Founder and Psychotherapist

Alexandria founded Shrinks Corner as a departure from the conventional treatment paradigm. Drawing from her own experiences, she sought to disrupt the status quo. Her encounters with therapists during her childhood, marked by undiagnosed ADHD and unresolved trauma, left her dissatisfied with the dry, clinical approach that seemed more focused on observation than genuine connection.

Unlike a trip to the dentist, where a simple reward like a sucker can brighten the experience, traditional therapy sessions often left her feeling worse than when she arrived. At Shrinks Corner, the aim is to change that narrative. They want their clients to anticipate their sessions with enthusiasm, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning. Just like at the dentist’s, they believe clients deserve a sweet reward for their efforts because therapy is hard work.

Despite the smiles you see on their website, there’s a deep commitment to clinical rigor at Shrinks Corner. Alexandria’s dedication to this seriousness springs from firsthand knowledge of the profound impact of untreated mental health issues and the lingering effects of unaddressed trauma and emotions.

Her career has predominantly focused on treating substance-related disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. These formative experiences as a clinician continue to shape her therapeutic approach today, underscoring the transformative potential of their work. At Shrinks Corner, they’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives – because what could be more rewarding than that?

Therapy Puppy | Psychiatric Service Animal

As the newest member to the Shrinks Corner team, SAINT brings pawsitive vibes! This golden soul is lovingly known as “Golden Boy” around the office and can be found accompanying Shrink Ali to mental health hospitals and addiction treatment centers where he has been trained to provide affection, comfort and emotional support to clients and staff.
He is a living, breathing example of empathy on four paws. SAINT was destined for a special purpose as a therapy dog due to his calm demeanor, gentle disposition and his overall friendliness.

SAINT has an intuitive sense and is sensitive to that one patient in the room that needs his lovely energy, and he will instinctively gravitate toward them as if he knows they need a little extra attention. Upon feeling the gentle touch of Saint’s cold nose and his warm heart, an otherwise depressed or saddened patient can be observed smiling and leaning in to get a puppy hug; closing their eyes and melting into Saint’s fur.

It is no mystery to us why the word “dog” is GOD spelled backward.

Art and Skills Counselor

Quote: “Let’s get messy”

Julia has a deep interest in psychology. From a young age, she was curious about the human mind and behavior, influenced by her experiences and a desire to understand the world around her. For Julia, psychology is more than just a hobby; it’s a passion. She is fascinated by how our minds work, how we form relationships, and how our past affects our present. This drives her desire to learn more and help others understand their own minds.

She has a special passion for working with children. She believes that early intervention and support can make a significant difference in a child’s development and future well-being. Children are at an important stage in their lives, figuring out who they are and how the world works. Julia aims to create a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves, heal, and grow.

What motivates her the most is the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. She wants to help children overcome their problems, build strength, and develop a solid foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Seeing a child transform and grow is incredibly rewarding and strengthens her commitment to this work. She is inspired by the idea that with the right support and guidance, every child can reach their potential and lead a happy, successful life.

Julia has a strong passion for understanding maternal trauma and its impact. This topic particularly interests her because it demonstrates how early experiences with a mother can shape a child’s emotional and psychological development. She is especially intrigued by how trauma can affect a child’s ability to form attachments, trust others, and build resilience. This interest motivates Julia to help children affected by such experiences.

In her career, she aims to use her personal experiences and compassion to make a positive impact in the field of psychology. Whether through counseling, therapy, or educational programs, she is dedicated to supporting children and helping them reach their full potential. She believes that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment where they can freely express themselves and work through their challenges. Julia hopes to empower children to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and develop the skills they need for a healthy and fulfilling life.

Schedule your child’s art therapy session today!

LMFT, Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor

Mr. Tarron Phillips, LMFT serves as Clinical Director of Shrinks Corner, Inc., and Clinical Supervisor to Psychotherapist, Alexandria Bekele, ACSW. Prior to joining Shrinks Corner, Inc., Mr. Tarron Phillips had a long military service career as a Sergeant in the United States Army between 1987-1996. Mr. Tarron Phillips is a Combat Veteran and served as a Squad Leader during Desert Storm/Shield, 1990-1991.

