Hi, I'm Marili!
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. My passion is helping adults and couples build meaningful connections and find their path to self-empowerment and growth.
Growing up, I was the curious one, always asking questions and genuinely interested in the lives of others. This natural curiosity led me to therapy, where I could channel that passion into helping people gain deeper insights into their own lives.
I offer fully virtual sessions to clients across California, making therapy accessible and convenient for those I work with. My approach is about the client—client-centered and humanistic. I am trained in EMDR therapy and the primary focus of my work integrates the AIP model and ego state "parts" work to help you understand your current and past experiences. I often educate, integrate strength-based methods, and draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques as needed to support you in reaching your goals. For couples, I bring in Gottman Couples Therapy techniques to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Specializing in trauma and PTSD, I offer support for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, dissociation, and the lasting effects of traumatic experiences. I also specialize in addressing issues of self-worth, relational distress, and enhancing communication skills. Whether navigating difficult relationships or resolving conflicts, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to freely express your thoughts and feelings.
I know finding the right therapist can be tough. That's why I commit to meeting you exactly where you are in your journey, while gently challenging you to grow. If you're ready to start making changes or if you have any questions, please reach out via my contact page!
Hi, I'm Julia!
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist offering telehealth services in the state of California, working under the supervision of Marili Arellano Alvarez, LMFT. I'm passionate about helping teens, adults, couples, and mothers navigate anxiety, stress, self-doubt, and the big emotions that come with life's transitions.
For as long as I can remember, I've been the person who cared deeply about the people around me, naturally inquisitive about others' lives and drawn to nurturing and supporting them. That instinct is what led me to this work. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. My style is warm yet direct — I'll validate where you are while gently helping you move forward, and I'm not afraid to bring a little humor into the room when it helps!
I feel especially called to work with couples navigating relational issues and with mothers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. With over seven years of experience supporting children and families, I have a deep appreciation for how much weight parents and mothers carry and how much can shift when they feel truly supported. I'm also drawn to identity development, social conflict, and the unique pressures facing teens.
I'm trained in EMDR and draw from CBT, DBT, IFS, and EFT to tailor our work to what you need. A bit about what that can look like: EMDR helps you reprocess painful experiences and break free from the negative beliefs that trauma leaves behind — so you can live as who you really are, rather than the version trauma shaped you into. CBT helps you examine and shift the thought and behavior patterns that keep you stuck in cycles of negativity. IFS helps you understand the different "parts" of yourself and why they show up, while reconnecting you to the calm, clarity, and confidence that live at your core.
For couples, I offer Premarital and Foundational Couples Counseling using the evidence-based Prepare/Enrich program, helping partners build strong communication and conflict-resolution skills from the very start.
I'm committed to helping you make meaningful, lasting change. If my approach feels like a fit for what you're looking for, I'd love to hear from you — please reach out through our contact page or email me directly at julia@mariliarellano.com.