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Image by Kate Kozyrka

PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE TO BE YOU

I believe we all need a safe space to show up as our authentic selves without any judgment. I help you explore that space with empathy and compassion. 

MEET ROSA

Who I work with: I work with clients with ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety/depression, addiction and the family members of those affected by addiction or alcoholism. Additionally, I work with couples experiencing communication challenges as well as helping build stronger connections. I see children, adults and couples in my practice.

 

Additionally, I specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges with low-self esteem, anxiety/depression, life transition, school and work stress. 

How I work: My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I believe in the strength and resilience that every person holds, and I’m here to provide steady, compassionate support as you work through life’s challenges. Whether you’re facing unique struggles or navigating major transitions, I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you.

I take a holistic approach to therapy, using different modalities to help you connect with yourself—mind, body, and soul—and discover what needs attention. Drawing on a person-centered perspective, family systems, and attachment-based theories, I also trust my intuition to guide the process in a way that feels right for you. While I don’t often assign homework, I will gently challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, both in and outside of our sessions. My goal is to be your guide while allowing you to take the lead on your healing journey.​​

A bit about me personally: 

I’m a first-generation college graduate with roots in Compton and Long Beach, California. I speak Spanish and am the oldest child of immigrant parents from El Salvador.

I love horror movies and exploring new coffee shops with my husband. We share our home with Canela, a Chihuahua-dachshund mix we rescued during the pandemic. Her favorite trick? Dancing with my husband—it’s adorable!

I’ve faced my own challenges with anxiety and have spent years discovering what works for me. I’m also in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and have been sober for 15 years, taking it one day at a time.

I believe we all face struggles, but I also believe in the strength we each carry within us. Through our work together, my hope is to help you uncover your inner resilience and create a life filled with moments of true joy.

 

Image by Zoë McCrum
Rosa Portillo, AMFT image #2
Image by Marina Reich

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Private Practice, Long Beach, CA 

    • Employed & Supervised by Alexia Kutzner, LMFT​

  • Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Eye Cue Mental Health, Cerritos, CA

    • Employed & Supervised by Saqib Iqbal, LCSW​

  • M.S. Marital & Family Therapy, California State University Dominguez Hills

  • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee/Intake Coordinator at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Long Beach and Orange County

    • Supervised by Tamar Brandeis, LMFT

  • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Long Beach and Orange County

    • Supervised by Tamar Brandeis, LMFT; Lisa Heemer, LCSW; and Lynne O'Brien, LMFT

  • M.A. Psychology with emphasis in Developmental Psychology, Azusa Pacific University

  • B.A. Psychology, California State University Long Beach

  • A.S. in Social & Behavioral Sciences, El Camino College - Compton Center

  • A.A. in Psychology, El Camino College - Compton Center

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