Therapy for Adults Facing Anxiety, Shame, and Relationship Issues
Quiet the inner critic, ease anxiety, and build stronger, more connected relationships.
Welcome
I’m Rafael, a therapist for adults and couples who struggle with anxiety, shame, or relationship issues. Many of my clients describe racing thoughts, a body that never feels settled, or an inner critic that leaves them feeling stuck and unfulfilled.
Some come to therapy on their own, hoping to ease anxiety or move past shame. Others arrive as couples, tired of repeating the same arguments and longing to feel close again. However you begin, our work will focus on calming the mind and body, softening self-criticism, and creating the closeness and stability you’ve been missing.
My Clients Are Often…
Carrying anxiety that feels like racing thoughts, constant tension, or poor sleep
Struggling with shame or self-doubt, feeling like they’re never “enough”
Caught in cycles of arguing, criticism, or silence with their partner
Wanting to feel closer in their relationships but unsure how to get there
Navigating cultural or family expectations while trying to define their own path
Longing for confidence, trust, and deeper connection
If this sounds familiar, therapy can help you break old patterns, feel more grounded in who you are, and create the relationships you’ve been wanting.
What I Help With
Anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t just stay in your head; it affects your body, your thoughts, and your actions. Many people describe:
Cognitive: Racing thoughts that won’t shut off, trouble focusing, or overthinking every decision
Somatic: Chest tightness, stomach knots, restlessness, or poor sleep that leaves them drained
Behavioral: Avoiding situations, shutting down with loved ones, procrastinating, or snapping in irritability
In therapy, we’ll work on calming both mind and body, while also breaking the cycles of avoidance or reactivity that keep anxiety going.
Shame
A relentless inner critic that says you’re not enough
Regret or perfectionism that keeps you stuck
Struggles with self-acceptance and authenticity
Relationship Issues
Repeating cycles of conflict or withdrawal
Struggles with trust, intimacy, or emotional distance
Desire for deeper connection but difficulty reaching each other
How We’ll Work Together
My approach is evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. That means I use proven methods, adapt to your unique background and experiences, and always prioritize safety and trust in the room.
In our work together, you can expect to:
Learn practical ways to quiet self-criticism and ease anxiety in both mind and body
Build confidence that isn’t tied only to achievement or perfectionism
Strengthen openness, trust, and communication in your relationships
Reconnect with your values, your voice, and the people who matter most
Whether you’re here for yourself or with your partner, therapy offers a supportive space to slow down, understand what’s getting in the way, and begin creating lasting change.
Services
Individual Therapy
Work through anxiety and shame. Build lasting confidence, reduce stress, and create relationships that feel supportive and meaningful.
Couples Therapy
Break free from cycles of conflict or silence. Improve communication, rebuild trust, and create safer ways to reach for each other.
About Me
Growing up in a first-generation Mexican American home, I learned firsthand how cultural values, family roles, and unspoken rules about strength and responsibility shape the way we see ourselves and relate to others. For many adults, those values can be both a source of resilience and a heavy weight to carry.
As a therapist, I bring an approach that is evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. My work honors the strengths you already carry while creating space to explore patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll focus on building calm, confidence, and connection in a way that feels true to who you are and where you come from.
Online Therapy Across California
I provide online therapy for men and couples throughout California, including Southern California and beyond. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, or anywhere else in the state, we can meet virtually to begin this work together.
Ready to Begin?
You don’t have to keep carrying anxiety, shame, or disconnection on your own. Whether you want to focus on your own growth or come in as a couple, we’ll start where you are and move toward the confidence and connection you’ve been hoping for.