Steven Michael Avila (He/They)

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #16299

Supervised by: Jacqueline Plante, Director (CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #91084)

what is your role at Gather and Grow Oc?

I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Gather and Grow OC. My role is to provide a safe space for empowerment and curiosity and support my clients as we collaborate on any concerns or discussions they present within the session. I help folks on their mental wellness journey by providing compassion, kindness, and acceptance.

school and training history

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Gender & Sexuality Studies from California State University, San Bernardino. From there, I also received my Master of Science in Professional & School Counseling. I have interned at the Corona-Norco Unified School District, working with middle and high school populations with crisis counseling, academic support, college prep, social-emotional learning, and peer support. Before completing my Master’s, I worked at the Queer & Transgender Resource Center at California State University, San Bernardino, providing gender-affirming support for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

INDIVIDUAL FOCUS

Using a Narrative lens, I specialize in LGBTQ+ affirmation, Grief/Loss, Mindfulness, Communication Skills, & Anxiety/Stress management. This approach helps individuals understand their stories by deconstructing harmful false narratives and pretenses that may have shaped their past experiences and traumas. I actively listen and participate in the conversation, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood. This practice, combined with a safe and accepting environment, helps build trust and guide clients through their mental wellness journey. 

what excites you about being part of the gather and grow oc community?

I am excited and grateful to be a part of the GGOC community. This opportunity allows me to broadly empower the Orange County and Southern California communities, aligning with my personal and professional goals for equality, diversity, and empowerment. I am thankful for the chance to contribute to this community and look forward to the journey ahead.

Currently scheduling in-person and virtual sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday.

STEVEN’S COURSES & GROUPS…

POSTS FROM THE GROWER’S GUIDE…

A Letter from Steven

Hello there, my name is Steven! I’m an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Gather and Grow OC.

I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor passionate about empowerment, advocacy, and curiosity. I aim to support folks on their mental wellness journeys by providing compassion, kindness, and acceptance.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Gender & Sexuality Studies from California State University, San Bernardino. From there, I also received my Master of Science in Professional & School Counseling. I have interned at the Corona-Norco Unified School District, working with middle and high school populations with crisis counseling, academic support, college prep, social-emotional learning, and peer support. Before completing my Master’s, I worked at the Queer & Transgender Resource Center at California State University, San Bernardino, providing gender-affirming support for students, faculty, staff, and the community. My journey of becoming a counselor started when I was battling depression during high school. I was able to receive the support I needed through school counselors and seeing a therapist, which helped me see the importance of these roles.

In my experience as a gay man, I understand the importance of LGBTQ+ affirmation, which can correlate with anxiety and stress management. I am passionate about supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and being a pillar of support for anyone. I do this by utilizing a narrative approach, which helps folks understand their story by deconstructing harmful false narratives and pretenses that may have shaped our past experiences and traumas. For anyone to feel safe and heard, I give a sense of safety during sessions and help build a rapport to build a better connection. I am usually laid-back with a dorky sense of humor and a deep understanding of one’s experiences. This helps create a sense of security within my established relationships and connections.

I look forward to speaking with you and joining you on your journey.

Sincerely,

Steven

You can contact Steven directly at 714-406-0151 or steven@gatherandgrowoc.com. View other therapist profiles HERE.