Sometimes the stress of life can feel like more than we're prepared for. A loss of a loved one, financial pressures, or a change in a relationship, can seriously impact one's quality of life. Sometimes a little support is all that's needed to move through these difficult periods, at other times a more in-depth approach is required. Whether you're wanting a little support or a deeper transformation psychotherapy can help you deepen your connection and insight into your inner world. With more clarity and a stronger sense of self your capacity to be effective and grow will improve.

I believe psychological health is having the inner capacities and resources that allow one to live life with greater freedom and possibility. It is my hope you will feel safe and secure in our therapeutic relationship so we may explore issues hindering you from living a fully engaged life. I borrow from various psychotherapies including contemporary psychoanalytic-psychodynamic and cognitive- behavioral principals. However, I believe the most important aspect of therapy is our therapeutic alliance.

Whatever it is that's bringing you to therapy, whether it be anxiety, depression, intimacy issues or sexual difficulties, struggling with relationships or self esteem, therapy can help. I utilize a variety of methods including mindfulness and Focusing to help you feel better and get you moving in the direction you want to go. It's hard to go through tough times alone. Together we'll make sense of what's going on, find ways to sort though difficult thoughts and feelings and get you back on track. I am a sex positive, LGBTQ+ affirmative, kink friendly therapist.

I am passionate about helping people break through and identify patterns that cover up their true gifts and talents. Often people find themselves stuck and in a rut, struggling with depression, anxiety and addiction, continually repeating behaviors, or unfulfilling relationships at home or work. In a non-judgmental and compassionate way, it is my goal to help you uncover and transform those issues that keep you stuck and/or in pain, and rediscover a passion for life.

My ideal client is someone who is serious and committed to personal growth and change. Whether new to therapy or experienced, regardless of their particular problems I only ask that they are open to collaborative dialogue leading to personal growth and change. If you come ready to work, then I am sure you will learn to deal more effectively with your life and relationships. Empowering my clients to face the truth about their lives and themselves through personal accountability and giving them the strength to initiate change and increase personal effectiveness is my goal for therapy.

My approach is to help you work through the pain in your life to become a healthy, happier person. I work on developing self soothing and improvement to help you get through difficult times in life. I accept some insurance and EAP plans. I am a supportive listener and use feedback to develop problem solving tools. I offer individual counseling using CBT, DBT, ACT and Psychodynamic techniques. Together, we focus on creating balance and reducing negative thoughts. I specialize in helping you negotiate through difficult decision making without losing yourself in the process. " I love what I do!"

Life is unpredictable & can be challenging at times, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you are struggling to overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, fear, or acceptance, these emotions can directly impact all areas of your life. Do you what to enhance your family, personal or professional relationships? Decrease stress, or guilt? Increase peace of mind, personal growth, & become your best self? We all go through tough times in our lives when we feel like something is too difficult to manage or feel like we'll never overcome what’s getting in the way of enjoying life. You're not alone & things can improve.

It is my belief that the work of therapy is best described as a collaboration between the client and myself. The client is able to explore various issues in a safe environment with my support. My work with clients is tailored to their individual needs. Together we focus on a powerful, emotion based treatment, allowing clients to discover and work through the impact of issues that affect their lives.

I specialize in issues important to LGBTQI individuals/couples/families, like substance use recovery, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, coming out process, acceptance/family issues, HIV adjustment issues, men's issues, grief/loss, men and trauma, other gender issues, and psychological recovery from trauma. I enjoy helping LGBT people resolve early child/family issues that continue to block happiness. Also, I am experienced in helping teens. Whether you feel lost, stuck, or empty, let's work together to help you build a happier foundation, resolving any issues that hold you back so you can move forward and reclaim your life!

