Childhood Matters
MFT Practicum Program
Practical Experience for Future Therapists
At Childhood Matters, we are dedicated to shaping the future of mental health care by offering hands-on training opportunities for graduate students pursuing their Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree. Our MFT Practicum Program provides an invaluable experience for students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, while offering essential support to children, teens, and families in our community.
Why Choose Childhood Matters?
Our practicum site is unique because of our holistic, trauma-informed approach to mental health care. Working with us means being a part of an organization committed to improving the emotional and mental well-being of children and youth, with an emphasis on early intervention and prevention. As a practicum student at Childhood Matters, you will gain exposure to a wide range of therapeutic practices, guided by licensed professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Meet The Clinical Supervisors
Teresa is licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director of her private practice in the beautiful community located in Ventura, CA. She is a passionate trauma therapist, dedicated to helping individuals heal from the emotional and psychological wounds caused by trauma. With a
deep understanding of the impact trauma can have on one's mental health, relationships, and daily life, she offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to process their experiences.
Teresa’s work centers on empowering clients to regain a sense of control, resiliency, and hope, fostering long-term healing and well-being. Her clinical foundation was established approximately 10 years ago in a community-based mental health background, understanding the
importance of accessible mental health care to children, families and adults. She began her career working with youth and families impacted by childhood trauma (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, loss/death, etc).
She is a LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirmative therapist. Teresa is passionate about helping individuals have affordable and easy access to mental health services and strives to provide compassion and authenticity to help clients heal from trauma. Teresa utilizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and trauma-focused therapy, and somatic therapy to help individuals process past trauma and develop coping strategies for the future. Her ultimate passion lies in guiding individuals toward healing and assisting them in creating a life beyond their trauma.
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Ada Andrade, M.A., LMFT, has been a mental health therapist for over 10 years, practicing in both California and Colorado. Throughout her career, she has provided school-based therapy, in-home therapeutic services, case management, and in-office therapeutic services. In private practice, her primary focus has been working with adults and adolescents experiencing childhood or adult trauma, trauma-related symptoms, emotional abuse, and relationship challenges.
With extensive experience working with youth and families, Ada has specialized in addressing trauma and trauma-related symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, particularly among at-risk youth. For the past three years, she has also supervised Associates, guiding and mentoring them in their clinical work while emphasizing the importance of self-care. Passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience, Ada is dedicated to supporting both clients and emerging professionals in the field of mental health.