Person with tattoos on arms, wearing a dark shirt, smiling with hand on chin, decorated with an orange abstract flower design on a purple abstract background.

hi, im zEna!

I’m a therapist for teens and twenty-somethings who are overwhelmed, shut down, stuck in their heads — or just navigating the general chaos of being a human in this world. If you’ve ever cried in the Trader Joe’s parking lot or Googled “why am I like this?” — you’re in the right place.

My clients are often dealing with anxiety, low self-worth, people-pleasing, complicated family dynamics (especially with moms), and relationship patterns they can’t quite name — but keep finding themselves in. Sometimes they’re impulsive or emotionally reactive. Most of the time, they feel like they’re “too much,” “not enough,” or both, depending on the day.

In our work together, I create a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself. I bring warmth, humor, and a direct, relational approach. I tailor therapy to you — drawing from modalities like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness. Together, we slow things down, explore what’s really going on, and build more self-trust and clarity.

I offer telehealth sessions across California for clients ages 13 and up, with private pay and sliding scale options available.

  • Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology — Antioch University of Los Angeles

    Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology — University of Kentucky

    • Paradigm Treatment Center Malibu - Adolescent Program Primary Therapist

    • Reasons Eating Disorder Center - Residential Primary Therapist, Virtual PHP Therapist, Clinical Outreach Specialist

    • Southern California Counseling Center - Community Mental Health Center

    • Eating Recovery Center of Washington - Behavioral Health Counselor

    • Reiki Level 3

    • Breathwork Certification

Black and white photo of a person with short, wavy hair standing in a doorway, wearing a dark top. Visible tattoo on the forearm. Decorative orange flower illustration at the bottom right corner.

if you’re rEaching out on bEhalf of a tEen or young adult…

know that I bring both clinical grounding and relational depth to this work. I specialize in attachment-based trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and complicated family dynamics — and I’m especially skilled at working with clients who haven’t felt fully “gotten” in therapy before.

In addition to my private practice, I have extensive experience as a primary therapist in a residential treatment setting for high-acuity teens. I’ve worked closely with families, care teams, and programs to support clients with complex emotional and behavioral needs — and I know how to build trust with clients who don’t always trust easily.

Whether they’re presenting with shutdown, impulsivity, relational reactivity, or chronic overwhelm, I work collaboratively to build insight, connection, and lasting change — without forcing disclosure, pathologizing, or trying to fix what needs to be understood first.