Dr. Civitas (she/her) is passionate about client-led, neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy. She deeply enjoys the process of coming to understand each client's strengths, not just their challenges; her clinical approach is guided by curiosity, warmth, attunement and openness. Dr. Civitas believes that change occurs as clients courageously allow themselves to feel known and seen. She has offered culturally sensitive, trauma-focused care in community mental health settings for seven years, treating children, adults, and couples. While she conceptualizes from a relational psychodynamic perspective, her approach to each person is tailored to their unique needs and preferences. For both children and adults, Dr. Civitas draws on an interpersonal, neurobiological and developmental framework to inform treatment plans. Whether she's facilitating play therapy or long-term psychodynamic therapy, her commitment to deep listening is the thread that remains consistent in each individual relationship.

Clinical Experience:
Dr. Civitas has worked in both private practice and community mental health settings, focusing primarily on clients with developmental differences and trauma histories. She completed her predoctoral internship at USC’s and Los Angeles County’s Violence Intervention Program. Her areas of clinical focus include high-masking autism, ADHD, giftedness, multiple diagnoses, complex trauma, histories of domestic violence/abuse, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues.

Presentations:
The Motherload: Validating the Mental Labor Inventory (Dissertation)

Credentials:
Registered Psychological Associate #94029938 - California Board of Psychology
Supervised by Andrea Davis, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #12296 – California Board of Psychology