About Us
Ana Arellano, LPC, LCDC
Hi, I’m Ana. I believe meaningful healing happens when we work with the whole person—mind, body, and nervous system. Change can feel messy: we quit drinking but start binge eating, leave a toxic relationship only to isolate, chase success and lose connection. That’s because the root cause often lives deeper than the behavior we’re trying to fix.
I work best with people who’ve tried traditional talk therapy and are ready for something more integrative—or who are navigating the effects of PTSD. I also specialize in treating ADD and ADHD without medication, and treating anxiety. In our first session, I take a full inventory of your mental, emotional, and physical health to understand what’s working, what’s not, and how we can move forward.
My work blends evidence-based practices like EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with a holistic lens—drawing from somatic work, ecotherapy, logotherapy, and Eastern thought. I use EMDR and body-based methods to help clients rewire trauma responses, regulate the nervous system, and create new patterns that feel sustainable.
With over 11 years in the mental health field, I’ve worked in inpatient treatment, led men’s groups, and supported adults through trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions.
Bobbie Jo Cardenas, LCSW
Hi, I’m Bobbie Jo. I work with children (ages 6+), preteens, teens, adults, and older adults facing anxiety, life transitions, learning challenges, and chronic health conditions. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over nine years, including experience in outpatient hospital settings and with individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with other long-term medical needs.
I specialize in anxiety treatment, ADHD and learning differences, and supporting clients navigating complex family or relational dynamics. I’m fluent in American Sign Language and deeply committed to providing inclusive, affirming therapy for clients across all abilities and backgrounds.
My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative. I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including:
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Strength-Based Therapy
Whether you’re navigating a transition, managing long-term stress, or simply need a space to be seen and heard, I’m here to support you in a way that fits your unique needs.
Our Specialties:
ANXIETY
Emotions serve as vital biological signals, prompting us to take necessary actions—be it to rest, cry, establish boundaries, or assert ourselves. Frequently, anxiety arises as a signal that other underlying emotions are being overlooked. Achieving inner peace becomes challenging when we fail to “listen” to our emotions and navigate through them effectively. Recognizing this, our approach to treating anxiety is multifaceted. Our therapists are dedicated to discovering the treatment method that aligns best with your unique needs, ensuring a tailored path toward managing your anxiety effectively.
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
At our core, we understand that relationship issues often stem from unacknowledged emotions and unresolved internal conflicts. Recognizing the intricate biological role emotions play as messengers urging us to take action—whether to communicate more openly, set healthier boundaries, or engage in self-care—we approach relationship challenges with a deep empathy and a keen awareness of these underlying dynamics. Our treatment philosophy is rooted in the belief that by facilitating a better understanding and management of one’s own emotional landscape, individuals can enhance their interpersonal relationships. Our therapists are committed to exploring a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to your specific situation, aiming to foster healthier, more fulfilling connections.
TRAUMA / COMPLEX PTSD
Kintsugi, a revered Japanese art, embraces the beauty of brokenness by mending fractured pieces with gold, thus celebrating each flaw as an integral, enriching part of the object’s history. This philosophy mirrors our approach to healing trauma. Contrary to the prevailing “positive vibes only” sentiment, we acknowledge the profound impact trauma has on the brain, specifically its capacity to shrink the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in regulating emotions. This understanding underpins why traditional talk therapy may fall short for some. Our specialized treatment, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is designed to offer a more effective path toward healing. We invite you to reach out and discover how this approach can illuminate your journey to recovery, treating each scar as a stroke of gold that adds to the mosaic of your life.
ABUSE
Narcissism, a term frequently encountered in popular culture, often carries the weight of negative connotations, especially when used to characterize behaviors that are not desired. This broad application can obscure the real challenges in identifying and addressing actual abuse. It’s crucial to recognize that narcissism represents a deeply intricate diagnosis, one that significantly influences interpersonal dynamics. Our approach is designed to provide you with a clear, compassionate understanding of narcissistic abuse. We strive to create a safe space for exploration and learning, free from judgment and premature labeling of those close to you. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, allowing for informed and supportive interactions within your relationships.
Client Testimonials
It is great working along Ana and meeting our clients’ needs while providing effective care for our community’s mental health needs. Ana is focused on being a present source of support and therapeutic guidance.
Faith Perez, LPC
I have worked alongside Ana and seen first hand her ability to connect with clients and help them to affect change in their lives. I highly recommend her talents!
Shanks Counseling
I came to Ana after a seriously traumatic event. I thought I could move through it on my own, being I’m familiar with the healing and trauma space, but something was missing. In just four sessions, I was able to find peace, gain clarity, shift, and integrate a true way of being which is that I am valuable and powerful.