Carolina Lima Leal

Taking the first step in your mental health journey can feel both courageous and overwhelming, and I want you to know you’re not alone. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), I am here to walk alongside you with care, compassion, and curiosity. I approach each session with empathy, respect, and an unconditional belief in your ability to grow, heal, and thrive. Whether you are navigating individual challenges, relationship stress, family dynamics, or a major life transition, I am here to help you find clarity, grounding, and connection. I especially love working with adolescents, couples, families, and women. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. We will explore what matters most to you and move at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Therapy with me is not one-size-fits-all. It is shaped by your story, strengths, and goals. Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, but it is also a powerful step toward healing and possibility. If you are ready to explore what is next for you, I would be honored to connect. You are welcome to schedule a free 15-minute consultation through CFMHE’s secure telehealth platform, all from the comfort of your home. Let us take this next step together. Specialized Care for Adolescents, Relationships, and Life Transitions My areas of specialization include: - Adolescent Mental Health: Supporting teens through identity development, emotional regulation, school stress, and social challenges - Relationship Counseling: Including communication work, marital and premarital support, and navigating relational conflict - Anxiety and OCD-Related Disorders: Helping clients understand symptoms, learn coping tools, and build long-term resilience - Parenting Support: Guidance through pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum stages, as well as support for parenting stress, co-parenting, and family transitions - Life Transitions: Including career changes, relocation, college adjustments, and other significant shifts You may find therapy with me especially helpful if you are: - An adolescent or young adult navigating stress, identity, or life changes - Looking to strengthen your relationship or prepare for marriage - Managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or OCD-related symptoms - Navigating parenting challenges or major family transitions - A woman seeking support for personal, relational, or emotional growth From Personal Experience to Professional Care As someone who has personally benefited from therapy, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to reach out for help. This lived experience informs my ability to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings with openness and trust. Bringing Creativity to the Therapeutic Process Outside of my clinical work, I express myself through drawing, music, and writing. These creative practices often inspire the way I show up in therapy, bringing flexibility, imagination, and new perspectives that can help deepen insight and emotional exploration. Take the First Step Toward Positive Change If you are ready to begin or continue your mental health journey, I would be honored to support you. With CFMHE’s secure telehealth platform, we can meet wherever you are in California, making therapy accessible and adaptable to your life. Let us work together to help you find strength, healing, and growth. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. I look forward to supporting you on your path to well-being.