Positive Change Counseling Services 2050 Peabody Road, Suite 300, Vacaville, CA 95687
Meet our therapists
CARMELITA HORNE, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #46660
NICHOLETT BASCOU, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #13440
CARMELITA HORNE, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #46660
Hello,
My name is Carmelita Horne. My vision for Positive Change Counseling Services started in graduate school at UMass Boston. I graduated in 2000. During the time between 2000 and the opening of Positive Change in 2010, I was busy developing my personal and professional selves. I gained confidence and competence through my experiences at Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Napa Rape Crisis, and River Oak Center for Children.
My interest in trauma has merged with the therapeutic care of couples as I continue my formal education to obtain a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy.
I have a passion to serve individuals who have been marginalized and/or part of a minority group.
I look forward to creating a safe space to help you develop your authentic self and facilitate recovery and healing.
BRITTANY KOHLBERGER, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #29036
NICHOLETT BASCOU, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #13440
CARMELITA HORNE, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #46660
My name is Brittany Kohlberger. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and one of our supervisors here at Positive Change Counseling Services. After completing my pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training in the Detroit area, I relocated with my family to California in 2016 and have been with our practice since 2017. While I have specialized in treating kids, adolescents, and their families throughout my career, I have expanded my skillset and therapeutic practice to include adults and couples. Utilizing a foundational cognitive-behavioral approach, I strive to work with my clients to develop an individualized, and often integrative, treatment plan. I enjoy supervising our associates and participating in the care of even more families at Positive Change.
NICHOLETT BASCOU, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #13440
NICHOLETT BASCOU, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #13440
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
My name is Nicholett Bascou, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I am here to help support you on your journey to incorporate change. This might include a desire to decrease anxiety and worrying thoughts about the past, present, and future. Maybe you are looking for an outlet to speak what is on your mind without fear of judgement or criticism. I am an Integrative therapist and will always put the unique needs of my clients as a priority in the counseling space. With a focus on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, I can support you on identifying your strengths, limitations, emotions, and creating a plan of action that will allow you to feel in control over your thoughts, feelings, and actions. I enjoy working with clients from ages 6+ and from various cultural backgrounds. I have experience with parenting skill development, couples counseling, family counseling, and supporting co-parenting relationships. My goals as a counselor are to make my clients feel heard, to feel in control over their needs and wants, and to reinforce that each of us has a purpose.
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
My name is Daena Villagrana. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #126656 and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221 supervised by Dr. Brittany Kohlberger. My education background includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Davis and master’s degree in Counseling from Palo Alto University.
Do you want to learn to understand yourself? Do you want to learn to recognize and regulate your emotions? Do you want to learn to live a more meaningful life? I can help you! Difficult feelings and emotions can overwhelm the body and the mind. Learning to embody emotions can help increase tolerance of difficult emotions. My great passion is assisting individuals in understanding the self and bringing healing into their lives. I keep a safe, non-judgmental environment.
I use an eclectic approach to help my clients holistically, adapting to the unique needs of the individual. I incorporate methods that include Trauma-Informed Care, Compassion-Focused, Mindfulness, somatic, and Meditation.
I work with youth, adults, couples and families with mood and anxiety problems and survivors of trauma. I tend to focus on increasing self-esteem and self-acceptance by emphasizing, embodying and embracing emotions.
My education background includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology for the UC Davis and master’s degree in Counseling from Palo Alto University.
PHILLIP BOONE, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #115879
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
PHILLIP BOONE, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #115879
Hi, I am Phillip Boone, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist supervised by Carmelita Horne, LMFT and LPCC. I want to support you as we work together to manage the issues that you are facing in a space that is safe and without judgment. These issues might be depression, anxiety, or just a feeling of being stuck. I like to tailor my counseling style to the needs of my clients by integrating theories in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy just to name a few. Everyone is unique and so should the therapy they receive. I enjoy collaborating with clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I have experience working in a school setting with children and a clinical setting with individuals, couples, and families. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients find the tools that will help them feel happy, healthy, and in control of their life.
I hold a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and I am working toward becoming licensed by the end of 2023.
Marie Barajas, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144922
DAENA VILLAGRANA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #10221
PHILLIP BOONE, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #115879
I am Marie Barajas, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, under the supervision of Dr. Brittany Kohlberger. I look forward to being a part of your journey to accomplish your personal goals. I value your authentic story and how the circumstances you have experienced have shaped you. Everyone has value and everyone is different, I aim to help you see yourself in the light you prefer. I have an eclectic therapy approach that attends to feelings and behaviors that may be impeding personal growth and /or the strengthening of warm, nurturing relationships.
