Erika Reitz

AMFT 139950 | Supervised by Amy Tran, LMFT 98864

Spanish bilingual associate marriage and family therapist in California

Trauma and overwhelming experiences can leave your body feeling constantly guarded, tense, on edge, or disconnected, even long after the difficult moments have passed. You may find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use urges, or patterns in relationships that feel hard to break. These struggles can be confusing and isolating, especially when you’re trying your best to move forward. As a therapist, I offer a safe, compassionate space to understand what you’ve been carrying and how those past experiences are showing up in your daily life. We move gently and intentionally, unpacking emotional wounds, building healthier coping skills, and strengthening your ability to navigate relationships with more clarity and confidence. My goal is to help you feel safer within yourself, more grounded in your emotions, and better equipped to create the meaningful, connected life you deserve.

My Specialties

Individual Therapy

Brainspotting Trauma Therapy

Couple Therapy

EMDR Trauma Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Substance Use & Addiction

Terapia en español

CBT Therapy

My Path as a Therapist

a therapiest journey and experiences

My path as a therapist began in community and outpatient settings, where I provided support to individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the challenges that arise during major life transitions. Early in my work, I supported children, teens, and parents through emotional and behavioral concerns, using a warm, trauma-informed approach to help them feel understood and grounded. These experiences strengthened my belief that healing starts with safety, connection, and the courage to explore difficult emotions at your own pace.

I later expanded my work into recovery-focused environments, where I supported clients facing substance use, co-occurring mental health symptoms, and the deep emotional pain that often accompanies addiction. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, I helped clients identify underlying wounds, rebuild coping skills, and form healthier patterns in their relationships. These years taught me how trauma, attachment injuries, and stress can shape a person’s internal world—and how powerful therapy can be in creating space for change.

Today, as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I draw from trauma-informed care, EMDR therapy, Brainspotting, and evidence-based approaches to support individuals and couples working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and the lasting impact of traumatic experiences. I take time to understand each person’s emotional landscape and collaborate with them to create a path toward stability, clarity, and self-compassion.

My cultural lens is shaped by deep respect for the diverse identities and lived experiences my clients bring into the room. As a bilingual English/Spanish therapist, I understand the complexities of multicultural and bicultural family systems—including intergenerational trauma, shifting family roles, and the pressures of high-expectation households. I’m mindful of how culture influences emotion, identity, and relationships, and I approach each client with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to honoring their unique story. My goal is to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to grow within the context of their whole cultural experience.

Top Issues I Work With:

  • Trauma (PTSD)

  • Relationship and communication difficulties

  • Substance use and addiction

  • Sex and intimacy

  • Attachment wounds / Childhood wounds

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Bicultural family dynamic

  • Depression and mood disorders (bipolar)

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions and adjustment stress

  • LGBTQ+ support

  • Intergenerational trauma

  • Pressures of high-expectation households

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Therapy Style:

  • Empathic

  • Warm

  • Skill training

  • Collaborative

  • Culturally sensitive and affirmed

  • Insight-oriented

  • Explorative

  • Curious and gently challenging

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Trainings & Approaches

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Brainspotting

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Gottman Method

  • Evidence-based Therapy

  • Skill building

  • Behavioral intervention

  • Substance & addiction counseling

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Education & Credentials

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology

  • Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 139950

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Availability:

Accepting virtual clients

Accpeting in person clients in Santa Ana (Orange County)

virtual therapy that offers a flexible appointment time in California

Fee:

$120 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families

Sliding scales may be available

virtual therapy that offers an affordable fee in California

Insurance:

Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | All PPO

virtual therapy that is covered by insurance in California

Get Started with Erika

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