Rachel Carlos , LMFT

Rachel Carlos is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 9 years of clinical experience supporting individuals and families through difficult transitions. She has spent much of her career working with at-risk populations, including people involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and brings a background in social work to her therapeutic work.

In addition to direct clinical experience, Rachel manages operations for a non-profit program that provides clinical case management services, combining administrative insight with hands-on care. She centers her practice on strengths and client goals, encouraging self-love, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being as core parts of the healing process.

Rachel integrates Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into sessions to help clients address trauma, depression, self-image, and work-life balance, among other concerns. Her approach is client-driven, aiming to create a comfortable space where people feel understood and supported while exploring practical strategies for change.

Known for cultural competence and an open-minded stance, Rachel works with a wide range of issues including stress and anxiety, relationship and family challenges, grief, parenting, compassion fatigue, and identity-related concerns. She focuses on collaborative, tailored care that aligns therapeutic techniques with each person’s needs and goals.

Therapeutic Approaches Used in Online Sessions

Rachel draws on Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients lead the conversation and their values guide goals. This approach helps people clarify what matters most and build confidence in their own healing process.

She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT offers concrete tools that can be practiced between sessions to support everyday functioning.

Motivational Interviewing is another method Rachel uses to help clients tap into their own motivation for change, especially when facing ambivalence about difficult decisions or life transitions. This collaborative, respectful style encourages personal agency and sustainable progress.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic journey, and Rachel works collaboratively with each person to tailor techniques to their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they explore what feels most effective and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Rachel is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and continue therapy consistently, even when schedules or circumstances change.