she/her
Malena Puentes
LMFT
Location
Virtual, California
Insurance Accepted
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Of CA, Health Net/MHN, Blue Shield of California
Communication Style
Action-oriented, Challenging, Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Focus areas
Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Divorce, Family Therapy, Grief, Panic, Relationship Concerns, Stress, Women's Issues, Workplace Stress
Experienced with
Asian / Pacific Islander community, Black community, Indigenous Americans, Geriatric clients, First responders, Immigrants, Blended families
Years of Experience
16+
I soundly believe that if you can change your thoughts, you can change how you feel and improve the overall quality of your life.
License number
#40839
Therapy style
I use an eclectic approach that creates a safe, healing space that includes the client’s needs. I soundly believe that if you can change your thoughts, you can change how you feel and improve the overall quality of your life. We are meant to have fulfilling lives. My goal is to assist clients recognized the strengths that they naturally hold while helping them feel encouraged and supported through this journey of personal growth. I believe therapy is a journey of self-discovery of one’s underlying issues and an opportunity to see the unique potential of resiliency and empowerment they hold. It is never too late to regain control of your life and gain the utmost self-awareness.
Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
- Couples [Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)]
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Relational
- Solution-focused
- Strengths-based
Education
BA - Psychology, University of California Riverside
BA - Social Relations, University of California Riverside
MS - Marriage, Family, Child, and Couples Therapy, University of California Riverside
Interests
I enjoy going on hikes and nature walks, golfing, dancing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.