Norma Conteras
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
License #: 128216
I completed my Bachelor's in Psychology at Cal State Fullerton and decided to take some time away from education while I figured out my next steps. While working for a bank, where making sales quotas was pushed onto me I realized that the most invigorating part of my job was helping and educating people. After this realization, I decided to do some research to find out what career path was a true calling and that is where I found marriage and family therapy. I returned to school and I completed my Master's in Counseling with an emphasis on marriage, family, and child counseling at Palo Alto University. During my internship, I worked both in a school setting and in a treatment program, where I provided therapy to both adolescents and adults. My approach to therapy is personal and 100% non-judgmental. I recognize that the world is full of judgment and at times can be fearful. As your therapist, I want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable while we approach your needs.
In the Media
Contributor to the LA Times article How LA's Young, Queer Latinos Are Redefining Gender Roles
My Approach
I provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
My primary therapeutic modality is CBT, which essentially states that events cause thoughts, which lead to emotions and behaviors. However, I understand this modality may not be for everyone, I tailor my interventions to the needs of my clients. Maybe you've sought out therapy because you're stuck or confused, or maybe feeling a little lost in this chaotic tornado called life. No one gave us a handbook on how to live or exist, we were just brought into this world to figure it out and sometimes told to not fail along the way. We have all developed distorted ways of how things are "supposed" to be, and how we are supposed to be but no roadmap on how to get there. I understand and I want to help. Together we can navigate the storm and look beyond the "shoulds" and create the "I want tos."
My Specialties
I work with Individuals, teens, couples, and families.
My primary therapeutic modality is CBT, which essentially states that events cause thoughts, which lead to emotions and behaviors. However, I understand this modality may not be for everyone, I tailor my interventions to the needs of my clients. Maybe you've sought out therapy because you're stuck or confused, or maybe feeling a little lost in this chaotic tornado called life. No one gave us a handbook on how to live or exist, we were just brought into this world to figure it out and sometimes told to not fail along the way. We have all developed distorted ways of how things are "supposed" to be, and how we are supposed to be but no roadmap on how to get there. I understand and I want to help. Together we can navigate the storm and look beyond the "shoulds" and create the "I want tos."
