About
Yvonne Bobet-Mastrantonio is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MA, LMFT #139578) in the state of California. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Brooklyn College in 1997, and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2019. Yvonne is a trauma-informed clinician trained in Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Yvonne is experienced in treating clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), codependency, chronic illness, recovery from alcohol and narcissistic abuse, and neurodivergence. Yvonne draws upon a variety of evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution Focused Therapy, and mindfulness practices, such as meditation, breathwork, and yoga nidra. She employs a collaborative approach with every client to identify their specific goals for treatment and considers every client’s unique needs and preferences. Yvonne’s therapy style is Humanistic: authentic, person-centered, and highly empathetic.
Yvonne is neurodivergent herself (diagnosed in late adulthood) with various comorbidities, so has a keen understanding of many of the mental health diagnoses and interventions she works with. She completed her training as a therapist in a group practice setting, at a community mental health clinic with dual diagnosis clients, and at the Cancer Support Community. Yvonne established her private practice, Serenity Cove Counseling, in September 2023. She sees couples and individuals, from adolescence through retirement, and especially enjoys working with teens, emerging and young adults.
In her free time, Yvonne enjoys beach walks, meditation, movies, music, photography, coffee, and loves traveling with her husband and their fur-babies.
Types of therapy
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a conversation with a trained professional to help you sort through your feelings and thoughts. It’s a safe space where you can talk about what’s bothering you, learn more about yourself, and pick up some coping strategies along the way. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship issues, or just want to feel better in general, there are different approaches to fit your needs. It’s a flexible and supportive way to work on your mental health.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Processing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. During EMDR sessions, clients focus on distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in guided forms of bilateral stimulation. This dual attention helps reduce the emotional charge of the memories, making it easier to reframe and integrate them. EMDR is often used for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and many find it to be an effective way to overcome the impacts of trauma.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, hands-on approach to tackling mental health challenges. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns. By learning new ways to think and behave, patients can develop healthier coping strategies and improve their emotional well-being. CBT is commonly used for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, and it often involves structured sessions with specific exercises or homework to reinforce skills outside of therapy.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach designed to help people process and heal from trauma and emotional distress. It involves identifying specific eye positions, called “brainspots,” that connect to painful memories or feelings. By focusing on these spots, clients can access deeper emotions and experiences, facilitating healing and integration. This method is often used for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and many find it to be an effective way to release pent-up feelings and promote personal growth.
DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It combines skills training in areas like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The approach emphasizes balancing acceptance and change, encouraging clients to understand and accept their feelings while also working toward positive change in their lives.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. It encourages clients to be mindful and present while committing to actions that align with their values. ACT promotes psychological flexibility, allowing people to embrace their experiences and make choices that lead to a more meaningful life. It’s commonly used for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, and emphasizes the importance of living authentically, even in the face of difficult emotions.
