ASSOCIATES — Tricia Kayiatos-Smith, Psychotherapy

What is an associate therapist under clinical supervision?

Associate therapists have completed their education (a masters degree in a clinical mental health program) and are receiving supervision and training from a licensed clinician before they are eligible for their own licensure. The process of becoming a therapist is a long road, and there are many benefits to working with an associate therapist- flexibility with schedule, affordability, eagerness to learn and being recently trained are some examples. The following clinicians in-training are being clinically supervised by Tricia Kayiatos-Smith and are competent, talented, and highly recommended. If you are interested in working with a particular associate, please reach out to them directly!

Andrew Borden

Associate Therapist under Clinical Supervision

“how you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” – rupi kaur

“The most precious thing I had then is the most precious thing I have now – my own curiosity.” – Ta-Nehisi Coates

Andrew Borden (any pronouns), AMFT #135744

andrew’s words

Perfection is unattainable, but I know what it’s like to strive for it. As a clinician, my work comes from an understanding and recognition that we will never be perfect, only that we can be good enough to ourselves and to each other.

I am passionate about psychotherapy because it quite literally changed my own life. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have struggled with internalized shame for most of my teenage and adult years. The reality of living in oppressive systems of power and in a community that often values body over mind, heart, and spirit has manifested deep-seated anxiety and body issues that I consistently work through. Growing up over the country to a “dysfunctional” family, I struggled to find a sense of belonging, comfort, and security in both my identity and surroundings. Each of these experiences (and more) in my life have informed the person I am today and help guide my practice of empathy, compassion, and creating a comfortable and nurturing space to elicit real change. Each session will be about you and what you hope to gain, which is why at the start of our work together, we will establish short and/or long-term goals as well as develop the tools to help mitigate situational stressors and intra- or interpersonal conflict that life presents to you.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and curious and it is my hope that when rapport and comfort is built, there is space to identify and deconstruct the messages that you may have received from living in a patriarchal, hetero, cis, and mono-normative society; messages that may be incongruent with the life you desire. With that, I recognize that I am not an expert on your life nor am I a “blank canvas”; when we meet, that therapeutic space is built upon the realities and experiences we have both witnessed and our similarities and differences can impact that dynamic. The therapeutic relationship itself can become one in which conflict is met with opportunity for self-improvement. I use an integrative, relational, narrative-leaning approach because I recognize that there is no blueprint for therapy; we all learn and relate to others in myriad ways. I am LGBTQ+ affirming, sex-positive, body-positive, kink-affirming, inclusive of all ethnic, cultural, sexual, and gender identities, and remain non-judgmental and affirming towards all forms of relationship structures and forms of expression.

I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and hold a Bachelor’s in Film & Digital Media from University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, with a concentration in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care from Antioch University. My clinical traineeship was completed at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where I provided therapy to both individual clients (ages 20-64) and groups, co-facilitating a harm reduction group for those struggling with substance use. Additionally, I work as a clinician with Brave Trails Mental Health, providing LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy to queer adolescents, teenagers, and young adults (ages 12-19).

Group Therapy with andrew >

CONTACT + Fee

Andrew’s fee is $180 per fifty-minute session. If this does not suit your financial capabilities, feel free to inquire about their sliding scale or to obtain other resources that might. At this time, Andrew does not accept insurance. They are, however, able to provide clients with a monthly "superbill" which can be submitted to insurances for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company prior to starting services with TKS Therapy to inquire about their policies for out-of-network behavioral health services reimbursement.

If you are interested in working with Andrew, please write andrew@ajbtherapy.com or call 323-523-5698.

Laura solomon

Associate Therapist under Clinical Supervision

laura’s words

The human experience can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you are struggling with your identity, the painful residue of an unhealthy relationship, and/or a history of trauma. You may feel rumblings of intense emotions that get activated, despite your best efforts to hold it all together. It may be hard for you to trust yourself or others. You may feel like the people around you don’t understand what you’re going through, wouldn't accept you as you are, or wouldn't want to be burdened with your problems. You may feel stuck, or even broken. Therapy can provide the safe space needed to process and grow.

I have training in childhood and sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative care. Together, we'll focus on building healthy relationships, especially the one you have with yourself. We'll work on challenging internalized messaging, moving toward empowerment and liberation. We'll work on reconnecting your body and your mind.

You don't have to go through this alone, and it's good that you're reaching out for support. Finding what feels like the right fit for you is an important part of the process. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation where you can ask any questions you may have.

CONTACT + Fee

Laura’s fee is $180 per fifty-minute session. If this does not suit your financial capabilities, feel free to inquire about her sliding scale or to obtain other resources that might. At this time, Laura does not accept insurance. She is, however, able to provide clients with a monthly "superbill" which can be submitted to insurances for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company prior to starting services with TKS Therapy to inquire about their policies for out-of-network behavioral health services reimbursement.

If you are interested in working with Laura, please write laurasolomon.therapy@gmail.com or call 818-308-4833.

nicolette alvarado Chan

associate therapist under clinical supervision

"Nature is steadfast, true, and regenerative. In its cycles are opportunities to begin again--renewed, informed, and enlightened. We also have the same opportunity." - Tammah Watts

Nicolette Alvarado Chan (she/her/hers), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #18041

Nicolette's Words

As a therapist, I recognize that safety is fundamental to our well-being. It provides us with a sense of security, protection, and comfort—yet, in an ever-changing world, it can be difficult to find. That’s why I’m committed to creating spaces where my clients can be their authentic selves, free from judgment, discrimination, or harm. In these environments, you are invited to be vulnerable and express yourself without fear, knowing that care, compassion, diversity, and inclusivity are at the heart of our work together. However, healing is not just about safety—it’s also about bravery. I believe in cultivating brave spaces where you can voice your truths, challenge perspectives, and engage in honest, critical conversations. These spaces foster growth, accountability, and meaningful dialogue, particularly when addressing difficult topics or navigating injustices. My goal is to create an atmosphere where you feel supported and empowered to be courageous, explore your experiences, and move toward healing and transformation. Every individual deserves the opportunity to experience both a safe and brave space in their therapeutic journey, and I’m here to help you find that balance.

I view therapy as not only a space to unpack traumas and struggles but also to identify strengths and resources. I aim to help clients gain the tools and confidence to evaluate their lives honestly, critically, and with greater awareness.

In my work, I take a systemic approach to therapy, recognizing that the relationships and systems individuals engage with—family, community, society—greatly impact their well-being. This perspective allows me to consider each client holistically, understanding their unique backgrounds, experiences, and intersecting identities. I also draw from humanistic and experiential approaches to therapy, which emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and the richness of lived experiences. However, I acknowledge there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, which is why I’m here to help you find your path forward, in a way that feels right for you. I believe that every individual is the expert of their own life. Often, the answers we seek are already within us, waiting to be discovered. My role as a therapist is to support you in attuning to your needs, discovering your insights, and leveraging your strengths to navigate life's challenges.

I am a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, with a focus on Development, from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Redlands. My traineeship was at the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, where I provided affirmative therapy to individual clients (ages 17-64).

CONTACT + Fee

Nicolette’s fee is $180 per fifty-minute session. If this does not suit your financial capabilities, feel free to inquire about her sliding scale or to obtain other resources that might. At this time, Nicolette does not accept insurance. She is, however, able to provide clients with a monthly "superbill" which can be submitted to insurances for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company prior to starting services with TKS Therapy to inquire about their policies for out-of-network behavioral health services reimbursement.

If you are interested in working with Nicolette, please email at nicolettechan.therapy@gmail.com or call at (909)-788-1259.