Meet The Santa Clarita Team

Emily Dingman is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated with distinction from California State University, Northridge with a Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She uses evidence-based practices to work with you, your unique values, needs and goals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. She dedicates herself to creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for you to grow.

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Emily has experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses, with a focus on trauma related disorders, stress related disorders, relational and family of origin struggles, as well as anxiety and depression. She is trained in multiple modalities of treatment including, but not limited to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). She has worked with individuals, couples, foster families, and children from a variety of different backgrounds for over 8 years.

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Emily has been married to a first responder for over 14 years and is a proud mother of one. She prides herself on helping you develop the tools and coping skills you need to bring balance to your life. Choosing to begin therapy is a courageous decision. If you are ready to take that leap into self-discovery, Emily will be there to walk you through even the most powerful of memories on your journey. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

EMDR and TF-CBT

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Oprah Winfrey

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

Tommy Pickles

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Paris, France and Inverness, Scotland

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Hiking and nature walks 

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

With french vanilla creamer 

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Witnessing a client have an aha! moment 

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

My daughter; who I learn and grow with everyday

Kara Richards is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Los Angeles, California. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Secondary Education and a research focus in Human Sexuality from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. Kara has worked with clients of all ages and in various settings including schools, home-based, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and private practice providing, individual, couple's, and group therapy. Kara works heavily with anxiety, traumatic stress, and mood disorders and has specialized in human sexuality and perinatal mental health with both gestational and non-gestational partners. She has experience working with addictions and other compulsive behaviors by taking a holistic approach to address underlying stress reactions to promote more adaptive coping skills. Kara takes a person-centered approach in order to utilize different tools from various theoretical backgrounds to best meet each client's individual needs.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Perinatal Mental Health

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

My grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and she also had wonderful stories from a pretty remarkable life.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

After our teaching contracts ended in Spain, a friend and I spent 10 days popping around different cities in Europe. There were a lot of mishaps that challenged me in new ways. We also had a lot of fun, chaos aside. Certainly the most memorable trip that I still think of frequently.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

I enjoy going to my exercise class in the morning with my son and friends followed by getting breakfast all together. Then family time in the afternoon with my husband and possibly trying a new local restaurant for dinner.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

I enjoy mainly being in group classes whether it’s yoga, palates, HIIT, or strength training. I’m currently focusing on healing my postpartum body with a group specific to moms (my son is usually serving as my weight)

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

If they are good beans made well with a pour over method, I'll take it black; but if I'm at a big chain, a café latte will do

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Lindsey Lovier is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has a history of working with a diverse range of individuals and variety of age ranges. She focuses on working collaboratively to expand insight, increase individualism, promote resiliency, develop healthier coping mechanisms, cultivate growth while fostering change, and to identify and build upon one’s own strengths. 

 Lindsey believes therapy can offer a safe place to openly unpack, process, and cope with past and current trauma for those who are ready to take the leap, and commits herself to creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for growth. She enjoys working collectively to empower individuals to set and achieve personal goals while developing and maintaining a healthier mindset and way of being. She has experience in the use of Cognitive Behavioral, Postmodern, and Humanistic Therapies when treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, PTSD, anger, and interpersonal conflict/relationship issues.

Fast Facts:

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Bora Bora

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Taking my ATV out for a ride.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Playing softball or flag football.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Knowing that you had a part in affecting the life of another human being; offering hope when people feel hopeless; and inspiring others to be all that they are capable of being.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Balancing management of my own self-care and completion of client notes

Hello! I'm Jessica Shaylor an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping individuals find healing and growth. With 6 months of experience as an Associate Therapist, I specialize in working with adolescents and adults. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve their goals.

QUALIFICATIONS 

In addition to my Associate's license, I hold a certificate in Motivational Interviewing and Art Therapy, Creativity in Treatment Training. These additional qualifications allow me to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to therapy.

Fast Facts: 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Panama

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Riding my Harley Davidson alongside my husband on canyon roads.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

Black - is there any other way?

