meet Mario Castelo
mario’s credentials and philosophy
licensed clinical Social Worker (LcSW) - clinical license – 149.026417 - pronouns (he/him/his) - english & Spanish - individuals & couples
I am a trauma therapist that works with individuals wanting to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and learn to navigate complex family dynamics or complex romantic relationships.
I often work with couples who want to explore their relationships and how to feel more connected and safer with their partners. I also find meaning working with first generation individuals engaging in self- discovery while still trying to honor their roots.
My therapeutic approach is conversational, strength-based, and collaborative. Our sessions will have a balance between learning and practicing new skills, exploring your internal world, and processing traumatic events when it is safe to do so.
You deserve a life worth living. You deserve to live a life that is not governed by your symptoms. You deserve to live as your most authentic self.
Some of my intersecting identities are:
Queer - Mexican American - I grew up in Tijuana Mexico until I immigrated to the United States at age 26 - aspiring stand up comedian - podcast host
specialization
mario’s areas of focus:
trauma healing - inner child work - toxic romantic relationships - anxiety and depression - couples - substance use - polyamory, ethical non-monogamy
mario’s approach:
internal family systems (ifs) - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - relational - Gottman trained 1 & 2
education
University of Southern California (USC):
Master in Social Work - Mental Health and Wellness
EMDRIA, 2020
basic emdr certification in progress
IFS Institute, 2023
internal family systems level 1
contact
mario@balancepsychotherapy.com
Ready to talk?
Feel free to email me at mario@balancepsychotherapy.com or fill out the form.