Bittersweet Encounters

At BSE, we are proud to have a variety of dedicated, passionate team members who provide individual therapy for adolescents, adults, and families. We accept Inland Empire Health Plan, Molina Healthcare health insurance and of course self-pay.  Our talented mental and behavioral health team aims to assist individuals and families with reaching goals, managing emotions, healing from trauma, and more.

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Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

Life’s hurts and offenses get in the way of us experiencing what it is to be free from mental and emotional turmoil. As we go through life, we accumulate emotional junk and we don’t realize most times that these things cause us to literally be in bondage to to the negative perceptions and behavioral patterns taken on. Rather, we often go through life bandaging up the wounds and hurts of our past, and we rarely address and deal with the origin of the issues. Although we cannot change what happened in the past, together we can gain insight and skills to overcome the challenges. I specialize in individual and couples therapy for the adult population. I am an innate people helper and get great joy in empowering others and assisting them to overcome any obstacles or barriers preventing them from maximizing their greatest potential. I have over 20 years of experience in mental health and social work. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, loss, grief, and life transitions. It would be my pleasure to partner with you using tailor made therapy techniques and approaches to unpack these things and journey onward to a life of wholeness and freedom waiting for you!

Alicia Berry, BA

Office Manager

It is a privilege and honor to serve as the office manager at Bittersweet Encounters as a growing leader. While acknowledging the multiple roles that psychotherapy practices play, my mission is to make sure that every role is carried out to the highest standard possible to provide our clients, partners, and staff with the best possible care.

With over 10 years in the mental health field, I discovered how much I love working with adults, kids, and families. I believe when individuals begin to heal, the environment around us will follow suit. Thus, I will continue to learn, grow, and help foster a supportive environment that helps others succeed in their mental health and journey through life.

Maria Tamayo, AMFT 117508

Under the Supervision of Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

I am a therapist who is passionate about nervous system regulation and grounding work. I believe that if we can feel safe in our bodies, we can go out into the world with more presence and joy; understanding that pain is inevitable, but suffering does not have to be. I draw from several modalities in my practice but focus primarily on Attachment Theory helping individuals learn how the foundation of how they were taught to love & relate in relationships plays out in all relationships in their life. I believe in helping each individual learn their foundational makeup in order to gain tools to have more joy and connection and less pain and conflict in all relationships. I deeply believe everyone can change so long as there’s openness and willingness.

I am a believer that we are all in this human experience together and I believe in doing the personal work myself. Self-care is important in order to do the work with myself and with others and some forms of self-care I enjoy, and practice are mindfulness through prayer, long scenic drives, capturing the world’s beauty in photo and spending quality time with people I love and connect with. I am open to working with individuals aged 12 and older.

Jon Haywood, AMFT 118435

Under the Supervision of Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

Jon Haywood Sr. has a unique understanding that “God loves humanity.” His commitment to that statement brought this pastor of nearly 30 years into the arena of psychotherapy. His desire is to bring a holistic approach integrating spiritual insight and principles with proven psychological methods to assist others in achieving greater intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. He counsels Christians and non-Christians. His range of experience extends from addiction counseling to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and relationship issues. He easily connects with teens, men, and women across ethnic, cultural, and gender lines. He is passionate about establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. He enjoys pre-marital and marital counseling. He and his wife of over 30 years co-pastor together, both are psychotherapists. Jon Haywood Sr. spends his leisure time watching sports and spending time with his family.

Tracie Ragland, APCC 11967

Under the Supervision of Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

As a clinician understanding why people suffer, how they change, and how to assist them in living satisfying and vital undertaking as clients enter treatment, where are supported, not judged without prejudice. You as a person deserve to have a decent conversation without judgement and support. 

Monique Moncrease, APCC 15432

Under the Supervision of Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

 Life often throws us curveballs, doesn’t it? Whether it’s navigating friendship conflicts, relationship strain, academic or work stress, or grappling with questions of identity and purpose, the journey can be daunting. That’s where I step in. Through a blend of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems, and solution-focused therapy, I specialize in supporting individuals through tough times and the overwhelming emotions that accompany them, helping them emerge more resilient than before. Together, we’ll dive into understanding your emotions, boosting your confidence, and equipping you with the skills to tackle life’s challenges head-on. My aim is to provide you with the tools to navigate stress, enhance your relationships, and navigate major life transitions with greater ease. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you see to that.

Aminah Oboth-Ofumbi ACSW ASW122165

Under the Supervision of Chermel Williams, LMFT 113693

I come from a family of community advocates who instilled in me a desire to give back to my community and support people during their most vulnerable moments. After 14 years of experience in behavioral health as a social worker and then as a research psychologist, I developed a deep appreciation for identifying evidence-based practices that are aligned with the needs of clients served.

As a therapist, my intention is to help others increase awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions while identifying the strengths and tools they have to navigate life. My therapeutic approach draws from energy psychology, mindfulness, and uses strategies that identify subconscious thought patterns in order to promote healing. It’s an honor to provide support and a safe space for clients on their journey as they progress towards reaching their therapeutic goals.