Joshua Lliteras, AMFT

Thank you for visiting my profile and making the courageous decision to seek therapy. My name is Joshua Lliteras and I specialize in delivering collaborative, integrative, and supportive care for you and your child. Every client has strengths and an innate capacity to grow, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing. While therapy can be challenging, I believe that it can also be fun! The magic of child-centered therapy is that children get to express themselves and process their big emotions through play. Regardless of the challenges your child may be facing, I am confident that we can work together towards healing through the power of play therapy.

Types of clients treated: 

• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Couples
• Families
• LGBTQ+ 
• Neurodiverse Community

Types of therapies or interventions used: 

• Play Therapy
• Strengths-Based Approach
• Solution-Focused
• Motivational Interviewing
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Trauma Informed

Types of mental health issues treated:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Autism and Neurodiversity Support
• Communication 
• Self-esteem
• LGBTQ+ Support

Licenses/Certifications: 

•  Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)

Education: 

• California State University, Fullerton, B.A. in Sociology, 
• California State University, Fullerton, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Availability: 

• Newport Beach, CA 
• Long Beach, CA
• Telehealth

 Years of experience: 1 year

Languages: 

• English

Why did you go into therapy? 

I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and safe. Through witnessing the social unrest that erupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, I became deeply unsettled by the tremendous impact this had on children. Through working with children on the autism spectrum, I found my calling in supporting kids in managing their big emotions, building their self-esteem, and strengthening the resilience that had been inside of them all along. As a result of this work and my own healing journey, I have become the person that I wish my younger self had. I am committed to making the world a better place through healing one child at a time. I am also passionate about serving my fellow LGBTQ+ community members as well as neurodiverse adults. 

Describe your therapeutic approach and what makes it unique? 

I sincerely believe that children have the innate capability to grow and heal. My therapeutic style is child-led, which means that children get to engage in therapy and process their emotions in a way that is most comfortable for them. I tailor my approach to the unique needs of every child, utilizing a wide range of modalities and approaches to create the best treatment plan possible. Every session is infused with an emphasis on client (or child?) strengths and equipping them with the tools to manage their big emotions and cope with life’s challenges. Therapy with children should also be fun, and no matter how heavy our work may become, I am committed to helping your child find the light.