Brenda Santillan, LMFT

Hi, I’m Brenda Santillan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, CA. I provide therapy to clients across California through telehealth, working primarily with adults ages 18–60. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, family concerns, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration, and neurodiverse experiences. My goal is to create a safe and affirming space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel supported in your journey toward healing and self-understanding.

My approach to therapy is rooted in collaboration and flexibility. I believe that every person’s story is unique, so I tailor my style to meet your needs, drawing most often from person-centered and psychodynamic frameworks. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy should feel like a partnership. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening in your life, make sense of your experiences, and discover coping strategies that truly fit you.

Clients often come to me for support with depression, anxiety, trauma, family challenges, communication struggles, religious or cultural concerns, identity development, and self-harm. I also work closely with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals who are seeking a space that is affirming, inclusive, and understanding of the unique challenges they may face. Whether it’s navigating relationships, cultural pressures, systemic stressors, or simply wanting to feel more balanced, my role is to help you explore these areas with compassion and care.

My communication style is calm, personable, and down-to-earth. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself in session—whether that means sharing deeply, laughing, or even letting out a swear word now and then. Over time, we’ll find the rhythm that feels most natural to you. I see therapy as a space where you don’t need to perform or hide, but instead can feel seen, understood, and supported.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a Special Education teacher. That experience gave me a close look at how much families and individuals needed accessible, culturally responsive mental health care. It also taught me the importance of advocacy and compassion, which continue to shape my work today. After earning my Master’s in Urban Education from LMU, I pursued my MFT at USC to more deeply support individuals and communities in need. These experiences have fueled my commitment to celebrating diversity and honoring each person’s unique story.

My intention as a therapist is not to “fix” you, but to help you reconnect with the strengths you already hold. I take into account the bigger picture of your life—your relationships, community, culture, and the systems that affect you—and we work together to make sense of it all. I see myself as your teammate and advocate, shining a light on the resilience you already carry and helping you feel more grounded and balanced.

Our first session is about connection. We’ll spend time getting to know one another, and I’ll ask questions to learn more about your story and what brought you to therapy. It’s not about diving straight into solutions—it’s about building trust, creating comfort, and starting a conversation that sets the tone for the work we’ll do together.