
Desiree Aiko De Pace
she/her
About
Desiree
I am deeply motivated by helping individuals reclaim their sense of agency, self-worth, and emotional balance. With over 18 years of experience in behavioral and mental health, I bring a compassionate yet direct approach to therapy — one that blends evidence-based techniques with genuine human connection.
My clinical style is integrative, drawing from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and Psychodynamic Therapy. I tailor each session to meet my clients where they are — whether they are working through trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, or identity challenges.
I create a collaborative and safe therapeutic space grounded in cultural competence, inclusion, and equity. I work with individuals across diverse backgrounds, including children, teens, adults, elders, and LGBTQ+ clients. My goal is to help clients find clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of self — even in life’s most difficult moments.
Outside of my clinical work, I value creativity, mindfulness, and connection. I enjoy exploring new cuisines, traveling, camping, fishing, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends. I also prioritize self-care practices that keep me grounded — from reflective writing and yoga to immersing myself in nature or a good book.
Desiree
treats clients with
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Autism
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Weight Management
Cultural or Racial Identity
Substance Use
Sexual Issues
Relationship Difficulties
ADHD
Childhood Challenges
Trauma and PTSD
Sex/Intimacy
Gender Identity
Anger
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Sleep or Insomnia
Hoarding
Communities
Desiree
specializes in
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Veterans
Immigrants/Refugees
Spirituality
Older Adults
Religion
Approaches
Desiree
can use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Phobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Seeking Safety
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Schema Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Interpersonal Therapy for Depression (IPT)
Mindfulness
Psychoanalytic
Abstinence-Only Models of Recovery
Humanistic/Transpersonal
Psychodynamic
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Harm Reduction for Substance Use Disorders
Desiree
education and experience
- Owner / Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at The Therapist Near Me
- Marriage & Family Therapist at Telemed2U
- Marriage & Family Therapist at Kaiser Permanente
- Marriage & Family Therapist at Feelings and Rainbows
- Adolescent Outpatient Therapist at Phoenix House California
- Care Manager at Cerebral, Inc.
- Program Director at PCS Family Services
- Parent Coordinator, Social Skills Facilitator, & ABA Therapist at Autism Learning Partners
- Marriage & Family Therapist (Intern) at Rowland Unified School District
- Children’s Program Intern at Human Options, Inc.
- Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, California State University, Fullerton
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Social Behavior, minor in Education, University of California, Irvine — summa cum laude
Desiree
license information