Find Your Path to a
Fulfilling Life
Taking the first step toward a happier, more authentic life takes courage. If you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, please know that you are not alone. I am here to support and guide you through that process.
My name is Yvonne McNeal, and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT40905). My virtual practice is founded on a deep belief in treating every person with respect, sensitivity, and profound compassion. I provide a safe, affirming, and open-minded space for individuals and couples to explore their inner worlds and heal.
My Approach:
A Partnership in Your Healing
My work is deeply influenced by a Jungian approach, which means I honor the deep, symbolic, and often unconscious parts of your story. I believe that our greatest challenges often hold the keys to our most profound healing.
I recognize that your journey is unique. We will work closely together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. My role is to be your guide. In our sessions, you can expect to feel affirmed and understood, yet also gently challenged to discover the new behaviors, skills, and emotional insights you need to thrive.
My greatest hope is that you leave each session feeling not just heard, but with a renewed sense of clarity and hope for the future you desire.
Evidence-Based Theoretical Approaches
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps you learn practical skills to manage intense emotions and build a life worth living. It teaches strategies for balancing acceptance and change, so you can validate your feelings while actively working to improve your behaviors and relationships. Specific benefits you can expect to gain include: distress tolerance, emotional regulation, improved relationships, and mindful practicing.
Client-Centered Therapy
Regardless of any specific therapeutic approach I may use for treatment, I always include Client-Centered Therapy during sessions. It is also known as person-centered therapy, It is a non-directive approach that empowers you to guide your own sessions. It provides a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping you discover your own solutions and reach your full potential. Key benefits include: empowerment and autonomy, enhanced self-awareness, increased self-esteem, and personal growth.
Trauma Informed Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy helps you feel safe and in control during your healing journey by changing the focus from "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?". A trauma-informed therapist understands the impact of past experiences on your present behavior, emotions, and thoughts, and works with you to avoid triggering traumatic memories during sessions. Key benefits include: reduced traumatic symptoms, enhanced resilience and coping skills, improved relationship, and empowerment.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy is a powerful approach that recognizes the deep connection between your mind and body to help you heal from past stress and trauma. It works on the idea that overwhelming experiences can get "stuck" in your nervous system, leading to physical symptoms like tension, pain, or anxiety. Key benefits include: releasing stored trauma, regulating the nervous system, improving the mind-body connection, and processing painful experiences nonverbally..
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, non-blaming approach that helps you become the expert of your own life by examining and rewriting the stories you tell yourself. Instead of seeing yourself as the problem, you'll learn to separate from the issues and focus on your values, skills, and strengths. Key benefits include: empowerment and agency, reduced self-blame and shame, improved self-awareness, and greater resilience.
Primary Treatment Areas
Anxiety and Depression
Identity / Self-worth
Eating Disorders / Body Image
Self-Harm / Suicidal Ideation
Grief / Bereavement / End of Life Issues
Trauma
Relationships: marriage, partnerships, parent-child, adult parents, co-workers, professional, siblings, friends
Sexual Issues
Stress
Adjustments to life’s changes
A Sacred & Secure Space
Your privacy and trust are the cornerstones of my practice.
100% Confidential: All sessions are strictly confidential.
HIPAA Compliant: I have invested in fully secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for all our communication, from our video sessions to our messaging, to ensure your personal information is always handled with the utmost care.
My Experience & Qualifications
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 40905) in California with over 21 years of clinical experience. My background includes:
An MS in Marriage, Child, and Family Therapy
Extensive experience working with teens and families in private high schools
A virtual private practice focused on helping individuals and couples
Specialized certifications in:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT)
Clinical Trauma (CCTP)
Eating, Dieting & Binge Disorders (CBEDP)
Somatic Therapy (CSTFP)
Integrated Sex and Couples Therapy (CSTIP)
Important Practice Detail
Licensure: My virtual practice is licensed by the state of California. Per state law, clients must be physically located in California at the time of our session.
Note on Privacy & Your Path
My practice is currently private-pay, which means I do not accept insurance at this time.
This is a conscious choice designed to provide you with the highest level of care, confidentiality, and freedom in our work together. This model offers two significant benefits for your healing journey:
1. Absolute Privacy & Confidentiality Your privacy is my highest priority. By working directly, your personal story, our session notes, and your treatment plan remain 100% confidential between us, unless required by law. When insurance is used, a provider is required to submit personal data and diagnoses that become part of your permanent health record. Our private-pay relationship ensures your healing journey is never shared with or overseen by a third-party insurance company (unless required by law).
2. Freedom from the Medical Model Insurance companies require a "medical model" of care, which means all therapy must be justified by a formal mental health diagnosis. Our work is not about labeling you; it's about understanding you. This private-pay structure allows us the freedom to explore your unique journey holistically—including relationship challenges, existential questions, and paths to self-worth—that are not considered "medically necessary" but are vital to a fulfilling life.
Our work will be guided solely by your personal goals and needs, not by the diagnoses or limitations required by an insurance company.
The First Step: Consultation. "Our journey begins with a free, 15-minute consultation. This is a chance for us to connect and see if we are a 'good fit' for each other."
The First Session: The Map. "In our first 50-minute session, we will explore your story, your challenges, and your goals. This allows us to create a personalized 'map' for our work together."
Ongoing Work: The Path. "Our ongoing sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) are where we walk the path together, moving toward the healing and fulfillment you seek."
A Preview to Our Journey Together
Musings
Gazing into the fireplace. Observing not only the laps of flames, but also the space in-between the flames. It reminds me of playing music — listen at the beauty of the sounds, as well as the rests nestled between the sounds. Both are equally important. Action verses rest. Both are necessary for the physical and spiritual health of our mind, body, and soul.
Interested in working together? Let me know if you’d like a free 15-minute consultation to determine if you and I will be a “good fit” for our work together. Fill out some info and I will contact you asap. I can’t wait to hear from you!