Life Skills Awareness will remain open and offer online and over-the-phone therapy during COVID-19 isolation.
Our Team
Dr. Terri Thomas
Psychologist and Counselor
Doctor of Psychology, Master of Arts in Counseling, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Certificate in Advanced Mental Health Counseling, Certified 5150 Evaluator and Writer
Life throws many challenges our way and we choose which action to take in response to those challenges. I’ve worked with people from various social, political, and ethnic backgrounds and the one thing that everyone has in common is that we all face challenges in life. There are numerous reasons that people seek mental health and therapy professionals, and those reasons are very personal and unique to each person. Finding the right counseling professional to guide you in learning more about your own mental health diagnosis, getting you through an immediate crisis, or feelings of uncertainty are some critical factors in getting you through the tougher times.
I provide therapeutic counseling care to individuals, couples, and families who have found themselves in need of making adjustments in their lives or who are wanting to learn more about mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues.
Congratulations on taking another step to provide great self-care in your decision to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. You have many to choose from and I thank you for taking the time to consider the mental health professionals at Life Skills Awareness to help you maneuver on your new journey.
Katherine Munoz
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Accepting new clients! I have a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Are you challenged with daily life stressors? Feeling stuck? Don’t know where to start? Look no more! I am here to help. I began my study in psychology as the behaviors of human beings fascinated me; in particular, the reinventing or rebirth of oneself. We are creatures of habit; this is nature taking its natural course. I believe in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, which theorizes, thoughts lead to emotions, emotions lead to or draw out behaviors, which leads to an action. Whereby, my belief is based on the holistic, strength-based philosophy that focuses on Self-Advocacy, the individual strengths, where a decision treatment tree is developed based on the individual's needs and goals. I have experience working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, and adjustment challenges. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please reach out as I look forward to hearing from you.
Gregg Clark Jr., M.A.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
My name is Gregg Clark Jr and I serve as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. My practice is geared toward empowering men, women, and children of color in navigating the complexities of childhood trauma and societal barriers. I am deeply committed to fostering healing, resilience, and growth. It is my goal to empower and equip you with the tools to get past your present difficulties so that you can get the future that you deserve and desire. I typically work with ages 14 and up. I have experience and am comfortable treating the following conditions: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar-related disorders; disruptive disorders, impulse control, conduct disorders, men’s issues, and trauma.
Growing up the oldest of two, in South Central, Los Angeles, I am familiar with generational trauma and how our outward environments can impact our internal image self. Throughout my journey, I've recognized the multifaceted impact of childhood trauma and the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect men, women, and children of color. My mission is to provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward healing and personal empowerment.
I bring a blend of evidence-based positive psychology practices, culturally sensitive approaches, and a profound understanding of the unique experiences faced by communities of color. By integrating mindfulness, strengths-based techniques, and trauma-informed methodologies, I guide my clients in reframing their narratives, rediscovering their strengths, and reclaiming their power.
My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the intersectionality of challenges individuals encounter. I look forward to working with people who are tired, and ready to proclaim back their lives. I am committed to co-creating personalized strategies that honor the individual's cultural context, values, and aspirations.
Through our collaborative work, I aim to help individuals break free from the limitations of their past, build resilience, and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Together, we explore pathways to inner healing, authentic self-expression, and the cultivation of a more fulfilling and empowered existence.
Whether you're seeking to overcome childhood traumas, address societal challenges, or navigate personal growth, I am here to support you in reclaiming your narrative and forging a future filled with resilience, hope, and well-being.
Let's embark on this transformative journey together, as we harness your strengths and resilience to create a life aligned with your deepest aspirations.
Dr. Marissa Aro, PhD
Executive/Clinical Director
Welcome to Life Skills Awareness.
I have earned my Doctor of Psychology, Masters in Counseling, and Masters in Psychology after finishing my undergraduate studies. It has been a lifelong goal to help others and with my team at Life Skills Awareness, we do exactly that. Providing therapeutic services for people in all stages and walks of life. This includes depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues. We support the community with certified classes in parenting, perinatal, autism family support, anger management and domestic violence.
As an optimist, I see the glass as half full. I can find the silver lining of just about any situation and succeed at not staying angry or disheartened for too long. There are no shortcuts in trying to develop a happy and healthy life and when situations turn from bad to worse having a trusted support system is critical. Solution based therapy enables us to discuss the possibilities of success and happiness even when a client is having a bad day, a bad month, or even a bad decade, because this doesn’t mean that they have a bad life or that life won’t take a turn for the better. After years of helping those that struggle, we have curated a team of clinicians who utilize therapy as a way to enhance lives for the better.
Take the first step in your healing journey and contact us today.
Julianna Blackstone
Associate Marriage Family Therapist
My name is Julianna Blackstone. I have a Master of Arts degree focused on marriage, couples, family, and child therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim, CA. My previous work experience spanning the last 25 years was in emergency medical services as a paramedic, working with children in crisis, and as a substance abuse counselor. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children ranging in age from four years old up to geriatrics from various cultural backgrounds. I focus on an individualized treatment approach that acknowledges the person’s unique needs, values, and strengths whether working with individuals and/or family members. I enjoy working with couples in premarital therapy, unmarried couples, blended families, and married regardless of gender. In addition, I enjoy working with individuals and members within the family system with addiction issues. My most rewarding work is working with families to develop trust, commitment, individualization where appropriate, encouraging the family unit where appropriate, love, boundaries, respect, guidance, communication, trust, support, empathy, adaptivity, resiliency, structure, morals, values, maintaining cultural traditions and rituals, and parenting skills. The therapeutic modalities I engage in are client-centered, existential therapy, attachment-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic.
Pamela Strigglers
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor & Pupil Personnel Services
Hi, my name is Pamela Strigglers, and I am a dedicated, passionate, and empathetic therapist who enjoys working with people from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. I have a master’s in clinical counseling, and a bachelor’s in psychology with a concentration in family and child. With over 16 years of experience as a mental health professional, educator, and professional development trainer, I believe in cultivating a safe environment that encourages self-discovery, healing, and growth. I have been highly successful in working with traumatized children and their families. I have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences), couples, families, and individuals seeking support in navigating some of life’s hardest journeys and situations. I look forward to assisting you or your loved one in the journey of self-exploration and/or healing.
Counseling
At Life Skills Awareness, you will work one on one with a professional mental health....
About Us
Life skill needs are different for each person and depend on your life circumstances, culture....
Life Coaching
We're here to give you the skills taking on different stages of life, and commit to your success with..
