Team

Population Focus

Dr. Alva received his education at the California State University of Fullerton and the Autonomous University of Guadalajara Medical School. After he completed his education and training in Guadalajara, Mexico, he returned to California to finish his residency at the University of California Irvine.

Prior to Dr. Alva's formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors including inpatient and outpatient work as well as clinical research in both Los Angeles and Orange counties. Dr Alva's focus is on the latest treatments available for psychiatric disorders, chemical/alcohol dependence as well as aspects of ethnicity and their correlation within pathological states. Dr. Alva has many years of experience in serving the medical community in various capacities; as a patient advocate, clinician, researcher and medical director. Dr. Alva's expertise in adolescent, adult and geriatric psychiatry as well as chemical/alcohol dependence and his treatments in psychiatric disorders make him one of the nation's most prominent psychiatrists.

Dr. Alva is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Orange County Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the California Psychiatric Association, the American Board of Forensic Medicine, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the American Board of Psychopharmacology, the California Hispanic American Medical Association, the New York Academy of Science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American association of Hispanic professionals.

Lastly, Dr. Alva understands the critical need for more bicultural/bilingual mental health care professionals. PNS has a mandate to reach out not only to the general community, but also to the Latino community by having bilingual and bicultural staff in clinical, administrative and medical positions. Dr. Alva and associates understand the attitudes and barriers facing the different ethnic populations in need of mental health services and have a mandate to implement educational awareness and programs to address the identified barriers. PNS physicians are bilingual and bicultural, which are critical attributes in ensuring access to and providing quality mental health services to all of our community.

Please Visit www.pnsoc.com for more information

Population Focus

Individual, Family, and Couples Clients
Experienced with working with the LGBTQ+ Community

Therapeutic Orientation

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Art Therapy
• Family Systems
• Feminist Therapy
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Affirmative Therapy
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Narrative
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Social Justice Informed Therapy
• Strength-Based
• Transgender/Gender Non-Confirming Affirmative Therapy

Population Focus

Age Range: Adolescence, Young Adults, Adulthood, Midlife
Population: Couples, Families, Individual, LGBTQ, Christian
Presenting Problem(s): Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Substance Abuse,
Personality Disorders, Psychosis
Modalities: CBT, Person-Centered, Humanistic, and Emotion Focused therapies

I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling. I completed my practicum at a short term treatment center in San Diego, CA where I was a counselor providing psychotherapy for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and severe mental illness.

I view therapy as a collaborative endeavor built upon trust, respect, and an understanding of the client's individuality. I strive to create a safe environment whereby my clients can explore their sense of self freely and without judgment. My theoretical approach is rooted in humanistic and person centered therapy. Every individual is unique and I believe it is important to have an integrated approach to therapy, utilizing various tools as needed.

I look forward to providing support and working together as a team to reach your mental health goals.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Art Therapy
• CBT
• DBT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Psychodynamic

Population Focus

Tanya Desloover is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is passionate about helping clients and their families recover from the traumatic consequences of addiction, which she has been doing for the past 15 years. She recognizes the need to identify and treat the co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, codependency, trauma, grieving, and life transitioning, which accompany addiction. With compassion and understanding, she provides support and practical feedback to help clients build on their strengths to effectively address personal life challenges and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. She offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. As Director of Clinical Services at a Southern California treatment facility for the past 15 years, she realizes the need for support for the entire family before, during, and following treatment.

Substance Use Disorders, Family Codependency, EMDR/Trauma Therapy

Therapeutic Orientation

• EMDR

Population Focus

Age range- Children, adolescents, young adults, adults, seniors
Population- Individuals, couples, and families
LGBT Safe Space
Presenting Problems- Depression, anxiety, grief/loss, transitioning to college or adulthood, self-esteem issues, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD
I am dedicated to providing a safe and nonjudgemental space in order for you to explore life challenges and become your authentic self.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Art Therapy
• Attachment
• CBT
• Family Systems
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Parent Education
• Play Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Strength-Based
• Systems Therapy

Population Focus

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.”
― S.L. Alder
I strive to create safe spaces for those of diverse backgrounds and I believe in the power of connection with individuals and their families to work toward change, healing and thriving.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Culturally Sensitive/Multicultural Therapy
• Family Systems
• Feminist Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Social Justice Informed Therapy
• Strength-Based
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

Population Focus

Age range: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Midlife
Populations: Individuals, Families, Couples
Presenting Problem(s): Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Life-transitions, Child behavioral problems, Physical/ emotional/ sexual abuse

Therapeutic Orientation

• Art Therapy
• CBT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Family Systems
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Play Therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Strength-Based
• Solution-Focused

Population Focus

“Mental strength is not the ability to stay out of the darkness; it’s the ability to sit present in the darkness knowing that the light will shine again”
-unknown

My mission and passion is to impart hope, to provide empowerment, and self-discovery to help my clients to build a more fulfilling life. I am compassionate, nonjudgmental, providing a therapeutic treatment that is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Attachment
• CBT
• Culturally Sensitive/Multicultural Therapy
• DBT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Family Systems
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Narrative
• Psychoeducation
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Strength-Based
• Solution-Focused

Population Focus

all ages, d/hh, LDS, children with special needs

Therapeutic Orientation

• CBT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy
• Structural Family Therapy

Population Focus

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change” (Brene Brown).

