Hello! My name is Brenda Santillan and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist #129832 in the San Fernando Valley.

I have extensive experience working with children and teens (0-18), adults (18-60), couples, and families who are currently navigating challenges such as communication difficulties, depression, suicide ideation, self-harm, parenting skills, and phases of life transitions. Most of my work has been in community mental health, where I provide services in both Spanish and English. As a therapist, I center my work on creating a positive, personalized experience tailored to your current needs and stressors. I approach therapy from the perspective of helping the individual within the community context, considering the collective events and stressors you may be facing, such as work, school, family dynamics, racism, sexism, and cultural influences. My goal is not to “fix” you but to help you uncover the strengths you already possess, offering guidance and advocacy to foster greater self-understanding and balance.

In addition to this, I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, those exploring gender identity, and people facing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. I provide a safe, affirming space for personal exploration and healing, using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. My path to becoming a clinician was shaped by my earlier work as a Special Education teacher, where I often advocated for families and recognized their need for accessible, culturally responsive mental health services. This realization led me to pursue my MFT at USC, after obtaining my Master's in Urban Education at LMU. Today, I am committed to celebrating diversity and fostering meaningful, supportive connections with my clients as they navigate life’s challenges.