Therapists in 90504

Photo of Kaela Pangburn, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Kaela Pangburn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504
Thank you for being here. My goal is to support people in healing the deepest, most hidden parts of themselves. This therapeutic space is for the intuitive, the deep thinkers, and the highly sensitive who have been trying to make sense of their experiences. I offer extensive knowledge and support with the following: nervous system healing, complex trauma, chronic emotional dysregulation, adverse childhood events, and relational fear/anxiety. If you are seeking support by trying to organize what feels like internal chaos, difficulty understanding experience, or are more curious to explore your identity; welcome.
Thank you for being here. My goal is to support people in healing the deepest, most hidden parts of themselves. This therapeutic space is for the intuitive, the deep thinkers, and the highly sensitive who have been trying to make sense of their experiences. I offer extensive knowledge and support with the following: nervous system healing, complex trauma, chronic emotional dysregulation, adverse childhood events, and relational fear/anxiety. If you are seeking support by trying to organize what feels like internal chaos, difficulty understanding experience, or are more curious to explore your identity; welcome.
(310) 861-3978 View (310) 861-3978
Photo of Sofia Subhan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sofia Subhan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504
For over a decade, I’ve helped individuals grow, heal, gain insight, and break free from unhelpful patterns. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, struggling in relationships, or carrying the weight of past trauma, I offer a supportive space to better understand, process, and work through life’s challenges. Stress from home, school, or work can feel isolating and, at times, hopeless—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Drawing from years of experience, I tailor my approach to fit your unique experiences, needs, and goals.
For over a decade, I’ve helped individuals grow, heal, gain insight, and break free from unhelpful patterns. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, struggling in relationships, or carrying the weight of past trauma, I offer a supportive space to better understand, process, and work through life’s challenges. Stress from home, school, or work can feel isolating and, at times, hopeless—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Drawing from years of experience, I tailor my approach to fit your unique experiences, needs, and goals.
(310) 935-3687 View (310) 935-3687
Photo of Andrea Gamboz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Andrea Gamboz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when constant worry, stress, or anxiety keeps your mind racing. Maybe you're stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or struggling to feel like yourself. Whether you're navigating difficult life transitions, coping with depression or low self-esteem, or living with the lasting effects of trauma or ADHD, you don't have to keep pushing through alone. Something in you may already sense it's time for a change—and that instinct is worth trusting.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when constant worry, stress, or anxiety keeps your mind racing. Maybe you're stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or struggling to feel like yourself. Whether you're navigating difficult life transitions, coping with depression or low self-esteem, or living with the lasting effects of trauma or ADHD, you don't have to keep pushing through alone. Something in you may already sense it's time for a change—and that instinct is worth trusting.
(424) 487-4278 View (424) 487-4278
Photo of Rubi N Quezada, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Rubi N Quezada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90504
As your therapist, my primary focus is to facilitate your healing journey through psychodynamic therapy. I am deeply committed to supporting adolescents and transitional age youth as they rediscover their true selves after enduring the challenges of living with an eating disorder. I have a particular interest in working with individuals who have survived childhood trauma including sexual abuse and developmental trauma. I believe the foundation of all our emotional wounds lies in our attachments. Our earliest bonds shape our beliefs about self-worth, our perception of the world and our connection with others.
As your therapist, my primary focus is to facilitate your healing journey through psychodynamic therapy. I am deeply committed to supporting adolescents and transitional age youth as they rediscover their true selves after enduring the challenges of living with an eating disorder. I have a particular interest in working with individuals who have survived childhood trauma including sexual abuse and developmental trauma. I believe the foundation of all our emotional wounds lies in our attachments. Our earliest bonds shape our beliefs about self-worth, our perception of the world and our connection with others.
(424) 484-7095 View (424) 484-7095
Photo of Jordan Stamps, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jordan Stamps
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Torrance, CA 90504
I help transform the game and mind of athletes looking to tap deeper into their athletic abilities. Athletes are more than the game they play. Let’s begin sharpening your mental game to be a stronger and well-rounded competitive individual. If you’re also an athlete struggling with your performance, experiencing a slump or off games, I utilize Exposure Therapy to actively engage you in those performance evoking anxieties/pressures to provide guidance on how to apply active coping skills, thought challenging & breathing techniques to overcome associated worries.
I help transform the game and mind of athletes looking to tap deeper into their athletic abilities. Athletes are more than the game they play. Let’s begin sharpening your mental game to be a stronger and well-rounded competitive individual. If you’re also an athlete struggling with your performance, experiencing a slump or off games, I utilize Exposure Therapy to actively engage you in those performance evoking anxieties/pressures to provide guidance on how to apply active coping skills, thought challenging & breathing techniques to overcome associated worries.
