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I believe therapy should be as unique as the individual, so I tailor my approach to meet each client’s specific needs. Grounded in principles of systemic social justice, feminism, and collective liberation, my therapeutic stance recognizes the complex sociopolitical and familial dynamics that shape our well-being. As such, I explore the relationships and systems influencing a client’s life to help cultivate a more regulated and resilient nervous system.
Alongside traditional talk therapy, I integrate somatic, emotional, and intuitive techniques to offer a holistic approach that considers the whole person within their broader context. This combination fosters deeper insight and creates new pathways for sustainable growth and healing. Ultimately, my goal is to empower clients to navigate life with intention, self-assurance, and purpose.
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Focus Areas and Specialties
• Anxiety, Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Relational Issues
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Life Transitions and Adjusting to Major Life Events
• Identity Crises
• Navigating the Complexities of the Immigrant Experience
• Grief and Loss
• Stress and Burnout
• Caregiver Stress
• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
• Anger Management
Types of Therapy Offered
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Art and Music Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness Practices
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Compassion-Based Therapy
Communities Served
• Youth aged 18-25
• Seniors 65+
• Culturally Diverse Clients
• Individuals, Couples, and Families
• BIPOC Communities
“In my work, I strive to empower clients by reminding them of their strengths while meeting them where they are at. I aim to be their cheerleader in life, offering a nonjudgmental space where self-love and self-compassion can grow in ways that feel authentic to them. My approach focuses on creating a safe enough space for my clients to explore their vulnerabilities and be honest with themselves. At its core, my goal is for clients to feel truly seen, heard, and understood, while also being unafraid to challenge them to foster self-discovery and growth.
I believe in a person-centered, compassion-based approach where clients are the agents of change in their own lives. While Western therapeutic values often emphasize solutions, I find that integrating a holistic framework blending Eastern and Western practices can be profoundly beneficial. By incorporating mindfulness, exploring the mind-body connection, delving into the essence of peace, and honoring the inherent wisdom within our bodies, I help clients uncover their well-being in a more connected way. Our bodies often hold memories and emotions before we are consciously aware of them, and embracing this connection allows for a more integrated and meaningful healing process.”
~Jacqueline
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Languages Spoken
• English & Mandarin
“To me, cultural sensitivity goes beyond being open and curious about cultural differences—it’s about practicing humility, acknowledging that there’s always more to learn, and actively addressing biases that may arise. I believe that, as humans, we all make mistakes, and I aim to create a therapeutic space where both of us can reflect, express, and learn from those moments without shame. I stay curious, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt my approaches to align with each client’s unique cultural context. My therapeutic style is holistic and flexible, incorporating expressive forms of therapy such as listening to meaningful music or creating art. I integrate mindfulness practices, including short meditations and brief body scans, tailored to each client’s comfort level, to foster a deeper mind-body connection. I emphasize the importance of movement, which I believe is one of the most vital steps to improving mental health, and I explore clients’ fulfillment of basic needs—nutrition, physical activity, and sleep—to provide a comprehensive approach to care.
Additionally, I believe in bringing a sense of lightheartedness into my sessions when suitable, as I believe humor can often be an effective way to cope. Ultimately, my approach is designed to be flexible, collaborative, and reflective, ensuring that each session meets the client where they are while fostering growth and healing.
My professional philosophy and approach to therapy are deeply rooted in compassion, curiosity, cultural awareness, and empowerment. Growing up in Asia within the expatriate community, I experienced an identity crisis navigating the intersection of Eastern and Western values. This unique upbringing exposed me to the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in cultures where help-seeking attitudes are less evident or even discouraged. It shaped my understanding of the complexities of identity and the barriers to seeking support, driving my passion for helping others. I deeply admire the courage it takes to recognize when you need help, ask for it, and accept it.”
~Jacqueline
Jacqueline Shen
Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT#150866)
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In therapy, Meera Baya’a adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach, tailoring treatment to fit each client's unique needs. She is passionate about empowering clients to lead healthier lives and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Meera integrates a culturally sensitive approach to her practice. Having been born and raised in the Middle East, she emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding cultural beliefs, perspectives, and values, particularly as they relate to mental health and treatment.
