hi, im zEna!
I’m a therapist for teens and twenty-somethings who are overwhelmed, shut down, stuck in their heads — or just navigating the general chaos of being a human in this world. If you’ve ever cried in the Trader Joe’s parking lot or Googled “why am I like this?” — you’re in the right place.
My clients are often dealing with anxiety, low self-worth, people-pleasing, complicated family dynamics (especially with moms), and relationship patterns they can’t quite name — but keep finding themselves in. Sometimes they’re impulsive or emotionally reactive. Most of the time, they feel like they’re “too much,” “not enough,” or both, depending on the day.
In our work together, I create a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself. I bring warmth, humor, and a direct, relational approach. I tailor therapy to you — drawing from modalities like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness. Together, we slow things down, explore what’s really going on, and build more self-trust and clarity.
I offer telehealth sessions across California for clients ages 13 and up, with private pay and sliding scale options available.
things to know about the human behind the thErapist…
I wasn’t always a therapist. I’ve worked in retail, restaurants, corporate business development, photography, operations — you name it. So I get what it’s like to feel stuck in a job you don’t love, to pivot, to start over, or to try on different paths hoping one will finally fit. That lived experience absolutely shapes the way I show up with my clients.
I’m also a photographer and lean into creative projects when I can — even when they’re messy or half-finished. I’m an avid thrifter, reader, and deeply obsessed with music. (Hozier is my #1. I won’t be taking questions at this time.)
I have ADHD — so yes, I actually understand what it’s like to live in a fast-moving, emotionally complex, overstimulated brain. It shows up in my life, and it’s part of why I hold so much nuance and compassion in my work.
I’m originally from the East Coast ( Philly suburb) and know what it’s like to move, re-root, and start fresh — more than once.
And most importantly: I have a dog named Piggy who is the actual light of my life. If you’re lucky, he may or may not make a cameo during a virtual session.
I bring all of this with me into the work — the pivots, the creative mess, the curiosity, the sarcasm, and the deep belief that there are a thousand ways to be a person. , and therapy should make space for all of them.
if you’re rEaching out on bEhalf of a tEen or young adult…
know that I bring both clinical grounding and relational depth to this work. I specialize in attachment-based trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and complicated family dynamics — and I’m especially skilled at working with clients who haven’t felt fully “gotten” in therapy before.
In addition to my private practice, I have extensive experience as a primary therapist in a residential treatment setting for high-acuity teens. I’ve worked closely with families, care teams, and programs to support clients with complex emotional and behavioral needs — and I know how to build trust with clients who don’t always trust easily.
Whether they’re presenting with shutdown, impulsivity, relational reactivity, or chronic overwhelm, I work collaboratively to build insight, connection, and lasting change — without forcing disclosure, pathologizing, or trying to fix what needs to be understood first.
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Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology — Antioch University of Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology — University of Kentucky
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Paradigm Treatment Center Malibu - Adolescent Program Primary Therapist
Reasons Eating Disorder Center - Residential Primary Therapist, Virtual PHP Therapist, Clinical Outreach Specialist
Southern California Counseling Center - Community Mental Health Center
Eating Recovery Center of Washington - Behavioral Health Counselor
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Reiki Level 3
Breathwork Certification