(562) 442-5483 View (562) 442-5483
Photo of Therese Apontti, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Therese Apontti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Torrance, CA 90504
Therese Apontti is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) raised in Los Angeles. She believes everyone is capable of change and is passionate in assisting others reach their highest potential. Therese believes that the door to what we seek starts with self-love, and that the more we learn how to give ourselves the love we need, the greater we can show up in our lives and for others. Therese creates a safe and warm place for clients to be themselves so that they may feel safe to explore ways to live even more authentically. She approaches therapy from a holistic lens through compassion, curiosity, and acceptance.
Therese Apontti is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) raised in Los Angeles. She believes everyone is capable of change and is passionate in assisting others reach their highest potential. Therese believes that the door to what we seek starts with self-love, and that the more we learn how to give ourselves the love we need, the greater we can show up in our lives and for others. Therese creates a safe and warm place for clients to be themselves so that they may feel safe to explore ways to live even more authentically. She approaches therapy from a holistic lens through compassion, curiosity, and acceptance.
(424) 722-6414 View (424) 722-6414
Photo of Andrew Boutros - Andrew Boutros Coaching, MS, FHD
Andrew Boutros Coaching
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel you are cruising through life without having any clue who you truly are, what your passion is, what your talents are, and who you want to be? Do you feel stuck in a job you hate, a toxic relationship, or a negative mindset? If questions like 'who am I?' and 'why am I here on earth?' bug you because you can’t seem to find an answer, you are not alone. This is where I step in & work with you to answer these tough questions.
Do you feel you are cruising through life without having any clue who you truly are, what your passion is, what your talents are, and who you want to be? Do you feel stuck in a job you hate, a toxic relationship, or a negative mindset? If questions like 'who am I?' and 'why am I here on earth?' bug you because you can’t seem to find an answer, you are not alone. This is where I step in & work with you to answer these tough questions.
(949) 356-2994 View (949) 356-2994
Photo of Curran Commerford, Psychologist, LP
Curran Commerford
Psychologist, LP
Serves Area
Dr. Commerford is particularly passionate about supporting individuals involved in workers’ compensation cases, current legal matters, and disability-related concerns. He understands the stress these situations place on mental health and overall well-being, and he provides thoughtful guidance to help clients manage the emotional impact while addressing the clinical needs required for documentation and treatment. This specialized expertise allows him to bridge the gap between mental health care and the unique challenges of legal and workplace systems. In his clinical practice, Dr.
Dr. Commerford is particularly passionate about supporting individuals involved in workers’ compensation cases, current legal matters, and disability-related concerns. He understands the stress these situations place on mental health and overall well-being, and he provides thoughtful guidance to help clients manage the emotional impact while addressing the clinical needs required for documentation and treatment. This specialized expertise allows him to bridge the gap between mental health care and the unique challenges of legal and workplace systems. In his clinical practice, Dr.
(424) 347-6947 View (424) 347-6947
Photo of Melissa A Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Melissa A Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! Welcome to my practice! The most important part of therapy is picking the right therapist, feeling comfortable and being able to build trust and a connection. You are your most vulnerable in therapy and I am here to help you work though difficult thoughts, feelings, and traumatic experiences. We will work together to explore your difficulties in life and seek healing so you can live a more fulfilling life. I look forward to talking with you!
Hi! Welcome to my practice! The most important part of therapy is picking the right therapist, feeling comfortable and being able to build trust and a connection. You are your most vulnerable in therapy and I am here to help you work though difficult thoughts, feelings, and traumatic experiences. We will work together to explore your difficulties in life and seek healing so you can live a more fulfilling life. I look forward to talking with you!
(310) 740-9751 View (310) 740-9751
Photo of Carol A Francis - Dr. Carol Francis & Associates, Psychologist, PsyD, MA, CHT, MFT
Dr. Carol Francis & Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, CHT, MFT
Serves Area
Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, unmotivated? A distant, angry relationship that was loving, romantic, or safe? Wish to improve your ability to focus, relax, not worry? Considering changes in your career, relationship? Confused by your marriage, by being new parents or by your child or teenager? Want to stop smoking with hypnosis? Wish you could like yourself, feel attractive, smart, energetic & successful? Feel stuck, blocked, uncertain, discouraged? Afraid of public speaking or socializing at work? Suffer awful abuse? Have you and your partner been fighting? Need to learn to solve problems in your team?
Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, unmotivated? A distant, angry relationship that was loving, romantic, or safe? Wish to improve your ability to focus, relax, not worry? Considering changes in your career, relationship? Confused by your marriage, by being new parents or by your child or teenager? Want to stop smoking with hypnosis? Wish you could like yourself, feel attractive, smart, energetic & successful? Feel stuck, blocked, uncertain, discouraged? Afraid of public speaking or socializing at work? Suffer awful abuse? Have you and your partner been fighting? Need to learn to solve problems in your team?