I have earned my master’s degree in Marital and Family therapy from Alliant International University, and I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration of child development. Aside from my education, I have experience working in hospital organizations and community agencies that has helped inform my comprehension of diverse experiences. I enjoy collaborating with clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I aim to empower clients to discover tools and strategies that best suit their needs and values.
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
I am Solji Kim, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), under the supervision of Dr. Brittany Kohlberger. My educational background includes an associate degree in drug and alcohol counseling, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I am dedicated to working with clients of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds, providing them with a safe and supportive space to address their concerns and explore their inner strength without judgment.
My therapeutic approach is primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Play Therapy. I tailor my methods to meet each client's unique needs, preferences, and style.
As a therapist, my goal is to help clients build the tools that they need to explore their inner strength and recognize that they have the capability to overcome their challenges. I aim to help my clients harness their positive energies to lead fulfilling lives.
LOLLIE PAPPALY, Health Information Specialist
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
YOU are Valuable! It is an honor to be part of a great team here at PCCS, that is so vested in your journey, your choice towards your transformation. This is exciting.
My background is in the health field as a front office representative. I love people and their stories and their change.
You matter and your choice is pivotal! I hope to help each one of you with the first step of your journey towards soundness of mind, clarity and hope -by scheduling you with one of Our Caring and Kind Therapists at PCCS.
“The Greatest Glory in living lies not in never falling, but in RISING every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
Humayun Popal, nurse practioner in psychiatric preceptor
Solji Kim, Associate Professional clinical counselor #14113
Renee smith, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #121538
Hi, my name is Humayun Popal and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am currently working on my psychiatric nurse practitioner certification and I am a student being supervised by Carmelita Horne, LMFT. I want to support the client and learn through this process. While working as a family nurse practitioner, I have witnessed the long wait times to see a mental health provider which can take an average of 4-6 months. My end goal is to become the best practitioner and I want to increase access to mental health. I graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with my Masters of Science in Nursing, 2020. I have worked with all populations of people including military, adult, children, LGBTQ+, elderly, homeless, healthcare professionals, and many more. Through my experiences as a nurse and a nurse practitioner, I have helped many patients and clients decrease symptoms as well as stabilize psychiatric conditions. Lastly, I look forward to meeting you and your goals in therapy.
Renee smith, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #121538
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837
Renee smith, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #121538
Navigating therapy can be a challenging journey, especially when faced with cultural nuances or difficulties in establishing a genuine therapeutic connection. I specialize in working with diverse populations, understanding the importance of cultural sensitivity, and fostering a trustworthy therapeutic alliance.
In our sessions, I employ an integrated approach, tailoring each interaction to address your unique needs. My primary objective is to guide and encourage you through the process of rediscovering your authentic self beyond the impacts of trauma, helping you find self-worth, and granting yourself permission to take control of your own happiness.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or a combination of concerns, my focus is on assisting you in managing their impact on your ability to feel safe, confident, and connected in the world.
I work under the supervision of Carmelita Horne, LMFT and LPCC. My therapeutic philosophy is anchored in cultural sensitivity and building a strong rapport with my clients. I incorporate evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other integrated approaches, to deepen your understanding of emotions and behaviors.
Embark on a transformative journey with me, where cultural understanding, personalized care, and evidence-based practices come together to support you on your path to well-being.
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837
My name is Mustafa Ghassemi, I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist supervised by Carmelita Horne, LMFT and LPCC. I have been working with individuals from all walks of life for years in many settings. My background is as diverse as my skillset. I graduated from New Mexico State University with an engineering degree where I would eventually find my way to California and graduate from California State University, Fresno with a Masters in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling.
I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and incorporate a humanistic approach to therapy that utilizes systematic methods such as CBT to reach and process goals. My experience working with clients struggling from addiction has been invaluable to understanding the core concepts surrounding coping mechanisms, trauma and crises. I also enjoy working with couples and utilizing systemic family therapy to address core issues and build on trust and communication.
I believe we are all on a journey in life. It is my hope we will be able to work through whatever challenges you have been facing together. My space is a safe space where genuineness and unconditional positive regard build the foundation of change. No matter the topic, I am ready to help you find the tools necessary to create a life that will work for you.
Coming Soon! Kayla Germini
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837
Mustafa Ghassemi, ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #140837