Hello, I’m Rocio Vaca, a licensed clinical social worker based in Orange County, California. Through my private practice, Emotiva Counseling, I provide virtual therapy to clients across the state and offer the option for in‑person sessions in Orange County through a mobile office. I specialize in evidence‑based therapy for couples, individuals, and children ages 9 and over, with the goal of helping you move toward a more grounded, supported, and improved state of well‑being.

Education

I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from California State University, Bakersfield. I went on to earn my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Child Welfare in 2015. Following my graduate training, I obtained my clinical licensure through the state of California.

Experience

My clinical background includes five years of experience supporting neurodivergent children through Applied Behavioral Analysis, helping them build life skills and confidence. I bring more than 17 years of expertise in Child Welfare, with a strong foundation in adoptions, the juvenile dependency system, and the ways family law proceedings can shape a child’s experience. Throughout my Child Welfare career, I have conducted comprehensive family assessments and worked extensively with children impacted by adverse childhood trauma, focusing on fostering healing, resilience, and long‑term stability.

Working with families within Children and Family Services has involved providing psychoeducation to parents on child development, best parenting practices, and supporting them as they process their own trauma. I believe that when caregivers gain insight into their own experiences and how these patterns influence their family system, they are better equipped to create healthier, connected relationships at home.

I believe deeply in the empowerment that comes from learning and the intentional transfer of knowledge. This commitment to education and professional growth has guided my work with emerging clinicians; thus, my experience teaching in the Master of Social Work program at California State University, Fullerton. In addition to teaching, I provide clinical supervision to Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) and Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSWs), supporting their development as thoughtful, ethical, and competent practitioners.

My experience has given me a deep understanding of how biological make up and environment factors play a role into shaping unwanted behaviors and the cognitive and emotional implications. This insight allows me to identify effective treatments in order to shape behavior back to one that works harmoniously with your lifestyle.

Private Practice/Therapy

At Emotiva Counseling, I utilize research-based interventions balanced with warmth, empathy and understanding. I specialize in couples counseling, individuals and children over 9 years of age.  

COUPLES

I help you strengthen your communication, navigate conflict, and break free from long‑standing gridlock while fostering deeper friendship, emotional intimacy, and shared meaning. My approach focuses on teaching you how to step away from patterns of criticism, defensiveness, withdrawal, and disdain, and instead build healthier, connected ways of relating. Through this work, you learn practical tools to understand one another, repair ruptures, and create a relationship grounded in mutual respect, trust, and intentional connection.

INDIVIDUALS

I work with individuals across a range of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, and LBGTQ+ related experiences. 

• LGBTQ+ - I provide a supportive, affirming, and non‑judgmental space to explore your identity, lived experiences, and personal goals. My work includes helping you navigate challenges related to coming out, self‑acceptance, family dynamics, relationships, and the impact of minority stress. Together, we focus on developing healthy coping strategies, building resilience, managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress, and strengthening self‑esteem.

  If you identify as transgender or non‑binary, I offer guidance in exploring and affirming your gender identity while addressing the emotional, social, and practical aspects of your journey. My goal is to support you in living authentically and feeling grounded, empowered, and understood.

• Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Burn Out, and Life Transitions- I offer a safe space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. My goal is to help you find relief from overwhelming thoughts, emotional exhaustion, and the pressures of daily life. Together, we will identify triggers, strengthen emotional regulation, and challenge unhelpful thought patterns while exploring how they influence your mood and behavior. We will focus on developing effective problem-solving skills and addressing feelings of uncertainty or loss.  By the end of our work, you will feel more confident in managing stressful situations, more motivated, and better equipped to move through daily life with a greater sense of calm, hope, and self‑assurance.

CHILDREN

I support children and teens experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, low self‑esteem, and challenges with assertiveness often resulting from bullying. I help youth understand their emotions, make sense of their experiences in life and build confidence. My approach focuses on helping youth develop a personalized toolkit of coping skills, boundary setting, strengthen emotional intelligence, and increase cognitive awareness so they feel capable and grounded as they move toward adulthood. When appropriate, I collaborate closely with caregivers to ensure consistency, reinforce skills at home, and support the child’s overall well‑being. Together, we work to foster resilience, healthy communication, strong boundaries and a stronger sense of self so that the youth grows into an empowered and self‑assured version of themselves.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- I take a thoughtful and individualized approach to supporting youth with Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD), focusing on understanding and addressing intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and compulsive behaviors. Youth can expect to gradually face anxiety‑provoking thoughts, situations, or triggers in a safe and structured way while learning to reduce reliance on compulsive behaviors. Together, we identify patterns of OCD, challenge unhelpful beliefs, build tolerance for uncertainty, and strengthen coping skills through mindfulness and other evidence‑informed strategies. Our shared goal is to lessen the impact of symptoms on daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life, helping each child or teen feel grounded, and in control.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution‑Focused Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and somatic practices, among other evidence‑based modalities. I view therapy as a collaborative and individualized process, tailored to each person’s needs and focused on building practical skills while fostering insight, emotional healing, and growth. Clients often describe my style as warm, grounded, and down‑to‑earth.