AVA CÁZARES · MS · LMFT
Ava Cázares, M.S., LMFT
AVA CÁZARES · MS · LMFT
I'm Ava...
Licensed Psychotherapist,
& Published Author
with a Niche in Identity
My first year as a therapist, I was surprised that my own identity mattered so much to the person sitting across from me.
I sought to be a professional, of course, but in a way that preserved the raw, three-dimensional quality that makes me a real person. I wanted to reconcile my personhood and professionalism, but make it a therapeutic tool.
In clinical psychology, this is called 'self-of-the-therapist', referring to how a therapist being their authentic self builds trust, rapport, and emotional safety for clients.
I knew, intuitively, that I could not be a blank slate if I wanted to do identity work. I like to be as intentional and appropriate as possible when inviting my personality, individuality, culture, wit, style, etc. into sessions. Ultimately, the therapeutic work is about the client; in the meantime, if I can quietly model my authenticity and humanness to you, I will.
I care about embodying the work, not just doing it.
A little bit about Ava, the professional...
I earned my Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education from UCLA and my Master's of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy (Clinical Psychology) from USC.
Before opening my own boutique private practice, I worked in community mental health and non-profit settings, serving children, adults, couples, groups, and families.
Some of my most cherished work has involved communities who are traditionally stigmatized and underserved in psychotherapy, including foster children, immigrant families, and formerly-incarcerated individuals.
For the first 4 years of my career, I worked in positions where 95% of my caseload was Latinx/Hispanic, the majority of which received low-cost psychotherapy.
& a little bit about Ava, the woman...
I am a proud Mexican-American, originally from Riverside, CA. I care deeply about human rights protections, especially for immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.
When I am not clocked-in, I am drinking lots of caffeine, listening to Ana Gabriel, studying astrology (I'm a Libra), watching horror films or the Sopranos, and laying down in my grandparents' sala.
I am an eldest daughter and the cycle breaker of my family. I was raised with a scarcity-mindset when it came to my finances and career, often leading me to settle, keep my head down, and not ask for anything more. I took a major chance on myself when opening up my own private practice, despite the fear, intimidation, and criticism I faced. As you read this, you are watching the cycle being broken.
