MARISSA CANDELA
San Juan Capistrano,CA
Summary
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee providing trauma-informed care to adults impacted by domestic violence, relationship trauma, and major life transitions. Experienced in individual therapy, group facilitation, assessment, treatment planning, safety planning, and clinical documentation. Passionate about helping clients reclaim their lives, rebuild their sense of identity and autonomy, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Laura's House
Aliso Viejo, California
01.2026 - Current
- Provided individual psychotherapy to adults impacted by domestic violence, relationship trauma, and major life transitions under clinical supervision.
- Used trauma-informed CBT, ACT, attachment-based interventions, and values exploration to support individualized treatment needs.
- Worked with clients to set treatment goals focused on self-esteem, boundaries, codependency, grief, identity, autonomy, and relationship patterns.
- Led Advanced Dating After Abuse group for survivors building healthy relationship patterns, setting boundaries, rebuilding trust, and navigating post-abuse relationships.
- Facilitated Personal Empowerment Program (PEP), psychoeducational domestic violence group covering abuse awareness, safety, boundaries, healthy relationships, and personal empowerment.
- Completed client intakes, risk assessments, safety planning, treatment planning, and ongoing clinical documentation.
- Participate in individual and group supervision and case consultation to support clinical development and client care.
Associate Banker
J.P. Morgan Chase
Irvine
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Guide clients through complex processes by breaking down information into clear steps, reducing stress and building confidence
- Engaged with banking professionals to assess client requirements and deliver tailored assistance
- Built rapport with diverse clients through active listening, empathy, and tailored support
- Maintain confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information by following strict protocols
Assistant Manager
Maurices
Longview, Washington
06.2018 - 09.2019
- Coached team members by delegating tasks, providing feedback, and assisting with customer interactions to enhance service quality
- Resolved customer concerns and conflicts with patience, problem-solving, and clear communication
- Fostered positive, supportive environment for staff and customers, contributing to improved morale and satisfaction
- Collaborated with supervisor to streamline daily operations, ensuring efficiency and consistency in service delivery
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
PEPPERDINE UNIVERISTY
Irvine, CA12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON
Fullerton, CA12-2023
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Clinical assessment
- Treatment planning
- Crisis intervention
- Group facilitation
Awards/Accomplishments
LCC Deans List (2018), Psi Chi, Culture Champion, OSAT, 40 Hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training (DVAT)
Timeline
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Laura's House
01.2026 - Current
Associate Banker
J.P. Morgan Chase
01.2022 - 01.2025
Assistant Manager
Maurices
06.2018 - 09.2019
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
PEPPERDINE UNIVERISTY
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON