Get to know the people who make the work we do at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center possible.
We’re proud to introduce you to our team.
Dina Olivas, LCSW, received her Master’s Degree in Social Worker from California State, Long Beach. As a bi-cultural mental health professional, she began her career 36 years ago in Los Angeles, providing services to diverse children, youth, couples, and families experiencing complex trauma. Her work settings range from public and private hospitals to schools, universities, and clinics. Ms. Olivas is a trained Early Childhood Mental Health Interventionist and community crisis specialist trained in Psychological First Aid, Critical Incident Debriefing, and Crisis Response Management for first responders.
With years of leading, supervising, and training clinicians, she is grounded in promoting the neurobiology of healing through relationships while looking through the lens of culture and identity. Ensuring community access to quality counseling services has been paramount in her last 20 years of service in Ventura County. Ms. Olivas’s guiding belief in her teaching and clinical perspective is that healing occurs through a genuine, respectful therapeutic relationship that honors one’s intrinsic strength
as a whole person.
Lluvia Mayorquin earned her B.A. in Psychology from California Lutheran University. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lluvia has experience in working with Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum who use Alternative and Augmentative communication to communicate in their day-to-day lives. Lluvia enjoys helping people with disabilities advocate for themselves to access the support they need in education and out in the community. As an Undergraduate student, Lluvia’s p research focused on building transitional programs for high school students on the spectrum who are moving on to college. She utilizes a person-centered approach when collaborating with clients to help them meet their goals. Lluvia is dedicated to serving individuals, couples, children, and families.
Alex is excited to collaborate with other humans on their journey to higher functioning and a well-lived life. Alex's therapy is compassionate and solutions-focused with an existential underpinning. Confronting life's inevitabilities and possibilities is a courageous and necessary act. Currently, Alex is earning his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine. Prior to that, he received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Between the two, he had an eclectic professional career including the founding of a beverage company, a tech automation startup, and a brief stint in law school. When he isn't working, you can find him surfing or writing poetry. He has found their persistent practice to be a salutary mixture. Alex works with individuals, couples, and children.
Lorena Sanchez received a B.A. in both Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Northridge. She received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lorena has 5+ years of experience working in early childhood education. She works with children, adolescents, individuals, and couples. Her approach to therapy is collaborative and integrative while always meeting clients where they are. She believes in creating a safe, open, and compassionate space for individuals to embark on their therapeutic journey.
Gloria is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, earning her degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. Through her life-experience she can relate through difficult life transitions. Using a humanistic approach, Gloria joins the clients where they are and provides a safe place for them to grow at their own pace. Gloria believes healing comes through living in the present moment and through finding one’s own authenticity. Gloria uses the Enneagram with individuals and couples which guides the clients to a deeper understanding of their personality traits which then allows the clients to move into compassion for themselves and their partner. Working with teens and children Gloria leans on art therapy and play therapy. Gloria enjoys working with teens, individuals, couples, and families.
Juliana is currently pursuing her master's degree in couple and family therapy and holds a bachelor's degree in communication from CSUN. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, she understands the profound impact of words and embraces the power of effective communication. Juliana finds solace and inspiration in nature, immersing herself in hiking, camping, and nurturing her garden. Her deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things informs her therapeutic approach, recognizing that every aspect of life is intricately woven together. As an MFT Trainee, Juliana challenges social norms and approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and systemic lens. She creates a safe, open-minded space where clients can explore their experiences and embark on transformative journeys. Juliana works with couples, families, individuals, and children. She has experience with life transitions, women's issues, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. Juliana strives to guide individuals toward self-love, healthy boundaries, positive self-talk, and inner strength to promote healing, growth, and self-discovery.