Shrinks Corner, Inc., is proud to have someone of Mr. Tarron Phillips’ caliber as a leader of the organization.

After his military service career, Mr. Tarron Phillips continued to serve as a Licensed Therapist for the Department of Defense. His career as a therapist for the Department of Defense is summarized below:

• Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT, Department of Defense, Navy, Point Loma, CA.
• Exceptional Family Member Program Manager LMFT, Department of Defense, Army, Fort Irwin, CA.
• Family Advocacy Program Education Coordinator LMFT, Department of Defense, Army, Fort Irwin, CA.

Non-Profit Organization:
In addition to his commitment to military service members and their families, Mr. Tarron Phillips congruently founded and directed the clinical aspects of Phillips 3rd Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated to offering therapeutic services to vulnerable populations (i.e., Children, Veterans, and their Families, One-Parent Households, etc.)

Theoretical Orientation:
Mr. Tarron Phillips, LMFT, Treatment Modalities Theoretical orientation includes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Therapy, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, and Strategic Therapy to promote desired outcomes of negative and unwanted behaviors.

Memberships:
Mr. Tarron Phillips has held an active membership with the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) since 2012.

Specific Training and Certifications:
Social Work Certificate, California Baptist University, 2011. Anger Management Certification, 2013. Scream Free Marriage/Parenting Certification, 2016. Domestic Violence Intervention Certification, 2017

Education:
Master of Science, Counseling Psychology, California Baptist University, 2014 Bachelor of Arts, Sociology with concentration in Social Work, California Baptist University, 2012

ACSW #104096, Group Therapist

Quote: “We build relationships in group therapy”.

My name is Isela Edens, I obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Fullerton. I’m currently an ACSW under the supervision of Esteban Juarez. I’ve been in the helping profession for approximately 15 years. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations, under diverse circumstances. My work experience along with my education have given me the tools and exposure to be able to support others with various different backgrounds and challenges. Safety. My goal as a therapist is to ensure you feel safe. Many of us can develop maladaptive defense mechanisms that can inhibit that safety.

Healing is Possible

My goal is to reestablish safety with you. I hope to create a safe space where you can be vulnerable enough to share who you are and how you feel. Therapy is a nonjudgemental space where you’re encouraged to feel all of your emotions and embrace vulnerability. Through the use of mindfulness practices, somatic practices, narrative therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, etc., you can learn to establish safety for yourself and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier ones.

Anxiety

Anxiety can often make us feel like we are stuck in a cycle of rumination, we might find ourselves worrying excessively about the future, difficulty managing our thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and perhaps even challenges with sleep. Overall, anxiety can have us feeling “stuck” sometimes. Therapy can be a place to help you learn and utilize effective tools so that you can start to begin to feel in control and more regulated.

LCSW, Predecessor: Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor

Esteban Juarez, L.C.S.W., brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Clinical Director of Shrinks Corner, Inc. Esteban also serves as one of the clinical supervisors for the Shrinks Corner team. His diverse training and certifications in modalities such as EMDR, TF-CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Critical Incident Stress Management reflect his commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized care to individuals across the lifespan.

As a practitioner fluent in both English and Spanish, Esteban demonstrates a dedication to serving diverse communities and ensuring accessibility to mental health services. His work with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families underscores his versatility and ability to address a wide range of therapeutic needs.

In addition to his role as Clinical Director for Shrinks Corner, Inc., Esteban’s role as a Certified MSW Field Instructor and ASW supervisor highlights his commitment to mentorship and professional development within the social work field. By nurturing the next generation of social workers, Esteban contributes to the continued growth and excellence of mental health services.

As the Clinical Director for Shrinks Corner, Inc., Esteban plays a crucial role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of the Shrinks Corner team. By organizing specialized trainings and events, he fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that practitioners remain current with best practices and emerging trends in the field of mental health.

Overall, Esteban’s dedication to providing high-quality care and his efforts to promote professional growth and development reflect his commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive. His contributions make a meaningful impact on the well-being of those he serves, empowering them to reach their true potential and lead fulfilling lives. Shrinks Corner is proud to have him assist in leading the team!