Coming to admitting that you can't figure it out on your own takes a lot of courage and I want to honor you for reaching out to begin your process towards healing and growth.

I am here to collaborate with you. I have a strong desire to guide you towards your own answers through compassion and feedback. Through our safe engagement, I can help you to identify the source of your struggles while activating your creativity to find new ways to get you out of your struggles.

My unique background and training sets me apart from other therapists. I'm a believer in the power of holistic approach so in my treatment, I focus not only on thoughts, but also recognize the mind/body/spirit connection. I would love to be a service to you to help you get excited about where you are now and where you can be tomorrow.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Attachment
• Culturally Sensitive/Multicultural Therapy
• EMDR
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Experiential
• Family Systems
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Strength-Based

Population Focus

PTSD, life tranition, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, conflict resolution. Have 32 years experience in law enforcement and 4 years experience in the U.S. Marine Corps. Can relate directly to law enforcement and military issues, including families and friends of law enforcement and military personnel. Have personal first hand experience with PTSD and familiar with alcohol abuse within the family system.

Therapeutic Orientation

• CBT
• Family Systems
• Psychoanalysis

Population Focus

Couples, Families, Adults, Adolescence, LGBTQ (Adult, Adolescence, Parents, Religious).

I graduated from National University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my practicum at High Tech Middle School North County in Vista, CA., where I was a Counselor who provided psychotherapy for adolescents and their families.

My theoretical approach is rooted in existential therapy and Gestalt therapy; however, I believe that an integrated approach to therapy is a valuable tool in helping my clients gain a balanced perspective on the life issues they are facing. I also believe humor is a valuable tool in counseling. If a client desires, I will incorporate spirituality into the therapy I provide.

I view therapy as a collaborative, sharing experience and seek to help my clients feel safe, comfortable, and truly understood.

I look forward to working with you on your mental health journey.

Therapeutic Orientation

• Experiential
• Gestalt Therapy
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Parent Education
• Play Therapy
• Sand Tray Therapy

Population Focus

Welcome to Therapy! If you are dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Sexual Trauma, or PTSD then I can help. If you are looking to explore more about feelings that are overwhelming you or you find yourself unable to enjoy life the way you want, then it is time to talk about it in a safe space. I work with a trauma informed lens and my priority is to make sure that you find strength and support in and out of session.

My approach is multimodal however my roots are based in existential and humanistic therapy. While these theories are my foundation, I understand that each individual is unique and so I take an integrative and personalized approach to find the right balance for you.

I believe that therapy is a place where you can feel safe, understood, and empowered. Whatever it is that you are having trouble with, my therapy room is the place where you can feel safe to talk about it. The time is now and you deserve it!

Therapeutic Orientation

• CBT
• Existential Therapy
• Family Systems
• Humanistic
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Psychodynamic

Population Focus

Trauma, life transition, depression, anxiety, VOC, domestic violence, dating violence, bullying

Therapeutic Orientation

• Adlerian
• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Attachment
• CBT
• DBT
• Harm Reduction
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Play Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Strength-Based

Population Focus

Sheena Patel, PA-C completed her undergraduate studies at University of California Irvine, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences. She concurrently performed 4 years of academic research at a UCI laboratory related to Addiction, Drug Abuse, and Associated Effects on the Brain. Sheena Patel subsequently attained a Master's degree in Biological Sciences from New York University. She then completed her Physician Assistant training at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus. She has been a nationally board certified PA-C since 2010.

Her clinical experience is vast and includes work in Internal Medicine, Subspecialty Surgery (Urology, Vascular, ENT, and Plastic Surgery), Pain Management, and Psychiatry. She has particular interest in Psychosocial Medicine and Addiction Disorders.

She is knowledgeable, thorough, compassionate and cares deeply about the well-being of her patients.

Sheena Patel PA-C is a National Certified Speaker for pharmaceutical medications.

Please Visit www.pnsoc.com for more information

Therapeutic Orientation

• Attachment
• CBT
• Gestalt Therapy
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Somatic Experiencing Techniques
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

Population Focus

Life can at times feel overwhelmed and difficult. You might not know where to look for answers, or how to take that next step. My goal is to find solutions that work for you on an individual basis, helping you to discover the true potential of your life. Whether you are looking for support or guidance through a difficult time, or you are open to a real change in your life, together we can work to achieve dreams, and meet your goals. It is my understanding that even in the face of hardship, when we feel bonded to others we can begin to learn and explore new ways of living wholeheartedly.
I value a collaborative therapy process to meet the needs of my clients, to understand their perspective, and to create a safe space to heal these wounds and restore a sense of identity. I take a client centered approach to therapy, and focus on drawing upon your personal strengths to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to connecting with you!

Therapeutic Orientation

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Career Counseling
• CBT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Family Systems
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Narrative
• Parent Education
• Play Therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Strength-Based

Population Focus

children 5 and up, teens. young adults, adults (18-65), families, couples, LGBTQ

Therapeutic Orientation

• Attachment
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Sand Tray Therapy