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

To be an On-Air personality in L.A.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Walking alongside my clients and supporting them in any way I can!

Mary Emily Cox is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC10965) with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.  Emily possesses a strong foundation for listening intently to her clients, assisting them to understand and achieve their goals.  She believes it is an honor to hold space for her clients, guiding them as they delve into their journey of self-exploration.  As a Reiki Master Teacher, Emily is conscious of the mind/body/soul connection in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can contribute to self-destructive conduct. Finding solutions to promote a client’s growth is the key for future success and fulfillment. 

Emily specializes in anxiety, depression, relational issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, and working with LGBTQ+ clients. She uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Didactical Behavioral Therapy, Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Person-Centered Therapy, Integrative or Holistic Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. She understands that there can be a delicate balance between approaches which may overlap at times.   

Emily creates a safe space for her clients and recognizes that therapy can be fearful at times. She believes by providing structure, stability, and support to those who may feel like the bottom is falling out, clients will raise self-esteem, feel empowered, and gain skills necessary to meet life’s challenges effectively.  It is through the most challenging times that the greatest growth has an opportunity to evolve. While encouraging clients to establish a mindful movement, self-care routine as part of the healing process, Emily herself enjoys running, cycling, investing time with her two dogs and spouse, and meditation.

Emily has several years of mental health counseling experience, as well as 13 years of teaching elementary school-aged children. Her time spent in the school environment allowed her immeasurable insight into family dynamics which in-turn added a different perspective as a mental health therapist and working with children and families.  She is able to examine family dynamics, child or parental challenges, and conflict resolution on a deeper level with her clients with a greater understanding in giving them the space to create their healing.

QUALIFICATIONS

LMHC (Florida), Reiki Master Teacher

Fast Facts: 

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

If I could have dinner with anyone it would be with my parents who have both passed away. I miss the conversations, laughter, and support they gave me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

My favorite trip was to Australia where I saw Princess Diana at the Australian Open.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

My ideal Saturday is watching college football with pepperoni pizza.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

I love running and cycling.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

My childhood dream was to attend UCLA to become a lawyer.

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My approach to treatment is tailored to each client's needs. I like to first start by establishing a trusting relationship where your inner thoughts and emotions can be freely conveyed. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can have a sense of empowerment, foster growth, and mutual empathy and authenticity. I have experience working with adults, families, and couples using a Person Centered, Solution Focused, and or Narrative Therapy approach where I meet the client where they are at in their journey. My clinical interests and areas of experience include childhood trauma, adjustment disorders, attachment, anxiety, depression, and the effects of mental health on couples. I understand the importance of ongoing collaboration, both internally and externally, and I pride myself on being a strength-based, adaptable, and culturally respectful clinician.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Prepare/ Enrich Relationship Assessment Training, Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training, Crisis Prevention Institute

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Rigoberta Menchu

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

My favorite trip was camping at Yosemite when I was a child.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

I dream of having the ability to fly as form of transportation. 

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

The greatest thing about being a therapist is being able to help find hope for a better future.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Sipping on my coffee and scrolling through my phone pictures.

Everybody has a story and I'm ready to hear yours. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in the field of social work. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and my Bachelors in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University. My background includes working with diverse social and cultural populations in child welfare where I engaged with children and families who had endured abuse, neglect, addiction and domestic violence. My emphasis is on supporting individuals in navigating the impact of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, as well as enhancing self-esteem and identity. 

My approach is strength based as I help you tap into and utilize existing coping strategies, in addition to learning new skills. I will help you make connections between your past and how it impacts your present. It is never too late to change the narrative that brought you to the crossroads where you may now be seeking peace and balance in your life. I look forward to providing you with a safe space where we can navigate your journey together. 

Fast Facts: 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

My favorite trip is to visit my oldest son in New York City. 

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

I take my grande triple mocha in the Starbucks drive thru.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Being able to meet people where they are at and reframing crises as an opportunity for growth.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Watering and talking to my plants.

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

Witnessing resiliency in the face of adversity.