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ADHD | Anger Management | Anxiety | Behavioral Issues | Career Counseling | Codependency | Coping Skills | Depression | Divorce | Family Conflict | Grief | Infertility | Men's Issues | Parenting | Relationship Issues | School Issues | Self-Esteem | Sexual Addiction | Sleep and Insomnia | Spirituality | Sports Performance | Stress | Trauma and PTSD| Women's Issues
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Meera Baya’a brings a wealth of experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults through individual, couples, and family counseling. She is also skilled in leading therapy groups, including process groups, anger management sessions, parenting classes, and domestic violence intervention programs. Meera is dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Meera Baya’a, AMFT
Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT#135656)
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I believe therapy should be as unique as the individual, so I tailor my approach to meet each client’s specific needs. Grounded in principles of systemic social justice, feminism, and collective liberation, my therapeutic stance recognizes the complex sociopolitical and familial dynamics that shape our well-being. As such, I explore the relationships and systems influencing a client’s life to help cultivate a more regulated and resilient nervous system.
Alongside traditional talk therapy, I integrate somatic, emotional, and intuitive techniques to offer a holistic approach that considers the whole person within their broader context. This combination fosters deeper insight and creates new pathways for sustainable growth and healing. Ultimately, my goal is to empower clients to navigate life with intention, self-assurance, and purpose.
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“I prioritize building emotional and relational safety with my clients through attuned empathy, active listening, collaboration, curiosity, and a touch of humor. The therapeutic relationship that is cultivated is central to the work that provides a solid foundation to explore the topics or concerns brought into therapy. In therapy with me, clients can expect to feel deeply understood and supported throughout the process. While I create a compassionate space for exploration, I may also gently highlight key patterns, dynamics, or insights that can be pivotal to clients’ growth. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I integrate somatic and intuitive approaches that tap into deeper layers of healing, offering alternative pathways to well-being and transformation.”
Rachel is a compassionate and skilled therapist who draws from a trauma-informed, interdisciplinary, and relational approach to support her clients. She integrates Psychodynamic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, and Family Systems to provide holistic care tailored to each individual’s needs. Rachel works with clients facing eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns, as well as those navigating couples and romantic concerns, chronic illness and pain, complex and chronic PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, and perfectionism. With a strong commitment to culturally sensitive therapy, she also supports individuals and families with immigration-related challenges and culturally diverse relationship dynamics. Rachel is particularly passionate about working with teens, adults, couples, and culturally diverse clients, including Asian and Asian-American individuals, helping them feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.
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“As a therapist, my goal is to decolonize the therapeutic process by using permission-based, collaborative, and client-led techniques that help clients feel safer and more included. I approach therapy from an anti-oppressive and liberation-focused perspective, recognizing that larger systems and relationships are integral to the healing process. On an individual level, I incorporate body-based practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing to support nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and reconnecting with the body. Additionally, I draw on intuitive, spiritually-informed methods to help clients uncover a deeper sense of purpose and meaning, enriching the therapeutic process and fostering lasting transformation.”
~Rachel
Rachel Mochizuki
Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT#151075)
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Yi Lee, is a dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist/ Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with an impressive background in holistic health and counseling. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. Additionally, Yi has been a licensed acupuncturist with the California State Board since 2008 and Nationwide since 2019.
Yi brings a unique perspective to therapy, informed by her extensive experience in holistic health. She has worked with diverse populations, including vulnerable groups during the pandemic, where she provided acupuncture, herbal consultations, and health education to address Co-Occurring Medical and Severe Mental Disorders. This foundation enhances her current work as a therapist, where she integrates a deep understanding of physical and mental health into her practice
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Anxiety | Depression | PTSD | Pain Management | Anger Management | Behavioral Issues | Coping Skills | Family Conflict | Grief | Relationship Issues | Self-Esteem | Sleep and Insomnia | Stress | Trauma
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Yi focuses in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She employs evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques to help clients build communication and coping skills. Her holistic approach bridges mental health and physical well-being, enabling clients to manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives.
Fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Chinese, Yi is adept at delivering culturally sensitive care to individuals, couples, and families. Her schedule includes evening and weekend availability, ensuring flexible access to care. Yi is committed to fostering personal growth and healing through a compassionate, integrative approach to mental health and wellness.
Yi Lee, AMFT, APCC
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #151181)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #18112)
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We are pleased to have Lori L. Breeden-Gomez, M.S., LMFT, LPCC, as part of our team at Avail Family Counseling and Psychotherapy, serving as the Clinical Supervisor for our Mental Health Department. Lori brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our practice, making her an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional mental health care.
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As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Lori specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families to address challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting issues, and workplace stress. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to individualized care.
