassani134090
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Setareh Sassani (AMFT #134090) specializes in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues and is trained in many modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Emotion-Focused, Dialectical Behavioral, Attachment Theory and Family Systems. She facilitates her clients’ growth by helping them identify their attributes, needs, challenges, and strengths by empowering them to build healthy relationships. Her passion in helping her clients to better manage and/or alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression is by teaching them healthy coping mechanisms aiming to foster personal growth and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. Her therapeutic philosophy is centered on empathy, collaboration, and transparency, where she creates a safe and nurturing environment in order to facilitate her clients’ mental health goals in a supportive, productive, and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Setareh is also fluent in the Persian language and can provide counseling to individuals of Iranian descent.
Paula Verbit, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Paula Verbit is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#108436). She provides compassionate, individualized and strength-based therapy informed by Positive Psychology, Spiritual Psychology and Compassion Focused Therapy. Paula’s style is warm, collaborative and supportive as she promotes a trusting therapeutic alliance, which focuses on working with the client in designing a plan to facilitate healing and growth. Paula creates a safe space in which clients work towards self-awareness, insight and planned goals, accessing inner resilience,
resourcefulness and a sense of joy.
Paula works with adults, children, couples and families using a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Guided Imagery, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. Paula has experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, issues of aging, self-esteem and self-empowerment.
Paula received her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University. She is also a Certified Life Coach with experience in effectively coaching clients in the areas of relationships, peak performance and the creative arts.