About

About Manuela

I identify as a 2nd generation, Korean American female from a multicultural background. I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, grew up in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and went to UC Berkeley for college where my soul searching began. College and post college life is where I found the freedom to begin questioning the neatly packaged narratives of how to live a "good life” that were handed down to me from those I loved and respected. My own journey to finding freedom from perfectionism, people pleasing, and fear is what led me to become a therapist.

I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University. I also have over a decade of experience in Christian ministry serving at various local churches. My personal faith journey has led me to view spirituality and religion like relationships, as a complex entity that has the potential to both hurt and heal us. My faith helps ground me in the work I do as a therapist, but does not limit the kinds of clients I welcome. My doors are open to people of all faiths, ethnicities, identities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds.

When I am not working with clients, I enjoy creating art, reading, writing, and spending quality time with my husband and daughter.

Services

What Clients Say About the Healing Journey

  • "Manuela provided an incredibly safe space to untangle years of people-pleasing habits. I finally feel connected to my true self without carrying constant guilt."

    — Adult Individual Client

  • "As a couple struggling with communication, we felt seen and fairly challenged. The tools from EFT transformed how we face hard triggers together."

    — Orange County Couples Client

CLEAR ANSWERS FOR PEACE OF MIND

Everything You Need to Know About Starting Therapy

  • I offer in-person therapy at my office in La Habra, CA, and I also see clients virtually throughout the state of California — so no matter where you're located, we can likely find a way to work together.

  • I offer three main services: therapy for couples, therapy for individuals, and therapy for families. Each session is $175 for 50 minutes. When it comes to family therapy, I typically work with parents alongside their child, though I can work with other family members involved as well.

  • I work with clients navigating burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and codependency, as well as those facing relationship or communication challenges, family expectations, religious trauma, or questions about their identity and faith. My focus isn't just on managing symptoms — I want to help you get to the root of what's really going on so the change you experience actually lasts.

  • Yes. As a second-generation Asian American myself, I have a particular passion for working with Asian Americans and children of immigrants. I understand firsthand the unique strengths and challenges that come with that identity — including navigating conflicting cultural narratives and family expectations — and I bring that understanding into our work together.

  • I draw from evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Attachment Theory. I blend these methods together based on what fits you best, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

  • Absolutely. I've created a non-judgmental, safe, and grounded space, and I welcome clients of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, and faith backgrounds. Wherever you're coming from, you're welcome here.

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