Dharla is a first-generation Latina Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and self-understanding. She believes that healing looks different for everyone and takes a personalized approach to therapy that honors each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Whether clients are struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, identity exploration, or major life transitions, Dharla is committed to meeting them where they are and supporting their journey toward growth and healing.

Dharla’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, integrative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. She draws from Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and systemic approaches to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, and develop meaningful tools for change.

She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and recovery, acculturation stress, identity development, and relationship challenges. In her work with couples and families, Dharla helps clients strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and foster healthier, more connected relationships.

Outside of work, Dharla enjoys exploring new coffee shops, spending time with loved ones, riding her bike around the city, and spending time outdoors.

Dharla earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from University of California, San Diego. She received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, where she also completed a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Loma Linda University.

Her clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders, and altered states across a variety of treatment settings. Dharla has received specialized training in Brainspotting, DBT, TF-CBT, and Motivational Interviewing, and is committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that supports lasting growth and healing.

English and Spanish

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #145112
Registered Substance Use Disorder Counselor #13497

SUPERVISED BY: SHELLEY TIRSBECK, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #85396
AND DR. CHELSEA MACKEY, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST #PSY25471