Therapists in 90254
I have been in the eating disorder and addiction fields for two decades working closely with some of the pioneers in mental health treatment.
Together with my clients, I create a safe and supportive space to explore the issues where they feel stuck and unable to move forward in their lives. From a client-centered approach we uncover core false beliefs, attachment patterns and other difficulties often at the root of suffering, which blocks many from living a life of inner peace and connection to others. I help facilitate the nurturing of internal strengths within the person to cultivate acceptance, healing and growth. My focus is on eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm and other maladaptive behaviors, including underlining issues of anxiety, depression and trauma.
I have been in the eating disorder and addiction fields for two decades working closely with some of the pioneers in mental health treatment.
Together with my clients, I create a safe and supportive space to explore the issues where they feel stuck and unable to move forward in their lives. From a client-centered approach we uncover core false beliefs, attachment patterns and other difficulties often at the root of suffering, which blocks many from living a life of inner peace and connection to others. I help facilitate the nurturing of internal strengths within the person to cultivate acceptance, healing and growth. My focus is on eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm and other maladaptive behaviors, including underlining issues of anxiety, depression and trauma.
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.
Michael Collins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Waitlist for new clients
I am experienced working with any stage of addiction or recovery.
Life kicking your ass? Give me a call
I am experienced working with any stage of addiction or recovery.
Life kicking your ass? Give me a call
Ruth Houston Barrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Address identity, purpose, relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, addiction, and other challenges.
With care, knowledge, and passion, I help my clients achieve the meaningful changes they seek. From the first session, my clients say they feel lighter, happier, and empowered for change. I balance warmth and empathy with extensive education, experience, expertise. Focusing on solutions, strengths, and evidence-based tools, we take concrete steps to enrich lives and relationships, blending therapeutic modalities for conscious-unconscious mind, mindfulness, meaning.
Address identity, purpose, relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, addiction, and other challenges.
With care, knowledge, and passion, I help my clients achieve the meaningful changes they seek. From the first session, my clients say they feel lighter, happier, and empowered for change. I balance warmth and empathy with extensive education, experience, expertise. Focusing on solutions, strengths, and evidence-based tools, we take concrete steps to enrich lives and relationships, blending therapeutic modalities for conscious-unconscious mind, mindfulness, meaning.
Amy Ruffolo Quinn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Life is an amazing gift. It brings excitement and adventure but also can be quite frustrating and overwhelming. My approach to therapy is transparent, curious, and compassionate. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relational issues, and pre/postnatal maternal mental health. I use a combination of different therapeutic approaches which depends on needs. If you are struggling with an eating disorder/or unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, restricting, binging, purging, and/or other destructive patterns, you have come to the right place.
Life is an amazing gift. It brings excitement and adventure but also can be quite frustrating and overwhelming. My approach to therapy is transparent, curious, and compassionate. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relational issues, and pre/postnatal maternal mental health. I use a combination of different therapeutic approaches which depends on needs. If you are struggling with an eating disorder/or unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, restricting, binging, purging, and/or other destructive patterns, you have come to the right place.
Judy Clingman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
My specialties include couples counseling, alcohol,drug,sex and love addiction, eating disorders, relationship issues,depression, sexual abuse, and spiritual issues. I am extremely skilled at helping clients who have very difficult people in their lives ( partners/ ex-partners, bosses etc with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). I have 30 years of experience working with both adults and teens I genuinely LOVE what I do.I accept all PPO Insurance Plans and do the insurance billing on line for you.
My specialties include couples counseling, alcohol,drug,sex and love addiction, eating disorders, relationship issues,depression, sexual abuse, and spiritual issues. I am extremely skilled at helping clients who have very difficult people in their lives ( partners/ ex-partners, bosses etc with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). I have 30 years of experience working with both adults and teens I genuinely LOVE what I do.I accept all PPO Insurance Plans and do the insurance billing on line for you.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families of diverse backgrounds to successfully overcome a variety of problems, including depressive, anxiety, trauma- and stressor-related, eating, obsessive-compulsive, substance use and addictive disorders; difficulties with interpersonal relationships or life transitions; and challenges related to education or employment. However, there is no prerequisite for engaging in therapy, which can be a preemptive measure to care for and strengthen psychological and emotional well-being, a catalyst for personal development and self-actualization, and mechanism to enhance quality of life.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families of diverse backgrounds to successfully overcome a variety of problems, including depressive, anxiety, trauma- and stressor-related, eating, obsessive-compulsive, substance use and addictive disorders; difficulties with interpersonal relationships or life transitions; and challenges related to education or employment. However, there is no prerequisite for engaging in therapy, which can be a preemptive measure to care for and strengthen psychological and emotional well-being, a catalyst for personal development and self-actualization, and mechanism to enhance quality of life.
