Daybreak Therapists
Patrick Cleveland, L.M.F.T.
Founder & Clinical Director
Greetings! I am the founder and clinical director of Daybreak Counseling Center. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Long Beach City College. I first began to study psychology at California State University, Fullerton where I graduated with bachelor's degrees in both psychology and philosophy. My own struggles in life during my teen years led me to these areas of study as I began to ask questions as to why I had made certain decisions and what illusory force was driving these decisions? Through encountering and studying psychoanalysis, I was intrigued by Freud’s discovery of the unconscious mind as a potential answer. It is my continued fascination with the activity of unconscious mental life and a deep passion to help others with the knowledge I've learned that still drives my work and research to this day. To read more about me click here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
I began studying the human condition long before becoming a clinician. My own artistic practice bolsters my ability and passion for witnessing and putting words to a previously unexamined experience. My clinical philosophy fuses object-relations and other psychodynamic approaches with a collaborative, postmodern stance. What that means is that I believe early experiences and relationships play a significant role in shaping how we act and feel in the present and exploring them in therapy is an important part of the work that I do. I am interested in a client’s total experience, their unconscious feelings and thoughts that reside behind behaviors and symptom. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
Today I have the opportunity to help in a way I never imagined I could. I truly believe that knowledge is power, and in understanding ourselves, our behaviors, and our past, we gain the power to make choices that lead us to live a fuller life. My approach to therapy is very holistic, which means I focus on seeing the whole person which includes their history, narrative, physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and social needs, and not just their symptoms or what brings them to therapy. To read more about me click Here
Ashley Boren, A.M.F.T.
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
The practice of psychotherapy always intrigued me and from a young age and I often found myself advocating to break the stigma concerning therapy. I knew I wanted to help others who struggled to find their voice in a world where they are often silenced. Growing up in a culturally diverse population taught me how everyone experiences life uniquely, and that there is no one size fits all when it comes to the care that they need. I take pride in my ability to attune to my clients and meet their needs while respecting where they are at in their journey. To read more about me click Here
Emily Kim, A.M.F.T.
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
From a young age I learned that I had a heart to understand, listen, and empathize with those who were hurting. This eventually led me to study the field of psychology and encouraged me to take steps to better understand and develop the skills to journey alongside others. Now looking back, I can think of no other path that would better capture my heart and desire to see people heal and grow than to become a therapist. To read more about me clickHere
Available for Virtual and
In- Person Sessions in Cerritos
My passion for mental health is intertwined with my passion for the arts. From youth, I have been intrigued with the human mind, as well as the mechanism of creative expression as an agent of change and avenue for connection. This has led me to pursue a multidisciplinary education and gain clinical experience in a variety of service settings as a board-certified music therapist, with the bulk of my pre-Daybreak experience providing holistic care to hospice patients and their families. In my counseling work, I have worked with a range of issues that include grief/loss, burnout, codependency, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, minority stress, and relational issues. To read more about me clickHere
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
I am passionate about the work I do and have provided mental health services for a variety of clients experiencing struggles with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, women’s issues and substance use, and compulsive behaviors. My goal as a therapist is to de-stigmatize mental health needs, and support clients in achieving their goals in becoming who they want to be, how they want to feel, and where they want to go. I focus on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients with warmth, curiosity and compassion. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
Hello and welcome to the Daybreak Counseling Center. My role as a therapist is to be supportive and aiding towards healing for personal growth and to have healthy and satisfying interpersonal relationships. My style of therapy is through spirituality, authenticity, transparency, optimism, humor (when appropriate of course) and through the use of metaphors. To read more about me click here.
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
My curiosity for therapy began when I was growing up in a Hispanic community that stigmatized mental health. I recognized the gap between receiving mental health services and the acceptance of seeking support beyond familial relationships. It was then that I realized we have many intersecting aspects of our lives who make us who we are. In my approach to therapy, I utilize a humanistic, person-centered, and strengths-based approach in order to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients. I want to get to know who you are and how I can support you in recognizing your potential. To read more about me click Here.
Samirah Alam, A.M.F.T.
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
My interest in psychology started when I was in high school when I started to become aware of the importance of mental health in both myself and those around me. Mental health was never talked about in my community due to cultural stigmas surrounding it. My goal as a therapist is to help give your struggles a voice and to support you through your journey, especially in times when we may feel alone. I hope to foster a safe, nonjudgemental space for you to express yourself and to feel seen and heard. To read more about me click Here.
