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Psychotherapy

The Woman's Psychotherapist

A woman who knows who she is is untouchable. She holds the reins of her life and moves with a contagious, convicted sense of self. But how did she get this way?

More often than not, these women have done the deeper work: processing their past, confronting their wounds, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and learning to interrupt the painful patterns that once defined them. This transformation is easier said than done. 

Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain. Most of my clients are Latina or come from culturally complex family systems, where expectations, roles, and unspoken dynamics have deeply influenced their sense of self. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood. 

My approach has two phases. First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences. Once we understand the why, we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase. Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope.

The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch—you are already her. I’d be privileged to witness your transformation. 
Treatment Modalities
Specializations

My sessions are a cocktail of several theories: Psychodynamic, Attachment, Existential/Humanistic, Gestalt & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These modalities make for a long-term approach to healing.

Click on each theory to learn more. 

Most of my clients seek treatment for depression, low self-esteem, insecure attachment, and relational trauma.  If you have concerns outside of these areas that you would like to be treated for, send me an email and let's discuss.

Populations
Ethos

I believe that all effective psychotherapy requires strong rapport between the client and clinician, making them a good 'match'. My work aligns best with young women (18-35), specifically Latinas and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

I also love working with Spanish-speakers. ¡Siempre estarán bienvenidos!

My solidarity resides with communities who have been historically mistreated and 'othered' in the context of psychotherapy, making for an intimidating, traumatic, and oppressive experience.

I am often non-pathologizing and choose to perceive my clientele as being a part of a larger socio/cultural/political context and attribute symptoms to external factors (when relevant) rather than something inside of them.

The Details

The Investment

Standard Session Fee: $150

The standard fee reflects specialized care in a boutique private practice setting. This option is for clients who choose to pay privately or seek a treatment experience that you can't find at a community clinic or hospital.

Sliding-Scale Options

Sliding-scale slots are reserved for those with financial hardship and request a reduced fee.  I offer 3 tiers: $30/session, $60/session, and $90/session. These slots are filled on a first-come-first serve basis and may require you to be on a wait list.

I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I do not accept insurance. For more information on my value system and philosophy for setting fees, please see the FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to work with you. How do I get Started?

Send me an email at avamcazares@gmail.com with your full name, phone number, and whether you intend to pay the full fee ($150/per session) or if you need a sliding-scale fee. I will get back to you about availabilities in my caseload and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with you, if space permits. During this consultation, we will briefly discuss my approach, your goals for therapy, fees, scheduling, and find out if we are a good therapeutic 'match'.

Please keep in mind, I only work with adult clients. Additionally, I am only providing individual psychotherapy at this time, not groups, couples, or family sessions.



A good way to tell if we are a therapeutic 'match' is (1) based on what you'd like to be treated for and (2) based on your personal identities.

(1) We'll want to make sure that what you'd like to be treated for falls within my specialty areas. Some experiences like ocd, eating disorders, and substance use typically require a therapist who specializes in those areas to ensure you receive the highest standard of care possible. We'll discuss the specifics of your situation during the free 15-minute phone consultation to ensure I can meet your needs.

(2) Many clients gravitate toward me due to the identities we share in common and the sense of safety this fosters, but all identities are welcome here. For instance, I've worked with many male clients as well as individuals of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, despite specializing in women and the Latinx community. I'll leave this part up to you and what you're most comfortable with.
I don't sound like your typical client— can I still work with you?
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

My practice is entirely virtual at this time. Sessions take place over a confidential, HIPAA-compliant video call platform. 

How did you determine your fees?

The answer to this question requires some humility and self-disclosure on my part— because I believe I owe that to you!

I worked at non-profits for 2.5 years before I decided to work for myself. I was being overworked, underpaid, struggling to pay my student loans, and considering leaving this profession. I was exclusively seeing clients through predatory insurance companies taking cuts out of my wages, despite not being able to afford insurance of my own. I was a therapist who could not afford my own therapist.

At my breaking point, I made the decision to advocate for my own financial stability— after all, I am a Latina who makes $0.54 to the white man's dollar! If I don't look out for me, no one will.

That said, I myself grew up low-income and cannot in good faith only treat clients who can afford a full fee. My full fee is intentionally set at the lowest end of the average price for therapy in Southern California and I offer 3 other options for those who need it.

What is your cancellation policy?

I model healthy boundaries around timeliness and communication because that is exactly what I would advise my clients to do in their lives!

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, or no-show appointments, will be charged a $20 late fee regardless of your fee type (full fee or sliding-scale). This late fee applies even if you reschedule a new session within the same week.

There is a 15-minute grace period at the beginning of sessions in case you are running late— I understand it happens. After 15 minutes, your appointment will be marked a no-show and is subject to the same $20 late fee.

How long will I need therapy for?

I tend to work with individuals who prefer a long-term approach (+9 months) to therapy, due to having felt rushed by past providers. However, I can absolutely tailor treatment to be more short-term, which is typically around 12 sessions total. 

How long is each session?

Each session is 50 minutes long. I always budget a couple of minutes toward the end of session to summarize and prepare for the next session. 

Have a question that I haven't answered here? Send me an email at avamcazares@gmail.com. 

For questions regarding availabilities in my caseload and options for sliding-scale, please contact me directly.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate"

Carl Jung (1875 - 1961)
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