About me

Hello, I'm a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist in California, specializing in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes.

My personal and professional journey deeply enriches my perspective: I was born in Ecuador and immigrated to the USA in my 20s. For over 25 years, I've had the privilege of working with diverse communities across Ecuador, Guatemala, and the USA.

My professional life began focused on economic justice in Ecuador and microfinance with Indigenous women in Guatemala. For the last 15 years, I've served in the child welfare system as a Child Protective Social Worker, where I've had the honor of collaborating with clients to support better changes for children, families, and communities.

My practice now centers on helping clients develop self-love, overcome isolation, and rediscover their life purpose. I have extensive experience addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues, particularly those impacted by experiences within the child welfare field.

My approach is Strength-Based, Solution-Focused, and deeply Client-Centered. I believe you are the expert on your life. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where we focus on your existing strengths, collaboratively define actionable goals, and explore your experiences to heal from past wounds and cultivate personal growth.

I work closely with clients experiencing workplace stress, multicultural concerns, life transitions, and women's health challenges. I am committed to understanding your distinct background and helping you build resilience, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections. Whether you're struggling with body image, relationship dynamics, or seeking to overcome feelings of guilt and shame, I'm here to support you with empathy and professional expertise.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Self esteem, Motivation
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Abandonment , Attachment issues , Body image , Caregiver issues and stress , Chronic pain, illness, and disability , Forgiveness , Guilt and shame , Isolation / loneliness , Life purpose , Midlife crisis , Read more...
Years of Experience: 3

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

CA LCSW 134714


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Nelly Zambrano Plaza. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Feb 13, 2026 after therapy with Nelly for 2 months

Mrs Nelly Zambrano Plaza has been amazing in helping our family, both parents and our teen daughter to get the help with our daughter who has been having intrusive thoughts. She has been very clear in her processes, open to discuss and most of all heard our worries and concerns over all. She knows great techniques to easy the mental pain and pressure. Highly recommend her!

Work with me!