Meet our Temecula therapists
A small Christian staff of licensed therapists and associates who care deeply about the families we serve. We welcome clients of every faith and background, in person in Old Town Temecula or online anywhere in California.
OWNER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR · PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER
Elaine M. Romero, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LMFT38237
951-252-8411 ext. 3001 · elaine.romero@shcounseling.org
Elaine has worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and professional speaker for more than 30 years. She owns and directs Safe Harbor Counseling Center, and as a clinical supervisor she enjoys guiding associates who are working toward licensure.
Pastors, pediatricians and school administrators throughout the Inland Valley refer families to Elaine, and Rancho Community Church recognizes Safe Harbor Counseling Center as a partner ministry. She also receives referrals from many other professionals, schools, doctors and churches.
Elaine earned her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Family Studies, from the University of Arizona and her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego, and she holds a PPS school counseling credential. In the 1990s she was the founding president of the San Diego chapter of the California Association for Play Therapy, and she has been a CAMFT member for more than 30 years. Her training includes play therapy, sand tray, CBT, DBT, the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT and EFIT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and complex trauma treatment.
She works with individuals, couples, teens and children, and her style is caring and compassionate. If a client asks, she brings God’s truths and promises together with leading research on healthy marriages, parenting and families. She never imposes Christian beliefs on anyone.
Children love her office, which is full of toys, books, sand tray materials and art supplies. Two little mouse figurines live there too, and kids love hunting for them as they move to new hiding spots each week.
Elaine has spoken at marriage retreats, women’s Christmas teas, MOPS groups, webinars and school events, and has shared Sunday messages at Rancho Community Church as a teaching pastor. With her husband, Abe, she co-hosts Marriage is a Joke: The FUN Marriage Podcast. Their blended family of four adult children is full of game nights and laughter, and they love camping in their vintage teardrop trailer.
ONLINE · ENGLISH AND SPANISH
Paola Cortes, LMFT & LPCC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LMFT125692
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #LPCC8978
951-252-8411 ext. 3002 · paola.cortes@shcounseling.org
Paola sees clients online only at this time, and she provides therapy in English or Spanish.
She was born in Colombia and has lived in the United States for several decades. Building a life in a new country helped her grow personally and spiritually, and she understands the mental, cultural and spiritual challenges that come with that kind of transition.
Paola earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomás de Aquino University in Bogotá, Colombia, and her master’s degree in professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University.
She has experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse, bipolar and personality disorders, and substance use. Her motivation is to help and support individuals and families who are struggling with relationships and mental health challenges.
ASSOCIATE CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Jessica Byrnes, ASW
Associate Clinical Social Worker #ASW98519, supervised by Elaine M. Romero, LMFT #38237
951-252-8411 ext. 3003 · jessica.byrnes@shcounseling.org
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. As both a therapist and a member of a military family, she understands that life’s challenges often call for resilience, flexibility and support.
She believes meaningful change begins with feeling seen and understood. Jessica creates a space where clients can be themselves, without judgment, pressure or the expectation of having it all figured out. Her approach is warm, collaborative and practical: she helps clients recognize patterns, build on their strengths and develop tools they can use long after therapy ends.
Jessica works with children, teens and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationships, stress, self-esteem and the lasting effects of difficult experiences. She believes therapy should feel like a partnership, where clients grow at their own pace knowing someone is truly in their corner.
GETTING STARTED
Three simple steps
In person in Old Town Temecula or online anywhere in California.
1. Reach out
By phone, email or our online appointment request. Share a little about what’s going on.
2. Get to know us
We connect by phone or email to learn about your situation, answer questions, and match you with the right therapist.
3. Begin counseling
In person in Old Town Temecula or online anywhere in California.