Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

Whether you are looking for a therapist because of recent difficulties or challenges that started years ago, you will find that I offer a rare combination of rigorous training with a down-to-earth style to help you achieve your goals. As an established professor and author in the field, I am well-versed in the latest research to ensure your problems are resolved as efficiently as possible using the most effective methods available. If you have had difficulty connecting with past therapists or are concerned that I might act like therapists in the movies, I believe you will find my style refreshingly more relatable.

Perhaps you are having difficulties in your primary relationships, perhaps there are stressors at work, perhaps you face a great choice and several obstacles are hindering your clarity and peace. I have been honored to witness individuals and couples overcome many barriers that initially seemed insurmountable. Based on the lived experience of those I work with I believe that a full, happy, and peaceful life is within reach for everyone who seeks it.

I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional, relational, or other phase of life changes. The way I do this is sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. As we work together in a safe, non judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives.

My therapeutic approach stems from the belief that at some point in our lives, we all could benefit from speaking to a professional to help us navigate through whatever issues are holding us back. For some, the desire to seek support happens early in life and for others it happens later. Whether issues stem from life changes, mental health disorders, or external stressors, I believe now is always the right time to start working towards a greater understanding of yourself and your needs. Through working in collaboration with my clients, I hope to help them heal and become the best version of themselves that they've ever known.

I have over 12 years of experience working with individuals, families, and intimate partners in various settings including field-based, inpatient, and outpatient settings who present with moderate to severe mental health conditions that include mood disorders, existential and codependency issues, schizophrenia disorders and substance use disorders. I also have extensive experience working with victims of human trafficking, sex and relationship issues, life phase changes, daily-living issues and vocational stressors, LGTBQ+, domestic violence victims, trauma, self-harming behaviors, suicidality, grief and loss.

I specialize in clients who have lost direction or focus and whose personal challenges, including depression, trauma and low self image, have pushed them “off course”. I assist my clients in identifying the aspects of their lives that present obstacles and partner with them to develop strategies to overcome them. Our collaboration allows the client to redirect his/her path and move forward with an increased confidence and renewed spirit.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Ventura County, California. I work with adolescents and adult clients statewide via telehealth, as well as in-person in Westlake Village, and specialize in trauma/PTSD/complex trauma, suicidality, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal conflict. I am committed to tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each client. Life presents all of us with challenges that we are not meant to navigate alone. It is infinitely more meaningful when we can explore our inner worlds in the safe presence of another.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by experiences from your past, grief/loss, or anxiety and fear, you might wonder if it's possible to feel confident, calm, and connected again. With compassion, support, and practical strategies, I will guide you through a collaborative process to healing so you can feel grounded, present and hopeful. I'm here to provide a supportive space where you can be your authentic self and feel heard and understood. We'll work together to develop insight and awareness, change unhelpful patterns, and implement skills that allow you to be the person you want to be.

My therapeutic methodologies are primarily evidence-based practices such as EMDR, Mindfulness, CBT, and DBR. Deep Brain Orienting (DBR) is not yet celebrated as evidence-based, but present research and results are directing it. I help adult individuals who have experienced PTSD, childhood and adult traumas, rape, depression, anxiety, dissociative episodes, sexual addictions, eating disorders, pain management, depersonalization, and derealization. The treatment is structured to help you heal and integrate your past experiences, returning you to wholeness and healing. Please note: I am out of network for TriCare.

Both becoming a licensed MFT, and my life experiences, have led me on a journey of self-discovery and compassion for the collaborative, intuitive, team-oriented healing journey. I began my recovery in 2006 and am passionate about helping others navigate their journey towards self-empowerment as they gain inner strength.

Is your teenager feeling anxious or sad, grieving a loss, having problems in school or using drugs? Are you having trouble talking to your child about the changes they are going through? Your teenager experiences many stressors which can lead to various issues that impact your entire family and these stressors can be explored in therapy to give your family the relief you are searching for. Your teenager needs a safe place to express his/her feelings and learn healthier ways to cope with struggles to help him/her go on to lead a healthy life.

Hello and welcome! I work with children, teens and adults who are looking for healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. I have been practicing psychology for 15 years and find it extremely rewarding to watch clients grow and reach their goals. My specialty is in Anxiety Disorders in children and adults. I also have vast experience treating Eating Disorders. I am a results-oriented therapist. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and our sessions are used for both self-awareness, and to help you gain skills so you can move towards a more fulfilling life.

As a therapist, I empathize with the barriers and challenges that can impede your ability to function effectively in your life. I specialize in treating individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as I specialize in working with teens and pre-teens. My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and warm space where we can explore and create change together. Whether you seek individual growth or wish to improve relationships, I assist individuals of diverse ages dealing with a spectrum of issues, all striving to create transformation in their lives.

Are you a teen, young adult, or millennial feeling stuck and overwhelmed in your current life situation? Maybe you feel anxious, lonely, or totally exhausted from trying to be perfect all the time. Or maybe you're stressed due to a recent life change like experiencing a breakup, applying to or starting college, moving to a new town, entering a new job, planning a wedding, or starting a family. No matter what you're going through, you're not alone and there is hope for you!

I am Cheri McDonald Ph.D., LMFT, PATP, a creative visionary with a passion for healing individuals, families, and communities. Drawing from my 35-year private psychotherapy practice at A Place To Turn, I've cultivated wisdom and knowledge that form the foundation of my Holistic Integral Training (HIT). This modality leads to profound, long-lasting healing in the mind, body, and spirit. I stand as a holistic leader and mentor in the mental health realm. With the transformation of the world today and the increasing need to provide healing for the most complex times, I have founded Alternative Place 2 Turn, LLC..

Thanks for your interest in my practice. My clients are often high-achievers, yet struggling to stay afloat in other aspects of their life. Men and women professionals often seek out my psychotherapy and coaching services when they find themselves stuck in long-standing patterns of addictive behaviors, anxiety and depression or when faced with learning how to manage a significant change in their personal or business life. I provide an empathic ear and will also challenge you in ways to help you meet your goals. I help clients gain focus, develop options and increase the motivation needed to make meaningful, sustainable changes.

I offer a safe, supportive and caring space open to folks of any gender, orientation, race, or religion to gain insight and change problematic patterns of behavior. I enjoy working with kids, young adults in transition to an independent life and adults encountering life difficulties. I provide individual couples and family therapy. My specialties are with eating disorders, other addictions, self harm, trauma, ADHD, anxiety and depression.

Welcome! Thank you for visiting my page. In my practice, I dedicate the time and attention necessary to help clients improve their quality of life. I utilize various specialized treatments that fit everyone's specific needs and provide helpful, practical tools. I am interactive and very straightforward in my approach and I treat each client with dignity and genuine respect. My goal is for therapy to feel as natural and meaningful as possible. I offer a complimentary phone consultation to answer any questions you may have before we meet. Please visit my website www.marriageandfamilytherapistla.com for more details about my practice.

Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression? Feeling stuck in your relationship or marriage? Feeling lost or frozen because of trauma you've experienced? No matter where you may find yourself, I am so grateful that you are here!