Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(424) 286-7538 View (424) 286-7538
Photo of Lou Figueroa, LMFT, MS, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lou Figueroa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, CHT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
(424) 772-4403 View (424) 772-4403
Photo of Ken Cohen, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ken Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
When someone is in our corner and believes in us, I believe we are capable of overcoming any obstacle and of fulfilling our desires; we are capable of creating a satisfying life. I try to be that person as a therapist, offering interest, care, concern and compassion. I also challenge my clients to be their best selves. I have learned that each of us has a higher, deeper self that we can draw from. I see my work with you as helping you to connect with this part of yourself. I am down to earth, fully human and present with you as we work together. I offer safety, warmth acceptance and honesty to help you grow.
When someone is in our corner and believes in us, I believe we are capable of overcoming any obstacle and of fulfilling our desires; we are capable of creating a satisfying life. I try to be that person as a therapist, offering interest, care, concern and compassion. I also challenge my clients to be their best selves. I have learned that each of us has a higher, deeper self that we can draw from. I see my work with you as helping you to connect with this part of yourself. I am down to earth, fully human and present with you as we work together. I offer safety, warmth acceptance and honesty to help you grow.
(310) 986-4150 View (310) 986-4150
Photo of Alexander Smith Douglas
Alexander Smith Douglas
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I am a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW 106791, employed and supervised by Kryss Castle, LMFT 95114 in Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey.
I am a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW 106791, employed and supervised by Kryss Castle, LMFT 95114 in Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey.
(424) 402-5939 View (424) 402-5939
Photo of Colin Anthony Ziegler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colin Anthony Ziegler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a mental health crisis responder with 10+ years of direct experience, my technique is honed to quickly build a functional dynamic and work collaboratively to dial into the core problem. Results driven; I believe every minute of our time counts, so you can expect a style that is direct, concise, gimmick-free, and with no frills to interfere with the authenticity of our exchange. While I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, it is ultimately my job to support your path to self-mastery by asking the right questions and deferring to you as the expert on the situation, your life, and your choices.
As a mental health crisis responder with 10+ years of direct experience, my technique is honed to quickly build a functional dynamic and work collaboratively to dial into the core problem. Results driven; I believe every minute of our time counts, so you can expect a style that is direct, concise, gimmick-free, and with no frills to interfere with the authenticity of our exchange. While I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, it is ultimately my job to support your path to self-mastery by asking the right questions and deferring to you as the expert on the situation, your life, and your choices.
(323) 330-4203 View (323) 330-4203
Photo of Andy Balazs, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andy Balazs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Take back control of your life and become the best version of yourself. I work with clients to collaboratively develop a plan that addresses your needs, incorporates your strengths, and alleviates your symptoms. My approach is compassionate, solution-focused, and pragmatic. I believe that my clients ultimately know what is best for them, and it is my job to facilitate improvement through an empathetic yet challenging therapeutic environment. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues, we will identify patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are holding you back.
Take back control of your life and become the best version of yourself. I work with clients to collaboratively develop a plan that addresses your needs, incorporates your strengths, and alleviates your symptoms. My approach is compassionate, solution-focused, and pragmatic. I believe that my clients ultimately know what is best for them, and it is my job to facilitate improvement through an empathetic yet challenging therapeutic environment. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues, we will identify patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are holding you back.
(310) 706-2781 View (310) 706-2781
Photo of Rob Feiner, MS, LPCC, PPS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rob Feiner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCC, PPS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Everyone deserves a compassionate understanding of themselves. As we navigate through life, we are faced with uncertainties, challenges, stagnation, and cyclical internal conflict. Setting a positive, non-judgmental, collaborative environment, I hope to help you build confidence, gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop the emotional tools to find your inner balance achieving a sense of purpose and general wellness. To help you accomplish your therapeutic goals we may draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Emotion Focused approaches and Mindfulness Meditation.
Everyone deserves a compassionate understanding of themselves. As we navigate through life, we are faced with uncertainties, challenges, stagnation, and cyclical internal conflict. Setting a positive, non-judgmental, collaborative environment, I hope to help you build confidence, gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop the emotional tools to find your inner balance achieving a sense of purpose and general wellness. To help you accomplish your therapeutic goals we may draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Emotion Focused approaches and Mindfulness Meditation.
(213) 988-6511 View (213) 988-6511
Strength-Based Therapists

How does strength-based therapy work?

During strength-based therapy sessions, the therapist will ask about an individual’s experiences of stress, pain, or trauma with the goal of orienting the client to view themselves as a survivor rather than a victim, and focusing on their strengths rather than on their weaknesses. In framing a client’s personal narrative along these lines, the therapist and client work together to identify existing skills that can be harnessed.

Is strength-based therapy evidence-based?

Strength-based therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been studied extensively and shown to be effective across domains. The treatment has been found to be particularly effective in helping individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Strength-based therapy has been used by therapists to help clients for more than 60 years.

How long does strength-based therapy last?

There’s no precise timeline for strength-based therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals and the severity of their concerns. Some individuals may find they achieve their therapeutic goals quickly, while others might benefit from ongoing support and guidance in order to continue progressing.

How effective is strength-based therapy?

Clinical research and decades of practice have shown strength-based therapy to be an effective treatment to improve mental health and well-being for many conditions. The treatment can engender a sense of connection and collaboration between the therapist and the individual, fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. For individuals with narcissistic tendencies, strength-based therapy may be less effective, as the focus on the individual’s strengths may undermine the work needed to honestly assess the challenges the individual faces.