Kristel Yoneda, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 139294, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor 13825

Schooling and Training: I received my M.A. in Psychology from California Southern University. I completed my practicum as an MFT trainee at the LGBTQ Center OC, where I also received training writing letters of support for transition-related medical care (note: I still write letters of support for trans clients at the LGBTQ Center OC). I'm a 2023 WPATH Student Member and I also completed a 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training at Laura's House. 

Therapeutic Focus:  I consider myself to be a narrative therapist who operates from a feminist therapy framework. The therapy jargon loosely translates to mean that as a therapist, I don't believe I know more about you and your story than you do. I believe that as children we are told who we are (by family, by our community, by other external factors) and that we spend our lives untangling those expectations and stories to re-author our stories in a way that is congruent to who we are and allows us to move through the world with the most agency. I believe that it is my function as a therapist to support you in this process and to utilize and offer tools that are specific to your needs (versus thinking about healing as a one-size-fits-all solution). Finally, as a therapist, I believe it is essential to consider how your identities (and I believe we are all made up of multiple, intersecting identities) impact and inform the way you walk through the world, access the resources around you, and find meaning for yourself. 

I specialize working in the following communities/identities: LGBTQ, Asian American, kink, poly/ENM (ethical non-monogamy), and SW (sex work). The common thread between these communities is that there is generally a focus on identity work (e.g. exploring authenticity, identity solidification and self-esteem building, inner child/inner teen exploration). 

Approach to Therapy: As a therapist, I believe you are the expert of your own story and that I am here to support you in the process of becoming your most authentic self. Moreover (and perhaps, most importantly), as a therapist, I believe we all deserve compassion, grace, and empathy on our unique journeys. I am not a therapist who is rigidly attached to the diagnosis boxes laid out in the DSM, but rather understands symptoms and treatment from a non-pathologizing standpoint. 

I am a therapist who believes we can learn so much about others by how they tell stories about themselves, others, and the world. Not-so-surprisingly, because of this, I am a very conversational, process-oriented therapist. I generally resonate with clients who enjoy conversation or enjoy the freedom that framework provides in session. I further tailor the structure/style/focus of session based on client's needs and with input from the client (if requested). 

Fun Facts About Me: I started a project called Sad But Rad Club at the beginning of the pandemic and create content for it on social media. Sad But Rad Club is a movement to destigmatize the struggles many of us have with our mental health. It is a reminder that we hold value as human beings even when we’re depressed, anxious, obsessive, manic, lonely. SAD BUT RAD is an anthem that declares we are perfect as we are and will be equally perfect when we become who we want to be. 

If you are over 18, I can share that I've been working in the business sector of the trans adult industry for the last 14 years and I'm an XBIZ Exec 'Community Figure of the Year' Award recipient. My work in community has been my primary motivator to pursue a second career as a therapist. I believe this is part of my responsibility to use my privilege in a way that supports the community I love and work with.  In 2022, I proudly partnered with adult industry legend (and longtime friend of mine) Domino Presley in her creation of the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship. Through this scholarship, trans sex workers are able to receive free therapy and/or letters of support from me (billed at a reduced rate and financially covered by Domino herself). 

I also love Whitney Houston, cheesy 80s music, 90s alternative, and more 00' emo music than my black-rimmed glasses imply. 

Fees: $190 for individuals and $250 for couples