(310) 620-1719 View (310) 620-1719
Photo of Lia Verzatt, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Lia Verzatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
Life is messy and together, we have a chance to be creative with the challenges you have faced. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, self-esteem challenges, body image issues, anxiety, and depression. Practicing from a culturally sensitive lens, I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy because I believe you are the expert of your own experience. I welcome you to reach out when you feel ready.
Life is messy and together, we have a chance to be creative with the challenges you have faced. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, self-esteem challenges, body image issues, anxiety, and depression. Practicing from a culturally sensitive lens, I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy because I believe you are the expert of your own experience. I welcome you to reach out when you feel ready.
(747) 318-4475 View (747) 318-4475
Photo of Lora Uglesic, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Lora Uglesic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello & thank you for taking the time to consider me for your mental health needs. I provide psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, & families. My core belief is that the foundation to successful treatment is the creation of a safe & trusting environment where therapist & client work collaboratively to address treatment goals. The development of a strong therapeutic relationship becomes the cornerstone to lasting & meaningful change. I strive to create holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual using an eclectic integrative approach, by blending different theories & techniques to address presenting symptoms.
Hello & thank you for taking the time to consider me for your mental health needs. I provide psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, & families. My core belief is that the foundation to successful treatment is the creation of a safe & trusting environment where therapist & client work collaboratively to address treatment goals. The development of a strong therapeutic relationship becomes the cornerstone to lasting & meaningful change. I strive to create holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual using an eclectic integrative approach, by blending different theories & techniques to address presenting symptoms.
(310) 697-8928 View (310) 697-8928
Photo of James Jacobsen, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
James Jacobsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
I practice psychotherapy out of my home in Los Angeles under my MFT license, California BBS 90737. I specialize in treating intellectually and creatively gifted clients, as well as all manner of LGBT folk and anyone in psychological distress. I work with a lot of creatively and intellectually gifted clients; in fact, it's a specialization of mine. I have helped a lot of clients transition out of marijuana abuse into a more productive way of living with self-care.
I practice psychotherapy out of my home in Los Angeles under my MFT license, California BBS 90737. I specialize in treating intellectually and creatively gifted clients, as well as all manner of LGBT folk and anyone in psychological distress. I work with a lot of creatively and intellectually gifted clients; in fact, it's a specialization of mine. I have helped a lot of clients transition out of marijuana abuse into a more productive way of living with self-care.
(747) 298-8150 View (747) 298-8150
Danielle Sumida
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Serves Area
Danielle Sumida is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who has been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2016. She graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a Master’s degree in Social Work, with a specialty in Integrated Health. Danielle believes in approaching therapy using a mixture of different theoretical orientations including: psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment-based theory, and family systems theory.
Danielle Sumida is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who has been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2016. She graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a Master’s degree in Social Work, with a specialty in Integrated Health. Danielle believes in approaching therapy using a mixture of different theoretical orientations including: psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment-based theory, and family systems theory.
(424) 788-1942 View (424) 788-1942
Photo of Jessica Gabard, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Jessica Gabard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, my name is Jess and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Whether you are just starting therapy or a return client, welcome! Making your own mental health a priority is not easy, but I believe it's necessary to take care of ourselves before we take on the responsibilities of daily life. I do my best to make the therapeutic process a collaborative journey to ensure that I'm working with you to build upon your own individual strengths. I will make sure that we go at your pace in therapy, while being open and receptive to feedback. I want to know that you are benefitting from our time together.
Hello, my name is Jess and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Whether you are just starting therapy or a return client, welcome! Making your own mental health a priority is not easy, but I believe it's necessary to take care of ourselves before we take on the responsibilities of daily life. I do my best to make the therapeutic process a collaborative journey to ensure that I'm working with you to build upon your own individual strengths. I will make sure that we go at your pace in therapy, while being open and receptive to feedback. I want to know that you are benefitting from our time together.
(424) 622-4519 View (424) 622-4519
Photo of Cecelia Adams, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, CPRP, LMFT
