Our Team

Katherine Boulware (Katie), LMFT 120535
Owner and Supervisor

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of California. I work with adults and couples and have a special passion for working with young adults. I specialize in addiction from both the viewpoint of a person in recovery and a family member of an addict, so I’ve seen both sides of the coin. I also work a lot with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, men’s issues, veteran’s issues, infidelity, issues related to polyamory, LGBTQIA+ related issues, college transition issues, and failure to launch. 

I have worked with all populations and understand that each individual’s needs are varied and to be treated as such.  There is no one size fits all approach.  I am sensitive to multicultural needs and have experience working with the elderly community treating seniors who struggle with addiction issues.

I am trained in Gestalt therapy which is present focused, collaborative, and helpful in learning to identify emotions and patterns of behavior that lie at the root of all behavior. We believe in choice and understanding ourselves enough to be able to increase our choicefullness. I also work a lot with authenticity and self worth issues.  I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting therapy which helps to process traumatic and deeply painful events. I use a mindfulness approach that focuses on treating the whole person as an individual. I studied at the University of La Verne in California where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology as well as a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2017. I trained for 10 years at the Gestalt Associates Training Los Angeles Program.  

I’m a mother to two teens who both struggle with mental health issues. I myself have a diagnosis and I try to balance life as best I can. I love working out, playing with cats, reading books, watching movies, and trying to coerce my teenagers to give me hugs. 

katherineboulware@guided-life.com

747-218-1622

$185 per session

Ryan Teixeira, AMFT 144945

Hi! My name is Ryan Teixeira (he/they) and I am a queer associate marriage and family therapist located in San Diego but open for telehealth throughout California! I received my B.A. in visual arts at CSU San Marcos and my M.A. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University. I completed my internship and beginning part of my associate license at an outpatient clinic for low income families where I worked with children, teens, and families. 

 

I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy where you help determine your course of treatment. I utilize unconditional positive regard and the here-and-now to help you understand what is happening for you during times of crisis and through life’s transitions. I utilize some non-standard approaches to therapy such as incorporating some experiential and somatic approaches and also utilizing evidence-based practices like DBT. I am also currently gaining more knowledge about Gestalt therapy under the supervision of Katherine Boulware (LMFT 120535)

I am sex/kink positive, polyamorous and queer affirming. I identify as pansexual, polyamorous, and a transgender man. I love to assist other queer folks with discovering their identity and working together to determine the correct course of treatment. 

I have experience working with all kinds of diagnoses and life experiences. Although I have mostly worked with children, teens, and families, I currently welcome adults and couples to reach out for support in all stages of life. 

I grew up in Temecula, CA and spent most of my adult life in San Diego, CA. In my off time, I love to run, roller skate, spend time with family and friends, go to the beach, and create art. 

I look forward to meeting with you! If you think you and I are a good fit, please reach out! I am currently seeing clients via telehealth only. 

ryanteixeira@guided-life.com

619-567-7306

$150 per session

Brittney Austin, AMFT 148633

Hi! I’m Brittney, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with about 15 years of experience in the mental health field and I specialize in helping people of color work through challenges related to intergenerational and systemic trauma. I also support  adults with navigating complex trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My approach is direct but warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and rooted in authenticity. I believe therapy should be a place where clients feel safe enough to laugh, cry, cuss, and show up exactly as they are.

My style is genuine, down-to-earth, and sprinkled with humor because healing doesn’t have to be serious 100% of the time. I love helping clients connect the dots between their past and present while building practical tools that create meaningful, lasting change. Whether we’re processing complex trauma or celebrating small wins, I’m committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, challenged, and supported.

Outside of therapy, you’ll usually find me trying to convince stray animals to come home with me, overthinking conversations that happened three years ago, or working out.

I am currently seeing clients via telehealth.

I am under the supervision of Katherine Boulware (LMFT 120535)

 brittneyaustin@guided-life.com

949-432-6191

$150 per session

Monica Gangwar, AMFT 163378

As a therapist, I believe we come to know ourselves through relationships. My approach is honest, direct, and compassionate, offering a space where you can feel both supported and challenged as we explore the experiences that have shaped your life.

I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, identity, and life’s many transitions. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, relationships, and stories that continue to influence how you experience yourself and the world around you.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent more than a decade working across global organizations, executive leadership, and international community development. Throughout my career, I have worked with people from many walks of life, from professionals to children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals impacted by the justice system. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the many ways culture, relationships, systems, and life circumstances shape how we move through the world. As the daughter of immigrants who has also lived abroad, I bring both personal and professional insight into migration, belonging, cultural identity, and navigating life across cultures. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and strive to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in curiosity, cultural humility, and respect.

Outside the therapy room, you’ll usually find me traveling, by the ocean, spending time with friends and community, or practicing yoga. I grew up in the Midwest, have lived in several countries, and now call the Bay Area home.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult season or simply feeling ready for something to change, you don’t have to do it alone. If you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. I offer in-person therapy in Oakland and telehealth sessions for clients throughout California.

monicagangwar@guided-life.com

510-603-3236

$150 per session

I am under the supervision of Katherine Boulware (LMFT 120535)

Nicolas "Nico" Dominguez
AMFT 159777

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and practical support. I believe that meaningful change happens through strong therapeutic relationships, where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique experiences and goals. Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, trauma, or family conflict, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can take place.

I am committed to helping clients build healthier relationships, develop effective coping strategies, and gain greater insight into themselves and the patterns that shape their lives. My goal is to support you in creating lasting, positive change and living a more connected, fulfilling life.

nicolasdominguez@guided-life.com

$150 per session

I am under the supervision of Katherine Boulware (LMFT 120535)

Benefits

Benefits of psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a trained therapist to address mental health concerns and emotional difficulties. This therapeutic process can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues? Have you experienced trauma or difficult life events that are impacting your day-to-day functioning? If so, psychotherapy may be a valuable tool to help you navigate these challenges and improve your overall well-being.

Improved mental health

Psychotherapy can help individuals manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD. By working with a therapist, individuals can learn techniques to better cope with their symptoms and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

Increased self-awareness

Through the therapeutic process, individuals can gain a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This self-awareness can help individuals identify patterns that may be contributing to their difficulties and make positive changes in their lives.

Better relationships

Psychotherapy can improve communication skills and help individuals build healthier relationships with others. By addressing underlying issues and learning new ways of relating, individuals can strengthen their connections with loved ones and improve their overall quality of life.

Stress management

Therapy can provide individuals with tools and strategies to better manage stress and cope with life's challenges. By learning effective coping mechanisms, individuals can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and improve their ability to handle difficult situations.

Increased self-esteem

Through therapy, individuals can work on building their self-esteem and self-confidence. By recognizing and challenging negative beliefs about themselves, individuals can develop a more positive self-image and feel more empowered in their lives.

Overall, psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to improve their mental health, build healthier relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. If you are considering therapy, it is important to find a qualified therapist who you feel comfortable working with. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and investing in your mental health can lead to positive changes in your life.

LGBTQIA +

The Landscape of LGBTQIA + Mental Health

The LGBTQIA + community faces unique challenges that significantly impact mental health. Research consistently shows that individuals identifying as LGBTQIA + experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

If You are Struggling and Need Help, Contact Us!