Meet Seneca Negrete, LMFT & LPCC

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, expertise, and authentic connection.

Learn My Approach

Licensed in

California

Years of Experience

10+

Specialization

Trauma, Crisis, & Relationships

Approach

Integrative & Relational

My Journey to Therapy

I believe that healing happens in relationship - not just with a therapist, but with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. This belief stems from my own journey through life's complexities and my witness to the profound transformations that occur when we feel truly seen and understood.

My path to becoming a therapist wasn't linear. Like many of my clients, I've navigated my own experiences with trauma, relationship challenges, and the search for meaning. These experiences don't just inform my practice, they fuel my deep commitment to creating a space where others can explore their own stories with courage and compassion.

The name "Meraki" comes from a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, and love, putting something of yourself into your work. This philosophy guides every aspect of my practice. When you step into my office, you're not just another appointment. You're a whole person with a unique story, deserving of respect, understanding, and genuine care.

"Therapy isn't about fixing what's broken. it's about discovering the strength that's always been there and learning how to access it when you need it most."

- Seneca Negrete

Education & Training

Academic Background

•
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University
•
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
California State University, Long Beach
•
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT #121107 | LPCC #4045

Specialized Training

•EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
•Somatic Experiencing for Trauma Resolution
•Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
•Internal Family Systems (IFS)
•Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

My Therapeutic Approach

Trauma-Informed

Understanding how past experiences shape present behaviors, with a focus on safety, trust, and empowerment in the healing process.

Relationally Focused

Exploring how relationships shape our sense of self and using the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for growth, healing, and connection.

Culturally Sensitive

Honoring diverse backgrounds and identities, recognizing how culture, race, and social context influence our experiences and healing.

What to Expect in Our Work Together

A Collaborative Partnership

You are the expert on your life. I bring clinical expertise and compassionate guidance. Together, we create a path forward that honors your unique needs and goals.

Evidence-Based Methods

I integrate proven therapeutic approaches while remaining flexible and responsive to what works best for you.

A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space

Your therapy room is a sanctuary where all parts of you are welcome; the messy, the beautiful, and everything in between.

Practical Tools & Deep Insight

We'll work on immediate coping strategies while also exploring deeper patterns to create lasting change.

Areas of Focus

While I work with a wide range of concerns, I have particular expertise and passion for supporting clients in these areas:

Trauma & PTSD

Anxiety & Depression

Relationship Issues

Life Transitions

Grief & Loss

Identity & Self-Worth

Family Dynamics

Cultural Identity

Professional Affiliations

California Association of
Marriage and Family Therapists

American Association for
Marriage and Family Therapy

California Association for
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors

Outside the Therapy Room

I believe therapists are whole people too, and sharing a bit about who I am outside of work helps create authentic connection. When I'm not in the office, you might find me:

Hiking the trails around southern California and finding peace in nature

Getting lost in a good book, binging a new show, or exploring local coffee shops

Going to my favorite exercise class, enjoying a relaxing spa day, or going to a concert