Mika R

I see therapy as a conscious, collaborative process—one that unfolds in a space of trust, safety, and shared understanding. In our first sessions, we’ll take time to get to know one another, clarify your goals, and explore the concerns or patterns that bring you to therapy. Building a strong and authentic connection is central to the work, and I aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is integrative, blending evidence-based methods with holistic practices. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help shift unhelpful thought patterns, and from somatic therapy to support emotional regulation and a deeper connection with the body. I also use solution-focused techniques to help identify practical next steps, while holding space for insight and emotional depth. With a background in the arts, I often invite creative practices into our work—such as journaling, movement, meditation, or guided visual exercises—depending on what feels supportive for you. These tools can open new pathways for expression and healing, especially when words aren’t enough. Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which help establish consistency and depth. From there, we can adjust the rhythm of our work to suit your evolving needs. I encourage open communication—this is your process, and we can adapt it at any time to make sure it continues to serve you. Whether you’re navigating recovery, trauma, transitions, or simply seeking greater connection to yourself, I’m here to support your path forward.

I have eight years of experience working as a drug and alcohol counselor for adults and adolescents in Los Angeles. This foundational experience taught me to hold presence in moments of deep vulnerability and to witness the courage it takes to choose healing. Working with people navigating recovery, trauma, and dual diagnosis has shaped my ability to meet clients where they are—with empathy, clarity, and a strong sense of accountability. I also worked as an art therapy instructor for senior adults in New Orleans, facilitating creative workshops focused on cognitive exercises and community engagement. These sessions often included drawing, collage, painting, and collaborative projects, creating a shared, creative container for growth. Many of the tools I use today are inspired by this work, especially for clients who benefit from creative or somatic alternatives to traditional talk therapy.

My path into therapeutic work has been shaped by both formal education and lived experience, across disciplines and communities. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in California. My graduate degree focused on trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and somatic psychology, with an emphasis on culturally responsive and integrative approaches. Throughout this program, I deepened my understanding of clinical theory while developing practical skills to support individuals through complex emotional landscapes. Before becoming a therapist, I earned an MFA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in London. This experience profoundly shaped my approach to creativity and healing, leading me to a career in public art. My work as an artist—and later as an educator—taught me how to use materials, movement, and metaphor to access emotion and deepen personal insight. I believe art and therapy share a common thread: they both create space for transformation.