He/Him
Background and Approach
CA License #103938
​
I am a multilingual therapist offering services in English, Spanish, and Italian. My background includes working with diverse and multicultural communities across California and internationally. My path into this work began in Spain, where I studied education, and continued in the U.S., where I spent over a decade supporting individuals navigating complex mental health challenges, including trauma, early psychosis, chronic illness, ADHD, and neurodivergence, as well as major life transitions.
​
My clinical approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based model that views the mind as a system of interconnected parts shaped by life experiences and past wounds. I have completed advanced Level 2 training in IFS and have served as an Assistant Trainer with the IFS Institute. I integrate this depth-oriented work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, balancing insight with practical, skill-based strategies.
​
I approach therapy as collaborative and culturally responsive, recognizing the impact of identity, migration, and systemic factors on mental health. My work has included supporting transitional-age youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Spanish-speaking communities, as well as individuals transversing belonging, identity, and adjustment across cultures.
​
In my work, I support adults and couples experiencing anxiety, trauma, self-criticism, relationship challenges, neurodivergence, and life transitions, including those related to relocation and cultural identity. I also provide an inclusive space for individuals exploring alternative relationship structures, including polyamory and ethical non-monogamy. Across all areas of practice, I prioritize creating a space that is warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded in curiosity and compassion, supporting clients in moving from patterns of stuckness toward greater clarity and integration.
My work centers on adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, self-criticism, ADHD and neurodivergence, relationship challenges, and life transitions, particularly where identity, culture, migration, and belonging intersect.
Â
I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based and relational approaches, adapting interventions to support both deeper emotional healing and practical, day-to-day functioning in a way that aligns with each client’s unique needs and pace.
​
*Early Morning (AM) AvailabilityÂ
*Sunday Availability
Focus Areas
and Expertise
ADHD &
Neurodivergence
Relationship Issues/Communication
Issues of Belonging (Identity, ex-pat, immigration assessment)
Alternative Relationships (Polyamory, Consensual Non-monogamy)
Anxiety & Burnout
Trauma Recovery
Substance Use
Couples/Marriage Therapy
Life Transitions
Personal & Spiritual Growth, Stuckness
Imposter Syndrome & Being Self-Critical
Depression & Mood Disorders
Diagnostic Assessments for ADHD/Neurodivergence
Credentials
I have served as an Assistant Trainer with the IFS Institute. My training also includes advanced coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
Â
I currently serve as an adjunct professor teaching psychopathology to university students in Italy.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
CA License #103938
Education:
MA in Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
California Institute of Integral Studies
MA in Education Sciences
Universidad de Granada
BA in Education Sciences
Universidad de Granada
Trained and Certified in Advanced Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training Level 2
My Philosophy
My philosophy of care is grounded in intentionality, cultural humility, and trust. I approach therapy with the belief that healing happens within a safe and collaborative relationship, where clients feel seen, respected, and supported in exploring their internal world.
​
My work is deeply informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which holds that each person carries an inherent capacity for healing and clarity. Rather than viewing parts of ourselves as problems to be fixed, I approach them with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that even the most challenging patterns have developed in response to past experiences.
​
This perspective allows therapy to move beyond symptom management toward deeper, more lasting change.
I am especially mindful of the ways identity, culture, and migration shape a person’s sense of self and belonging. I approach each therapeutic relationship with respect for these experiences, creating a space that is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and responsive to each client’s unique story.
​
Ultimately, my work is guided by a belief in each person’s internal wisdom and capacity for growth. I aim to support clients in moving from self-criticism and stuckness toward greater clarity, integration, and a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
​
-Juan Maillo, LMFT