Therapy in Santa Ana, CA | Counselor Johanna Lee

Santa Ana has a deep cultural pulse that shapes motherhood in meaningful ways. Many mamas here grew up carrying their families and now find themselves carrying even more. I offer therapy that honors your cultural story and gives you room to explore who you are beyond expectations. In Santa Ana, healing feels especially powerful because it reconnects you to your voice in a community where silence often felt safer.

How it works

We start with a gentle intake session where you can share your experiences and goals. This is where we begin to understand what you’ve been holding and what you truly need,emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Intake Session

Through ongoing therapy sessions, we’ll dig into your individual needs. I’ll offer tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural validation,so healing feels like it fits your life, not someone else’s version of self-care.

Follow Up Sessions

We revisit how far you’ve come, name what’s changed, and create a rhythm of support for what’s next,so you leave feeling steady, not dropped.

(# of sessions will vary based on individual needs)

Integration & Reflection Session-

Explore my therapy services and specializations

  • Therapy for Postpartum

    Sometimes the heart feels heavier than the body after giving birth, and in Santa Ana many mamas keep that to themselves to avoid worrying anyone else. Therapy becomes the place where you can grieve the life you had, celebrate the one you are entering and untangle the beliefs that tell you to stay silent. You get to be honest here without fear of disappointing anyone.

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  • Compassion-Focused Therapy for Anxiety

    In Santa Ana, anxiety often comes wrapped in cultural pressure: be responsible, be grateful, be strong. These expectations can make you believe you are failing when in reality you are overwhelmed. Compassion focused therapy gives you space to untangle fear without judgment. Together we practice grounding, self kindness and emotional regulation so your body stops living in survival mode.

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  • Culturally Affirming Therapy for Latina and First-Gen Moms

    There are times when your body reacts before your mind understands why. The guilt, the pressure, the automatic yes that comes from marianismo. Before therapy everything feels like a test you are supposed to pass. After therapy you begin to respond with intention, honoring your boundaries, your pace and your ancestry without losing yourself.

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  • Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego

    Some mothers describe early motherhood as living in a fog where days blur and emotions shift without warning. You wake up different than the night before, unsure of what version of yourself will show up. Therapy creates a space where you can slow down enough to understand what your nervous system needs. You learn how to soothe the spirals, regulate your breath and reconnect with the parts of you that feel buried under responsibility.

    READ MORE

Testimonials

I was working with a first-gen Latina client who shared that she really appreciates that I give her education and examples for different mental health concepts and this helps her think about it in her own terms throughout the week (e.g. like having a full plate and taking just a moment to set it down when we journal so that it doesn’t feel as heavy all the time).

I helped a mom advocate for herself after experiencing workplace harassment throughout her pregnancy. She felt like she was complaining but after processing a couple sessions, she realized that this was one way she could protect herself (even if in the past she wasn’t able to). 

I hosted a Baby & Me Parent Community Event focused on 1) donations/swap station for baby & mom items 2) sensory play stations 3) selena dance along 4) new parent mental health 101 & 5) guest speaker on financial education. I had a few moms come up to me during the event saying how helpful it was to get tangible resources and also information to help them in their current season. 

I serve women in Santa Ana

I support women in Santa Ana and nearby communities including Tustin, Garden Grove, Orange and surrounding neighborhoods. With virtual therapy you can join sessions from anywhere in California with ease.

Hello I am Johanna Lee your postpartum and early motherhood therapist in Santa Ana

Santa Ana mothers often describe feeling pulled between honoring their families and honoring themselves. Virtual therapy offers a space where you can unpack that tension with compassion. You learn to navigate postpartum emotions, cultural expectations and identity changes with more clarity and less fear. I am licensed in California so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you are outside California you can join my escuelita or access my non clinical resources.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is virtual therapy effective?

    Absolutely. Virtual therapy allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home no need to arrange childcare, commute, or even put on pants (lol).  Many mamas actually find it easier to open up in their own safe space.

  • How are virtual therapy sessions held?

    Sessions are held via a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy. All you need is a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    I accept FSA/HSA, debit, or credit card for payment. I do not currently accept insurance and many clients appreciate the privacy, flexibility, and control that comes with paying directly for care (versus utilizing insurance).

  • How do I know if I really need therapy, or if this is just “normal” new mom stuff?

    That’s such a common and valid question. Yes, postpartum comes with big emotions—but feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious, invisible, or disconnected from yourself isn’t something you have to just “push through.” If you’re struggling to feel like you again, or carrying guilt for wanting space to breathe, therapy can help. You don’t need a crisis to deserve support—you just need a safe place to land.

  • Can I bring my baby to the session?

    Yes—babies are absolutely welcome. I know it’s not always possible to find childcare, and you shouldn’t have to put your healing on hold because of that. Whether you’re nursing, rocking, or soothing during our time together, this space is made with mamá life in mind. Come as you are—messy bun, spit-up, baby in arms and all. (ps snacks are also welcome and often encouraged lol)

  • What kind of therapy do you practice?

    My approach blends trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with mindfulness, self-compassion, inner child healing, and grounding tools (yes deep breathing together CAN be part of the work too!)

  • How long is each session, and how often will we meet?

    Sessions are 55 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll collaborate to find a rhythm that fits your needs, schedule, and goals.

  • Where are you licensed to provide therapy?

    I’m licensed in California, so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you're outside California, you can still join my escuelita &/or access non-clinical resources -  View here 

  • Good faith estimate

    In accordance with the No Surprises Act and ethical standards for California-licensed therapists, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for services.


    This estimate outlines the expected cost of services, including session fees and potential length of treatment, so you have full clarity before starting care. While therapy is individualized and timelines may vary, this estimate helps you plan with transparency and trust.


    You’ll receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first session. You can always request a new one if your needs or frequency of care change.


    For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit cms.gov/nosurprises 

  • Disclaimer Privacy Notice: Do not submit personal health information (PHI) through this site.

    This website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical or mental health advice. Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California and provided by Johanna Lee, LPCC (#13089). Participation in community offerings, digital resources, or workshops does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

  • Therapy vs education disclaimer

    Participation in workshops, classes, memberships, or educational resources does not establish a therapeutic relationship. These services are for support, education, and community and are not a substitute for clinical therapy. Therapy services are only available to clients residing in California, provided through a separate intake and consent process.