At Positive Counseling Center, you are guaranteed quality mental health services. Our goal is to help all of the individuals and families that we assist to realize their full potential. We have a group practice comprised of mental health professionals that come with a variety of expertise. Mental health services are available for adults, children, and families. Together, we can improve the quality of life for everyone we assist and those they know and love. You can be the catalyst for positive change.
At Positive Counseling Center, you are guaranteed quality mental health services. Our goal is to help all of the individuals and families that we assist to realize their full potential. We have a group practice comprised of mental health professionals that come with a variety of expertise. Mental health services are available for adults, children, and families. Together, we can improve the quality of life for everyone we assist and those they know and love. You can be the catalyst for positive change.
In my work with you, I am invested in establishing a safe, supportive and truthful connection aimed at working through underlying psychological issues that have caused you emotional pain, perpetuated self-defeating behaviors, and trapped you in inauthentic roles. From your commitment to the therapeutic process, you can come to experience deeper intimacy in relationships, increased self-esteem and confidence, and greater joy and pleasure in living.
In my work with you, I am invested in establishing a safe, supportive and truthful connection aimed at working through underlying psychological issues that have caused you emotional pain, perpetuated self-defeating behaviors, and trapped you in inauthentic roles. From your commitment to the therapeutic process, you can come to experience deeper intimacy in relationships, increased self-esteem and confidence, and greater joy and pleasure in living.
How can I help you accomplish your mental and emotional goals? Let's chat, let's get to the root of the issue, let's talk about why you're thinking of making this phone call. We all need someone to process the hardships at some point in our lives. I am here to provide a safe, holistic, and authentic environment for you to unravel whatever it is that is weighing on you. Let's release the pain, the hurt, the self-doubt, and discover your potential.
How can I help you accomplish your mental and emotional goals? Let's chat, let's get to the root of the issue, let's talk about why you're thinking of making this phone call. We all need someone to process the hardships at some point in our lives. I am here to provide a safe, holistic, and authentic environment for you to unravel whatever it is that is weighing on you. Let's release the pain, the hurt, the self-doubt, and discover your potential.
Maybe you've tried couples therapy before, maybe you have tried talking to friends and family, maybe you have read lots of self help books but nothing seems to be changing, have exhausted all resources and now are looking outside for someone to help you and your partner get back to the place where you feel on top of the world? It is one of the most painful places to be when you are in a relationship where you feel that you are not being heard or validated, like you and your partner just keep missing each other. Did you know that the average couple waits SIX years before they seek out professional help.
Maybe you've tried couples therapy before, maybe you have tried talking to friends and family, maybe you have read lots of self help books but nothing seems to be changing, have exhausted all resources and now are looking outside for someone to help you and your partner get back to the place where you feel on top of the world? It is one of the most painful places to be when you are in a relationship where you feel that you are not being heard or validated, like you and your partner just keep missing each other. Did you know that the average couple waits SIX years before they seek out professional help.
Everyone has within them the ability to attain personal growth by gaining insight into their unique strengths. During times of stress, this inner resilience can be called upon to guide them in discovering purpose and meaning in their lives, improving interpersonal relationships, and adapting to healthier patterns of relating to others. I take a collaborative, yet challenging approach in assisting children, adults, couples, and families on their path towards positive change. I use a solution-focused exploration of current struggles to help them break unhealthy patterns and develop coping skills and a sense of hope and strength.
Everyone has within them the ability to attain personal growth by gaining insight into their unique strengths. During times of stress, this inner resilience can be called upon to guide them in discovering purpose and meaning in their lives, improving interpersonal relationships, and adapting to healthier patterns of relating to others. I take a collaborative, yet challenging approach in assisting children, adults, couples, and families on their path towards positive change. I use a solution-focused exploration of current struggles to help them break unhealthy patterns and develop coping skills and a sense of hope and strength.
