Experience Change

“The process of living is like taking a very long road trip. The destination may be important, but the journey experienced day to day and week to week is what is invaluable.”

― Steven C. Hayes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change

Welcome

I'm Dr. Jonathan Villicana, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in the beautiful state of California. It’s possible that you’re on a journey to seek support or make positive changes in your life, and i'm thankful that you may be considering me as your therapist.

About Me:

Starting therapy and finding the right therapist can be challenging. So please allow me to introduce myself to help you determine if I’m the right fit for your journey. I am a first-generation Latino of Mexican descent, who provides psychotherapy for individuals aged 18 and older, including elderly adults. Some of my many areas of focus include working with, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals and those who have faced obstacles in their lives. I understand how difficult it can be, especially in the current climate, to find a space where you are truly seen and heard. Thus, my goal is to provide a safe nonjudgmental space.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a many individuals who were facing unique concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, health changes, relationship issues, life transitions, and other challenges. Witnessing these individuals grow into their own strength has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work and I hope I receive the privilege to be part of your journey.

My Therapeutic Approach:

I draw from a spectrum of evidence-based psychotherapy frameworks to tailor my approach to your specific needs. While I frequently use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) due to their proven effectiveness, the approach we take will be guided by your unique situation and preferences.

In our first few sessions, we’ll take time to discuss what’s bringing you in, explore your goals, and go at your own pace. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your story, and together we’ll discuss goals for our work ahead. We’ll also gently begin to explore and understand how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. We’ll explore those connections together, noticing patterns that might be helping you or holding you back. Once we identify thoughts that are unhelpful towards your goals, we will challenge unhelpful thoughts and consider different ways of responding, so you can move forward towards your goals.

My Philosophy:

Having worked in various settings—community mental health centers, medical offices, hospitals, and other treatment settings—I firmly believe that every human being has an inner strength and an innate drive for personal growth and healing. My mission is to help you reconnect with that inner strength so you can overcome obstacles, expand your emotional freedom, and actively participate in a life that holds deep meaning to you.