Lori’s focus on fostering growth, connection, and balance aligns seamlessly with Avail’s vision. We are proud to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to bring to our clients and community.
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In addition to her clinical work, Lori is an adjunct Faculty/Clinical Supervisor who teaches graduate students entering the mental health field. Lori has been clinically supervising since 2005 and has been an AAMFT Approved Supervisor since 2014. Her role as an Educator and Supervisor reflects her dedication to advancing the profession and mentoring the next generation of therapists.
With extensive experience in residential treatment facilities and outpatient mental health settings, Lori offers valuable insights and leadership to our team. As the supervisor of our mental health department, she provides guidance and support to our therapists, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of care.
Lori L. Breeden-Gomez, M.S., LMFT39712, LPCC114
Mental Health Director/ Team 1 Clinical Supervisor
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John Vail is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Board Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). He is certified in evidence-based practices, including Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Seeking Safety. Over the years, John has worked with clients across all ages and backgrounds, witnessing the resilience and power of the human spirit.
John’s passion for mental health stems from his personal experiences growing up in a single-parent household, surrounded by poverty and environmental stressors. These challenges fostered his empathy and understanding for underserved communities, which shaped his early career as a psychotherapist working with at-risk youth. His experiences inspired him to expand his mission beyond individual therapy, creating Avail Holistic Wellnest, to address the growing health crisis and to provide holistic wellness solutions.
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Under John’s leadership, Avail Holistic Wellnest offers a wide range of services, including Mental Health Therapy for diverse challenges, ABA Therapy for neurodivergent individuals, Certified Wellness Coaching, Educational Coaching and Holistic Tutoring, to support students struggling academically. His dedication to wellness is fueled by his belief in the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of empathy and professional support.
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John’s mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive through innovative, accessible, and compassionate care.
The Avail Holistic Wellnest mission is:"To deliver high-quality holistic services to promote equity in health and wellness for all we serve."
Our goal is for the Avail Holistic Wellnest brand to be at the forefront of wellness, offering apps, a network of wellness centers, and online telehealth services across the spectrum of holistic therapies. Our mission is to spread holistic wellness through various therapeutic services, reaching not only all 50 states in the U.S. but also expanding worldwide.
John Vail, MA, LMFT
Chief Executive Officer
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We are pleased to introduce Monique Gutierrez, CTO of Avail Holistic Wellnest. With a Full Stack Web Developer background, and extensive experience in IT management, Project Management, and network administration, Monique excels at optimizing IT operations, leading system integrations, and ensuring secure infrastructure. Her technical expertise strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, reliable wellness services and scalable technology solutions.
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With a proactive and innovative approach, Monique excels in leveraging technology to align IT strategies with organizational objectives, optimize workflows, and enhance the scalability of systems.
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As the driving force behind the creation of our Holistic Wellnest App, she leads the Tech initiative to design and develop a platform that will revolutionize how we deliver wellness services. With content currently being crafted to complement this transformative app, Monique is committed to ensuring seamless functionality and an exceptional user experience.
We are thrilled to have Monique as part of our leadership team and look forward to the profound impact she will bring to our staff, clients, and the broader community through her vision and expertise.
Monique Gutierrez, CTO
Chief Technology Officer
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We are honored to have Carla Lavelle Trinh, LCSW, PPSC, serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Avail Holistic Well|Nest. With over two decades of progressive leadership experience, Carla is an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional mental health and wellness services to individuals, couples, and families.
Carla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), bringing a unique blend of expertise in consulting, client services, education, and mental health. Her proven ability to synthesize complex information, foster collaborative relationships, and drive strategic solutions makes her an invaluable leader at Avail.
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With a proactive and visionary approach, Carla excels in aligning teams with strategic objectives, streamlining operations, and enhancing program effectiveness. She is deeply committed to championing evidence-based practices and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve meaningful outcomes for clients and communities alike.
We are thrilled to have Carla as part of our leadership team and look forward to the lasting impact she will make for our staff, clients, and the broader community.
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Carla oversees our initiatives to support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in building sustainable programs that prioritize student well-being. She leads our efforts in implementing the California Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI) Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Program, which enhances behavioral health support for youth aged 0-25. Under Carla’s leadership, Avail offers grant writing assistance, Certified Wellness Coaches, and training programs to empower schools to successfully integrate wellness coaching into their districts.
Carla Lavelle Trinh, LCSW, PPSC
Chief Operating Officer