Not Your Typical Therapist …
Not Your Typical Therapist …
We have been there, done that, and worked really hard to create a therapeutic approach that actually works.
MEET YOUR SHRINKS
Founder and Psychotherapist, ACSW, CATC IV
Art & Skills Counselor
LMFT | Clinical Director & Clinical Supervisor
ACSW, Group Therapist
LCSW | Clinical Supervisor, Predecessor Clinical Director
Meet Your Shrinks
Alexandria Bekele
Founder and Psychotherapist, ACSW, CATC IV
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?
MY APPROACH:
I am a psychotherapist specializing in turning sad faces into happy faces! I work with a variety of ages!
- kiddos with little bodies and BIG feelings,
- teens and young adults with existential crises galore,
- adults who don’t want to adult anymore, because life just became really “lifey”
- seniors who need comfort and support through changing times.
I value the therapeutic relationship above all and respect its healing power, however, I also draw from my arsenal of evidence-based treatment modalities. My favorite and most utilized modality is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for behavioral cognitive change; while I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for the treatment of trauma. It is important to me that clients leave my office with tools, so I also assist clients in understanding how to regulate their emotions by integrating nervous system regulation exercises to improve their ability to tolerate difficult emotions when they are on their own. I focus a great deal on communication in session so my client can build happy and connected lives outside of therapy. Depending on the symptom presentation, I am likely to utilize multiple methods from my therapeutic arsenal…I am like Mary Poppins – I just pull out of my Dr. Bag whatever is going to get the job done and get my clients to where we want them to be…THEIR HAPPY PLACE.
EDUCATION:
Ali is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a master’s in clinical social work (MSW). She is also Certified in the treatment of substance-related and addictive disorders.
- University of California Los Angeles UCLA ALUMNI – Go Bruins 😉
- California State University Fullerton CSUF ALUMNI
- Associates in Alcohol and Drug Studies
CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – Ali’s favorite treatment modality!
Certified in Sand Tray & Sand Play therapy – Let’s go play in the sand kids!
Certified in the treatment of substance use disorders. – I’ll hold your hand through this and sit with you so you are not alone in this… because the solution to addiction is connection!
AWARDS:
2008 PASS AWARD – The National Council on Crime and Delinquency presented Ali with this award for her work on media and community projects that focus on prevention and restorative approaches.
2008 – Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards – Ali received the Informational and Public Affairs Series as an Associate Producer for PBS Television’s SOCAL Connected.
2008 – Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards – Ali received this recognition in the Education category for her contribution as Associate Producer for the series, “Inside Locke High School”.
2009 Golden Mike Award – “Inside Locke High School” Documenting what was for years known as one of the most dangerous schools in Watts, where metal detectors were used at the entrance. For PBS Television, Ali and other producers documented and supported three students as they navigated the terrain of the notorious school where students were more likely to drop pout than graduate.
2009 – Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards – Ali received this recognition for her contribution as Associate Producer on pieces highlighting the effects crime and social issues for PBS Television’s SoCal Connected.
2011 – Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards – Ali received this recognition in the category of LA LOCAL COLOR for her contribution as Associate Producer to the biographical intimate portrait of Master Chef of the French Laundry, Thomas Keller titled, “Uncorked”. Ali found Chef Keller’s early life and career inspiring; how he overcame many of his own challenges to become the James Beard award winning chef he is today.
Meet Your Shrinks
Julia Gabra
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.
Meet Your Shrinks
Tarron Phillips
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
Meet Your Shrinks
Isela Edens
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 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.
Couples Therapy
Are you and your partner feeling as though no matter how hard you try, things are making it difficult for you two to progress or be on the same page? Maybe you are struggling to connect. Couples therapy can be a wonderful tool to help you both understand and improve your relationship dynamics. At times we develop dynamics within our intimate relationship that can hinder our communication and thus connection with the other person. Therapy can be a tool to improve your relationship dynamic, a place where you learn that conflict can actually be helpful in deepening your connection when used effectively.
Self-Esteem/ Relationships
Do you find yourself struggling with who you are, maybe often comparing yourself to others? Is it difficult for you to say no, set boundaries, or communicate how you feel to others? Sometimes the way we feel about ourselves impacts the way we relate to others. Therapy can be a tool that helps you work on your confidence. You can learn that you can accept and like who you are, while simultaneously setting goals that don’t leave you feeling discouraged or critical about yourself.
Trauma/PTSD
Sometimes situations can have a long-lasting effect on us and who we are. Trauma can feel like reoccurring nightmares, intrusive thoughts that are difficult to let go of, difficulty with concentration, and avoidance, along with physical symptoms (muscle tension, increated heart rate, sweating, trembling, etc.). Trauma can arise from our childhood, impacting who we are today and the way we learn to live. Or, trauma can occur from a more recent incident. Either way, there are tools that can help you throughout the process. You don’t have to do it alone. Therapy is a great way to learn about ways to manage those symptoms and increase emotional regulation while sharing your story.
Life Transitions
Change can be difficult, even when change can positively impact our lives. Whether you’re finding yourself struggling due to an unexpected life event, or something you planned out and are having a difficult time adjusting to, either way, therapy can be helpful. Together we can walk through your life transition, allowing you the space to slow down and process the change and your emotions, while building tools that can help you cope. You don’t have to do it alone.
Evidence Based Practices
I use a variety of evidence based approaches that can help you learn the skills and tools to help you manage some of the symptoms above. While I have a very client-centered approach, meaning that I treat every individual uniquely, paying attention to your needs and what works for you, these practices have been studied and served to be very helpful for others.
Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy can help you process your story in a way that helps you understand your feelings, your perspective, and your challenges. The focus is on helping you understand the problem in a different way, learning ways to externalize your challenges rather than internalize them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a powerful tool that can help you understand how powerful your thoughts are. With that understanding you can learn ways to manage your thoughts, which in turn impact the way you feel and behave.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help you manage your emotions, learn impulse control, and improve your relationships with others.
Mindfulness Practices: This is a type of therapy that can help you learn to be more present in your life. This type of therapy helps us pay more attention to present moment, learning to shift out focus from either the past of future into the now, which can help with emotional regulation.
Solution Focused Therapy: This type of therapy can help us identify and carry out goals. It can help you learn ways to set goals that are manageable and attainable, understanding there can be ways to change problems
I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. This initial meeting is an opportunity for us to connect, and for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.
Meet Your Shrinks
Esteban Juarez
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!
Maybe it is time you talk to someone…
and not just anyone…
It is time you got your own SHRINK! Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation … the first powerful step to improving your mental wellness and owning your happiness.
