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Sandra Carlson,  LMFT
EMDR Consultant
Bilingual (English/Español)
Serving Apple Valley & the High Desert

 Helping individuals, couples, and families move from surviving to thriving.​

Book a Consultation. 

Hi, I'm Sandra. Beyond the letters after my name — LMFT — I'm just another human being. I'm a person who believes healing is possible and Mindfully Balanced was created to be a place where you can show up exactly as you are, even in your most vulnerable moments, and still feel safe.

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I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an EMDR Consultant.  EMDR is one of the most effective, research-backed therapies for Mental Health Disorders, and it's at the heart of how I help clients move from surviving to thriving. I also draw on Brainspotting, another powerful body-based approach for processing trauma that talk therapy alone can't always reach.

 

I'm bilingual, fluent in English and Español, so more of my community can work with someone who understands them fully, in the language that feels like home. I see clients in Apple Valley and throughout the High Desert, in person and by secure Telehealth in California. 

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You don't have to carry this alone..

I work with people navigating:

  • Relationships & Family — marital, family, or relationship conflict

  • Anxiety & Mood — anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder

  • Trauma & PTSD — including sexual assault, violence, and past experiences that still weigh on you

  • Life & Body — sleep disturbances, substance use, chronic illness and pain, eating disorders

  • Complex Concerns — dissociative disorders, personality disorders, and more — if you don't see it here, reach out anyway

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Reaching out is often the hardest step and the bravest one. If you're ready, I'd be honored to walk this with you. Complete contact form below! ​

Meet the Team
At Mindfully Balanced, our therapist team is here to assist individuals, children, teens, and families in achieving emotional well-being and personal growth. With a range of specializations, including trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship challenges, we provide a supportive environment to help clients overcome obstacles and rediscover their strengths. Whether you're seeking individual care or family support, the therapists are dedicated to guiding you towards a healthier and more balanced life.

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AMFT EMDR & Brainspotting Trained

Karen Vallalobos

Hello, my name is Karen Villalobos and I'm a bilingual therapist (fluent in both English and Spanish). I come from a place of curiosity, acceptance, and non-judgment. I want to learn about people and help them gain insight into their own behavioral and emotional roadblocks and how to overcome them to achieve their preferred life. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I believe in the power of therapeutic relationships to foster growth and healing.

 

By integrating evidence-based practices with a personalized touch, I strive to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and supporting them in their journey to live authentically and find their purpose. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My multicultural competence allows me to understand and respect the unique cultural contexts of my clients, which is essential in providing effective and sensitive counseling. My goal is to empower my clients to navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of well-being.

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AMFT

Maria Gonzalez

Hello and welcome—I'm Maria, an Associate Clinical Social Worker, and I’m honored to support you on your healing journey.

I bring experience working with children, individuals, and families, helping them navigate life’s transitions, process trauma, and reconnect with their inner strength. I am passionate about creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and empowered to explore your story and move toward healing.

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My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and together, we’ll identify what works best for your unique needs using evidence-based practices. My goal is to meet you where you are and walk beside you with compassion, curiosity, and care.

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As a first-generation Latina, I understand the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities. As a bilingual therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, heal, and grow.

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Estoy aquí para ayudarte a sanar, crecer, y reconectarte contigo misma.

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AMFT Master’s in Counseling Ministry

Pauline De Pinto

Hello! I'm Pauline De Pinto, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 139529), and I'm incredibly excited to support individuals on their journey through life's! With years of experience in diverse communities, I specialize in empowering children, adolescents, and families involved in the foster care and juvenile systems.

 

My approach is warm, compassionate, and entirely focused on you! I’m dedicated to truly listening, communicating clearly, and tailoring my support to meet your unique needs. Together, we’ll unlock your natural strengths and support systems to cultivate growth and resilience.

In addition to my counseling psychology background, I hold a Master’s in Counseling Ministry, offering clients the option to integrate biblical and Christian values into our work together. I wholeheartedly believe that even in times when you feel alone, I'm here for you—providing unwavering encouragement and care. My mission is to walk you with empathy and hope, helping you discover the strength within to conquer life's challenges and create lasting change!

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AMFT

Agena Boucard

I’m deeply passionate about supporting children, couples, and families in their journey toward healing and connection. I believe that emotional well-being begins at home, and I’m committed to helping others build strong, healthy relationships that foster growth and resilience.

My work with children is inspired by their unique way of seeing the world. I help them build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and find their voice in a sometimes overwhelming world. I believe that investing in a child’s emotional health creates a powerful ripple effect that shapes their future.

With couples, I focus on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I provide a safe and supportive space where partners can be vulnerable, work through challenges, and grow together. I believe that with the right tools and guidance, relationships can not only heal—but thrive.

In my work with families, I help navigate complex dynamics, heal generational wounds, and build healthier patterns of interaction. Whether addressing trauma, conflict, or communication barriers, my goal is to help families rediscover unity and move forward with love and mutual respect.

At the heart of my practice is the belief that every person and every family deserves the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. Being part of that journey is a privilege, and it continues to inspire and fuel my work each day.

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Social Worker Intern

Stephanie Sweem 

Hello, Welcome

I'm Stephanie, a Master of Social Work Intern dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges and work toward healing and growth. My approach is grounded in Trauma-Based Relational Interventions, which emphasizes the importance of connection, trust, and understanding in the therapeutic process.

I am passionate about helping those who have been impacted by substance abuse, whether personally or within their family system. I understand that addiction affects not only the individual but also the relationships and support networks surrounding them. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping strategies.

I believe that meaningful change happens through authentic connection. I strive to meet clients where they are, creating a therapeutic relationship built on honesty, empathy, and respect. My approach is realistic, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental, allowing clients to feel comfortable being themselves while working toward their goals.

Whether you are facing personal struggles, relationship challenges, family stress, or the effects of substance abuse, I am committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and lasting change. Together, we can build on your strengths and create a path forward that aligns with your values and goals.

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Associate Clinical Social Worker 

Lisa Alcala

Hi, as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), I am dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that honors each client's unique experiences, strengths, and goals. I believe healing happens within a safe, collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic perspective, recognizing the connection between emotional, physical, relational, and environmental well-being. I work with individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of adverse experiences. Together, we will explore patterns, build resilience, and develop practical tools that support meaningful, lasting change.

I believe in focusing on ones needs, drawing from trauma-informed, strengths-based, mindfulness, and person-centered approaches to foster healing, self-awareness, and growth.

Whether you are beginning your healing journey or seeking support through a difficult season, I am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and respect as you work toward greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

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16195 Siskiyou Rd #120B

Apple Valley, Ca. 92307

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12755 Brookhurst St Ste 208

Garden Grove, Ca. 92840

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