About Viviana Mahoney
Therapy That Promotes Holistic Wellness
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." -
Jon Kabat-Zinn [1]
Growing up, I was often the problem-solver and empathetic kid my friends would confide in when they needed someone to talk to. I soon realized I was naturally good at listening to others and interested in what they had to say. It has been a rewarding journey to develop my natural inclination as an empathic listener into a profession that helps people discover who they are and be the best versions of themselves.
I dealt with grief at the young age of 19 when I lost my mother to breast cancer. This experience influenced my decision to become a therapist and informs my work with clients who struggle with complicated grief and trauma that can accompany loss.
As a person of color and a Spanish speaker, I have examined my own racial identity, which impacts my work as a therapist and my desire to help others from multiracial backgrounds and ethnicities. The Beck Institute approved me to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Spanish speakers who were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder as part of a research study when I worked with Emory University.
People closest to me have said I am one of the strongest individuals they know. I think this is because I have learned to keep pushing forward and never quit when life hits me hard—but I also value rest and reflection. I have also raised children as a parent in a blended family which has come with its own set of challenges and rewards. Because of the type of work I do, I take my relaxation and enjoyment in the present moment seriously. I have worked hard at prioritizing self-care so that I can hopefully live a long, healthy life for my family, friends, and clients.
My Counseling Philosophy
My focus is to integrate positive psychology, health and wellness, and the mind-body connection to achieve overall well-being for clients. I provide evidence-based treatments for those who suffer from health anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hair pulling, and major depression and hope to improve their mental health by examining interpersonal factors that may negatively impact their quality of life. In addition to therapy, taking a holistic approach to mental wellness that includes healthier lifestyle habits and behavioral goals ensures clients will experience beneficial results that expand beyond traditional talk therapy.
With both personal and clinical experience in grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression, I aim to meet clients where they are, identifying behavior changes they can make now that will improve their future trajectory. I particularly enjoy working with women and emerging adults facing life transitions, such as building a career, overcoming anxiety, strengthening their identity, and preparing a strong foundation for long-term relationships.
With a solutions-focused approach, I help clients set and achieve realistic goals in the short and long term. In addition to examining how our past might influence our present, we may explore how our bodies carry trauma and how that affects us physically and mentally. Incorporating mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation into sessions helps clients regulate their nervous systems so they can feel better sooner. I apply these same coping skills to my own life to help me be more present, effective in my relationships, and worry-free.
My Practice
I consider myself to be warm, young at heart, and able to create a judgment-free and calming environment in my work as a therapist. Long-term success relies on this safe space where clients feel comfortable opening up but are also challenged to do the hard work of therapy.
I appreciate honest feedback to ensure I tailor therapy to address the client’s specific needs. I also encourage them to apply what is learned and discussed in sessions to real-life situations so that change and growth happen sooner rather than later. By developing a collaborative working relationship, the goal is not to be in therapy for years before making significant gains and progress in becoming your most authentic self.
A Little More About Me
In addition to the work I do at the CBT Treatment Center, I am a senior staff psychologist in Student Psychological Services at Loyola Marymount University. I love working with undergraduate students as they navigate their academics while facing the natural challenges that arise in this stage of life.
I love and value my family and friends, our pet dog, and my time. My passions and interests include going to Disneyland, live music concerts, and MLS games. I live for the ocean and all of the peace, calmness, and perspective it provides. My hobbies include looking at fashion trends, doing jigsaw puzzles, going on long walks in nature, taking Peloton classes, reading fiction, and roller-skating. I love Mariachi music and take pride in being Mexican-American and fluent in Spanish.
Viviana Mahoney, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist practicing in California. After receiving her undergraduate bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, Viviana went on to receive a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. She has extensive training and experience working in hospital and university settings, as well as having a long history of working with Spanish speakers with a variety of mental and chronic illnesses, including treating anxiety disorders and depression. While Dr. Mahoney works with adults of all ages, she has a particular passion for working with emerging adults to provide support as they face major life transitions. She has completed several practicums in neuropsychological testing in both English and Spanish. She was approved to provide CBT in Spanish by the Beck Institute. Her ultimate goal is to focus on positive psychology and wellness to help her clients thrive and heal. Viviana has been in private practice since 2010.
[1] https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/8750.Jon_Kabat_Zinn