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
My passion for psychology and seeking to understand human behavior began at an early age as I witnessed people close to me experiencing various forms of mental and emotional distress. Also going through overwhelming challenges and struggles alone in my life while growing up inspired me to want to support others to not have to go through theirs alone as well. I believe each person is unique and deserves a customized therapy that fits their needs. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
I value authenticity and respect when building personal & professional relationships. I center my practice around psychoanalytic and humanistic theories. It is important to examine one’s past relationships and experiences in order to find the resources needed to grow within themselves. I believe a person centered approach can foster a strong therapeutic alliance and allow my clients to lead in their treatment process. As a therapist, I aim to become a resource to those seeking guidance, self improvement, or safety. I hope to provide a warm space for my clients to candidly share what has been heavy to carry. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
From a young age, my passion for understanding human connection was clear. With the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture in mind, my curiosities deepened while exploring the connection between genetics and early childhood experiences within the context of society and environment as primary influences. As a therapist my goal is to provide a safe space for processing all of life’s challenges. Figuratively speaking, the daily masks we wear can be exhausting. Despite how alone we may feel during these times, I am here to remind you that support is always available. To read more bout me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
My path to the mental health field came after years of working and studying in the medical field. This has helped me to gain invaluable insight and develop my passion for counseling. I realized the huge importance of mental health in today’s world, especially as the world changes and moves around us. While we as a society more highly value the importance of keeping our bodies healthy, our minds are not always afforded the same care. It is my belief that therapy is for everyone, at any time, and can be utilized for personal growth, and not just in times of crisis or symptom reduction. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
Since early adulthood, I have pondered this question: “What conditions make human growth and transformation possible?”. Throughout my career as an educational researcher, coach, and adult professional development provider, I have learned that people grow when they experience the right balance of challenge and support. In my view, therapy should aim to do more than alleviate troubling symptoms. Ideally, therapy should help clients identify what a “life worth living” looks like for them as they move towards self-discovery and a rich, fulfilling, and connected life. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
My passion & desire to help others was first discovered during my teenage years. As I transitioned into my adulthood I became more intrigued with how individuals developed patterns of behaviors and what drives them to make life decisions. I grew up in a culturally diverse area of Los Angeles that has allowed me the opportunity to learn how to maneuver & work with a wide variety of people. I take pride in my ability to adapt to different situations which has allowed me to adjust to the needs of my clients & respect where there are in their journey. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Cerritos
I am passionate about helping individuals, families, and couples of any kind to help people better connect with themselves and others. I encourage my clients to pursue a holistic approach to mental health, incorporating exercise, proper sleep and nutrition, spiritual practices, nurturing relationships, and activities they enjoy. I believe therapy is a collaborative process to help clients increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease and understand where symptoms are coming from, & increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
My passion for mental health began in college when I realized there are disproportionately few South Asian mental health professionals. Having immigrated from India to the United States as a child, I have experienced first hand how attempting to acculturate can significantly impact one's mental health & wellbeing. My goal is to help clients realize their potential as leaders of change in their own lives. I aim to provide a safe & welcoming environment for clients to share any issues they wish to bring to therapy without fear of judgment. To read more about me click Here
Available for Virtual and
In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
My passion for mental health began when I worked as a tutor and life skills educator for youth in long term foster care in Los Angeles County. I realized how important their mental health was as a determinant to their success in the future. My therapeutic approach stems from humanistic theory, focusing on self-development and growth, while helping individuals recognize their strengths, creativity, and power of choice. I am client centered, where my clients are the experts in their life and environment. My goal is to help my clients heal and get to know their own mind and potential. To read more about me click Here
Available For Virtual Sessions Only
I enjoy working with young adults and adults to help them achieve overall fulfillment in their everyday life. I also enjoy working with couples utilizing emotion focused therapy to help them build and re-establish the loving connection in their relationships. My individualized person-centered approach to counseling and therapy allows for natural rapport and trust to take seed. I have a passion to support clients in realizing their potential and developing into their optimal selves. I provide a safe and supportive space where my clients can unpack their difficulties, express emotions, & most importantly begin the healing process. To read more about me click Here
Available For Virtual Sessions Only
My approach to psychotherapy and counseling is eclectic and holistic in that I believe in working and creating an individual treatment approach unique to each of my clients. I believe in the mind/body connection as the body is a canvas uniquely shaped and moved by our experiences. I am half Indian and Japanese. I speak Japanese and Malayalam. My unique background gives me an insight into multicultural issues, and the challenge of finding identity. I believe we all have the capacity to heal and see ourselves as whole, and my training as a therapist puts me in the unique position to guide you through that process. To read more about me click Here