Do you wake up feeling depressed dreading to get through another day? Do you try to fill the void in your life with sensation-seeking behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, sex, shopping, TV, video games, internet surfing, online gaming, gambling etc.? Have you lost touch with the aspirations and dreams that used to motivate and inspire you? Are your relationships troubled? I can help! Seeking therapy takes courage and the prospect of talking to a stranger can be intimidating. I relate to the discomfort you may experience and provide a confidential, non-judgmental, supportive space to work with you.

People seek out therapy for many reasons, and have concerns that can range from recent problems to struggles that have been occurring for many years. I want to reassure you that whatever distress you may be facing, healing is indeed possible! From my years of experience in this profession, I can tell you with certainty that therapy works, and can be transformative and life-changing! Therapy is a place to heal and recover, to work through life's challenges, to get to know and honor yourself, and to live the life you want to create for you.

When someone says, "get over it" -- well, if it was that easy, you'd already have done that, right? It's not always that easy, getting past that stuck spot, especially when criticism & judgment add insult to injury. What I love to do more than anything in my life is, help people get past those upsetting memories, & make solid, lasting changes, and move forward, in freedom. Sometimes, that means helping to identify a subtle, indecipherable trauma. Sometimes that means, tackling unspeakably horrific violence you survived. Sometimes that means, working together with the two of you together for communication skills. Because -

Dear potential clients, I welcome you and I commend you for taking time to explore improving your wellbeing! It is a primary aspect of my expertise to help my clients manage difficult situations, work towards growth and development, achieve optimal emotional health, find balance, increase self-understanding, and maximize full potential. I collaborate closely with you to create an alliance that paves the way to achieve your desired level of functioning. By combining a multitude of perspectives that I customize to each individual's unique needs and preferences, I provide an integrative approach to elevate my clients to new levels.

Dr. Maciel is a doctor of clinical psychology, a psychologist in places of medicine, as well as a PSYCHODYNAMIC practitioner, a psychologist in private practice with a psychoanalytic-derived orientation. Her practice is distinguished by uncompromising dedication to her patients' success and higher-quality consultations. Her mission is to be a valuable character strengthening and resilience building resource for her patients. She specializes in psychotherapy integration with JUDEOCHRISTIAN principles, as well as MEN'S PSYCHOLOGY with extensive experience across male populations. Dr. Maciel thinks that psychotherapy patients need

If you have never been in therapy or if you are looking to return to therapy, I am here to help you address the areas of your life that are not working. Together we can create goals to help you achieve what you desire. Take the first step, call me and let's begin your journey today. Let's build a connection.

I know that you’re looking for someone supportive and accepting, so I approach therapy from a place of understanding and kindness. Starting therapy and exploring the most important parts of your life is a difficult process and it matters to me to create a safe and personal connection with people so that you look forward to coming to sessions. My approach is non-judgmental and insightful, and I’m also very active in sessions by being curious and exploring causes and sources of patterns in your life. Our work together will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships.

During COVID-19, I am accepting new clients. EMDR certified and trauma-informed therapist ready to help! Let's see if we are a good match. My practice focuses on clients who have experience in any of the following categories: challenging life experiences, psychiatric diagnoses, Midwest transplants to the Los Angeles area, the sex-positive community, and those who have intuitive abilities. Early in our work together, we will explore what is prompting you to seek therapy now, your support system, and therapeutic goals you would like to achieve.

I focus on assisting adolescents, young adults, and families navigate through life’s hardships while building on personal strengths and developing daily life skills to increase healthy functioning. I provide an empathetic and listening presence for you to share your stories and sift through your ideas. If you’re experiencing anxiety, struggling with depression, dealing with stress or even the Sunday scaries, I can help; no issue is too small or unworthy of consideration and care.

Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.

I beleive that each obstacle has a solution, encourage us to grow and has the potential to strengthen our character. Since 1995 I have worked with adolescents, families, couples and individuals from diverse cultures. I provide services in English and Spanish. I have studied in the U.S.and abroad, and have lived in different countries. In a safe and supportive environment, I can guide you to get what you want and deserve in life. This will be done with approaches that are consistent with your own values. I look forward getting to know you.