"I CAN HELP YOU FIND HAPPINESS AND CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT" Your thoughts and feelings determine what your life is about and I can help guide you towards the manifestation of your dreams and happiness in all areas of your life, such as relationships, marriage, family, healthy body, career, success, etc. I have a unique approach that includes Holistic Counseling, Spirituality, the "Law of Attraction" and Mind-Body-Spirit Healing. I am very intuitive and a healer and I have had great success helping people thrive and live the life they want. I love the work I do and feel called to help you.
"I CAN HELP YOU FIND HAPPINESS AND CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT" Your thoughts and feelings determine what your life is about and I can help guide you towards the manifestation of your dreams and happiness in all areas of your life, such as relationships, marriage, family, healthy body, career, success, etc. I have a unique approach that includes Holistic Counseling, Spirituality, the "Law of Attraction" and Mind-Body-Spirit Healing. I am very intuitive and a healer and I have had great success helping people thrive and live the life they want. I love the work I do and feel called to help you.
As a proud Clinical Social Worker/Therapist (LCSW), my passion and specialization centers around trauma in relationships as a child and through adulthood. The heart of my work is in the power of here and now processing, shifts in awareness and discovering new possibilities, rather than staying stuck in old patterns that may be hard to identify. This includes my inherent belief that our work together will move towards a place where my clients will take charge of their experience, their reactions, and will grow the capacity to live life on life's terms with an authentic sense of self and a felt sense of pride.
As a proud Clinical Social Worker/Therapist (LCSW), my passion and specialization centers around trauma in relationships as a child and through adulthood. The heart of my work is in the power of here and now processing, shifts in awareness and discovering new possibilities, rather than staying stuck in old patterns that may be hard to identify. This includes my inherent belief that our work together will move towards a place where my clients will take charge of their experience, their reactions, and will grow the capacity to live life on life's terms with an authentic sense of self and a felt sense of pride.
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
Brenda Perry
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
My approach to therapy is based on developing a deep emotional connection with the people in our lives, improving self-esteem, accessing inner resources to cope with difficulties and learning to have compassion for ourselves and others. Although therapy can be very helpful when we are going through a difficult time in our lives, it is also an important self-care practice. Just like we attend yoga or the gym to take care of our bodies, taking care of our emotional and mental health is just as important. For me, wellness needs to be holistic, both body and mind need to be treated to truly achieve inner peace and fulfillment.
My approach to therapy is based on developing a deep emotional connection with the people in our lives, improving self-esteem, accessing inner resources to cope with difficulties and learning to have compassion for ourselves and others. Although therapy can be very helpful when we are going through a difficult time in our lives, it is also an important self-care practice. Just like we attend yoga or the gym to take care of our bodies, taking care of our emotional and mental health is just as important. For me, wellness needs to be holistic, both body and mind need to be treated to truly achieve inner peace and fulfillment.
Regina Abayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? Struggling with life, work, parenting, or relationships? Maybe you're going through a big transition or noticed that your old coping strategies aren't working anymore. You don't have to struggle alone. Let’s work together to figure things out.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? Struggling with life, work, parenting, or relationships? Maybe you're going through a big transition or noticed that your old coping strategies aren't working anymore. You don't have to struggle alone. Let’s work together to figure things out.
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.
I'm often asked how'd you get to be a therapist? My answer is... I know the pain people have, because I have experienced severe traumas - and ultimately conquered them. Since you have come to this site, you have the strength and persistence it takes to move through obstacles in your path. Along the way, you will discover unhealed places and ways to confront them gently. Together, we can get to the issues as we establish a trusting, safe relationship and ultimately reach the highest goal, which is transformation.
I'm often asked how'd you get to be a therapist? My answer is... I know the pain people have, because I have experienced severe traumas - and ultimately conquered them. Since you have come to this site, you have the strength and persistence it takes to move through obstacles in your path. Along the way, you will discover unhealed places and ways to confront them gently. Together, we can get to the issues as we establish a trusting, safe relationship and ultimately reach the highest goal, which is transformation.
See more therapy options for 90254
Addiction Therapists
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.