Hi! My name is KerryAnn Magner-Varela, and I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I received my Master’s in Science in Counseling from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and went on to complete additional training toward licensure requirements at California Southern University. For over twenty years, I worked in developing and overseeing community programs for the prevention and early intervention of mental health. My lifelong dream was to become a Clinical Counselor, and I decided to shift my focus from administration to direct service. I began my clinical career as a School Counselor/Clinical Counselor in the K-8 setting using treatment models of play therapy and expressive arts therapy. In 2016, I became interested in how the body stores the effects of trauma and long-term stress. I began training in various somatic resiliency models that focus on regulating the nervous system. Today, I work with people on a body, spirit, mind approach to mental wellness. My approach is looking at mental wellness from a different direction: the body first. I use several somatic therapy interventions to help create safety within the body, so clients can manage their symptoms and make the changes they want in their lives. We work together to understand the states of the nervous system and apply regulating techniques, such as mindfulness, movement, tapping, music, and breath. I continue to incorporate expressive arts and play therapy to help clients access the messages of their unconscious and process unresolved emotions in a safe and indirect way. These tools are helpful with children and also for the inner child that lives within each adult.
A little bit about me personally, I was born and raised in New Jersey and have made Ventura County my home for past 30 years. I am married with two adult step children and a very spoiled chihuahua. I love being in my home and have an interest in decorating and making comfortable spaces. I love to read, write, paint, do yoga and dance.
I truly believe that every person is the expert in themselves, and I will help guide you to believe this. As Glinda the good witch from the Wizard of Oz said, “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”