Cecelia Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, CPRP, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe healing is a compassionate and empowering process, and I am passionate about creating a safe therapeutic relationship based on your specific and unique experiences and needs. I also believe healing is an ongoing process, and that everyone has the power and capability to access their own inner wisdom and inner healer to help effect change.
I believe healing is a compassionate and empowering process, and I am passionate about creating a safe therapeutic relationship based on your specific and unique experiences and needs. I also believe healing is an ongoing process, and that everyone has the power and capability to access their own inner wisdom and inner healer to help effect change.
(310) 861-7915 View (310) 861-7915
Photo of Dana Hodgdon Ph. D., Psychologist, PhD
Dana Hodgdon Ph. D.
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe we all have the capacity to grow and experience joy. Access to this capacity is usually closer than we think. Talking to someone who is trained to HEAR you can unblock what is holding you back. Call me and we can talk about finding the answers within yourself. For the last 20 years I have had experience in helping people overcome many forms of suffering. Call me and take your first step toward feeling better, attending to things that are meaningful to you, and feeling whole again.
I believe we all have the capacity to grow and experience joy. Access to this capacity is usually closer than we think. Talking to someone who is trained to HEAR you can unblock what is holding you back. Call me and we can talk about finding the answers within yourself. For the last 20 years I have had experience in helping people overcome many forms of suffering. Call me and take your first step toward feeling better, attending to things that are meaningful to you, and feeling whole again.
(562) 453-5492 View (562) 453-5492
Photo of Dalia Kenig, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Dalia Kenig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
Dalia Kenig. Licensed Psychotherapist, LMFT. My approach to therapy is holistic. I focus on YOU, beyond just symptoms and diagnosis. I look at the whole person that you are and address your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs, identifying what is out of balance and working with you to create the optimal conditions to heal, recover and get better. I consider the needs of my clients and offer them a variety of approaches I have been trained in over the last 25yrs.
Dalia Kenig. Licensed Psychotherapist, LMFT. My approach to therapy is holistic. I focus on YOU, beyond just symptoms and diagnosis. I look at the whole person that you are and address your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs, identifying what is out of balance and working with you to create the optimal conditions to heal, recover and get better. I consider the needs of my clients and offer them a variety of approaches I have been trained in over the last 25yrs.
(949) 991-6421 View (949) 991-6421
Photo of Pj Dionisio, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW
Pj Dionisio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You’re someone who is used to suppressing emotions, but lately you’ve been feeling anxious, moody, or dealing with constant overthinking. You may be used to functioning under high stress, not asking for support, and taking care of others, even when you’re running on empty with little time to care for yourself or truly relax. On the outside, you’re managing work, finances, and relationships, but inside it can feel like nonstop stress, mental exhaustion, and difficulty slowing down or turning off the overthinking at the end of the day. Maybe it’s past trauma, anxiety that won’t slow down, or ongoing expectations.
You’re someone who is used to suppressing emotions, but lately you’ve been feeling anxious, moody, or dealing with constant overthinking. You may be used to functioning under high stress, not asking for support, and taking care of others, even when you’re running on empty with little time to care for yourself or truly relax. On the outside, you’re managing work, finances, and relationships, but inside it can feel like nonstop stress, mental exhaustion, and difficulty slowing down or turning off the overthinking at the end of the day. Maybe it’s past trauma, anxiety that won’t slow down, or ongoing expectations.
(424) 667-4381 View (424) 667-4381
Photo of Cliff Sabath, Psychologist, PhD
Cliff Sabath
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
I have over 30 years experience in helping people to heal and feel whole again. I like working with couples to help them communicate in ways that bring them closer rather than create distance. I work with individuals struggling with trauma, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and other problems that create dysfunctional patterns and symptoms in their life and relationships. It is rewarding to help people who may have felt hopeless, to move in a positive healing direction toward reclaiming their lives and their happiness. I also have a staff psychiatrist available for those individuals who may benefit from medication for depression, anxiety, insomnia.
I have over 30 years experience in helping people to heal and feel whole again. I like working with couples to help them communicate in ways that bring them closer rather than create distance. I work with individuals struggling with trauma, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and other problems that create dysfunctional patterns and symptoms in their life and relationships. It is rewarding to help people who may have felt hopeless, to move in a positive healing direction toward reclaiming their lives and their happiness. I also have a staff psychiatrist available for those individuals who may benefit from medication for depression, anxiety, insomnia.
(310) 776-6248 View (310) 776-6248

See more therapy options for 90504

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 90504

60+

Average cost per session

$190

Therapists in 90504 who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
89% Depression
68% Self Esteem
63% Trauma and PTSD
61% Stress
56% Relationship Issues
56% Grief

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

90% Aetna
86% Cigna and Evernorth
78% Anthem

How Therapists in 90504 see their clients

61% Online Only
39% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

79% Female
19% Male
2% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 90504?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.