Forensic Psychology Therapists in 90026

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THE STRONG ONE AND FEEL THE PRESSURE TO KEEP SMILING WHEN THINGS ARE AWFUL? DO YOU CHOOSE TO STRUGGLE IN SILENCE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THAT TALKING ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS IS A BURDEN TO OTHERS? ARE YOU TIRED OF THE SAME UNCOMFORTABLE OR EXCRUCIATING PATTERNS REPLAYING IN YOUR LIFE, CAUSING DISRUPTION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS? Do you love too hard? Unsure of where you belong; emotionally, culturally, racially, sexually? Are you experiencing betrayal? Feeling embarrassed. Stuck? As a 1st generation FIlipinx American with lived experience in multicultural relationships in Western society, I can help. Experience matters.

Therapy is an opportunity for us to uncover a deeper understanding of ourselves so we can begin to find more ease and fulfillment in our day to day. It is about embracing that oftentimes there’s nothing to “fix”, and instead our task is to slow down, notice and then exercise self-compassion. I work with clients who are seeking a safe space to process in their own time recent and past trauma, challenging family and relationship dynamics, as well as clients who are exploring gender and sexual identity. I enjoy working with clients who this might be there first time seeking support from a therapist.

I have specialized in working with people who have experienced trauma for over 20 years. 'Trauma' means many things; exposures to assaults and injuries, as well as distress over relationships and and transitions. People with histories of either one-time event traumas, such as molestations, surguries and divorce, or multiple traumas, can have a very hard time developing a sound sense of themselves. Building this sense of self is at the core of treatment for people who have had very difficult life challenges. Helping clients to build this solid internal base is my goal as a treating therapist.

I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process, which occurs in a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. My work with individuals is psychodynamic and insight-oriented, based on the idea that our sense of self is organized around the primary love relationships of early life, and that "mapping" these emotional experiences allows more freedom from self defeating behaviors and promotes the development of new choices. Integration and and processing early relationships can help one move towards a more conscious life in which you accept your past and are able to move towards a future of your own making.

It takes courage to understand the need for healing. My mission in psychotherapy is to help you learn how to help yourself. It should be emphasized that psychotherapy is far from "one size fit all." Therefore, the art of change in psychotherapy is achieved through a thorough psychological assessment in order to apply the precise remedies to your specific challenges. As a result, healing is often achieved by re-conceptualizing your past and presence, but most importantly is to improve your outlook on the future. I have been practicing as a psychologist for 26 years, on three continents.

Do you feel like you aren't operating at your full potential? Do you experience thoughts and feelings that interfere with your life balance? Although there are many reasons one seeks therapy, it is often our desire to feel connection, contentment and happiness. We all have unique stories that have shaped us. I would like to work with you to discover all that has led you to your current situation. To guide and assist you in a journey that will allow you to operate from a place of acceptance, compassion, and understanding for self and others.

My mission is to empower you to achieve your most fulfilling life. I provide client-centered & trauma-informed services to adults, adolescents, couples, families & teams. If you are struggling with sadness, worry, anger, intrusive thoughts, loneliness, chronic pain, career or work/life balance issues, or family or relational challenges, I can provide support. Our work together will be collaborative & will focus on achieving your individual goals. You will develop further awareness of your barriers & strengths, & learn & rehearse new skills toward increasing satisfaction, success, & connection with yourself and others.

In my private practice, I treat issues of anxiety and panic, past trauma, and sexual dysfunction. While our past can sometimes weigh down our present, my clients and I work together to address, process, and move through issues that might hold them back. Identifying emotions, connecting them to the body, and developing resources to endure the more difficult experiences of life is a primary focus of our collaborative work.