Adoption Therapists in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA

Imagine having new tools to deal with difficult feelings and difficult people. Imagine feeling ready and excited about what might come your way. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move forward in your life towards the goals and dreams that are most important to you. Informed by previous careers in theatre and film along with specialized trauma training (both TRM & EMDR) and my experience as an adoptive parent, I am uniquely positioned to engage challenging issues in the creative professions,trauma (both incident specific and developmental) and adoption along with the anxiety and depression that are too often part of making our way through life.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychotherapy, and psychological and neuropsychological testing with children, adults and adolescents. I also am very experienced in conducting adoption evaluations and working with issues and concerns involving adoption. My philosophy in providing treatment includes a combination of cognitive-behavioral, neurobiological and developmental therapies. My goal is to help to restore emotional balance while aiding in the acquisition of new emotional skills and tools.

My compassionate and active approach to therapy is one that can rapidly improve a willing client's life. Clients have the opportunity to experience healing and transformation as they integrate a sustainable sense of well-being. I teach techniques that provide for ongoing self-care and self-sufficiency. I offer my clients concrete tools and therapeutic experiences for shifting their patterns and healing their pain; they become empowered and live more authentic and satisfying lives. Couples build attunement, improve communication and overcome individual and relational patterns that prevent intimacy.

I am a psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience providing quality mental health care for clients of all ages. Are you experiencing symptoms of depression such as feelings of hopelessness, tearfulness, or an inability to enjoy daily life? Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, worry, or intermittent panic attacks? Do you have a history of trauma that haunts your dreams and affects your relationships? Has your child experienced trauma that is impacting his or her mood or school performance? Has family stress taken a toll on your children, your marriage, or yourself?

I have had many years of gratifying experience in deeply engaging with the people I work with, and training and supervising doctoral students and therapists (many on this site have been my students!). Discovering what has been causing personal distress, worry, loneliness, or disappointment is what transforms life. These underlying stresses can cause problems with relationship, career, mood, or just general feelings of dissatisfaction. The personal growth that blooms in the therapy opens doors inside and out, and creates the rich opportunities and experiences we all want in life.

I PROVIDE A WISE, LOVING SPACE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE AND JOURNEY INTO THE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE. THROUGH HEALING THE PAST, LIVING POWERFULLY IN THE PRESENT AND VISUALIZING YOUR FUTURE. SIMULTANEOUSLY, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE LIFE FROM A AUTHENTIC PERSPECTIVE. FROM THIS DISCOVERY AND/OR EXPANSION OF YOUR UNIQUENESS, SUCCESSFUL INTIMATE RELATING CAN OCCUR IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE. THE SYMPTOMS OF DESPAIR, ANXIETY, BOREDOM, MELANCHOLIA, ANGER, ALIENATION,, HEARTACHE.... ALL CALLS OF THE INWARD JOURNEY, BECOME BEARABLE. A TRANSFORMATION OF ACCEPTING ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR TRUE SELF CAN LEAD TO PEACE, CONTENTMENT, CREATIVE AND JOYFUL LIVING.

Imagine a world where you like who you truly are at the core. A world where you no longer worry about the judgement of others. This is that door. I invite you to walk though it together. When you're tired of being tired and have tried other options that seem to come back to the same end, this is the beginning of something different. This is the chance to move through your fear of abandonment and rejection, and the chance to begin to lead your authentic life. My intention is to walk with you on the journey of knowing yourself. I strongly believe in open curiosity paired with synergy which is a bedrock to a trust-based relationship.

I provide a safe environment in which to explore and develop insight into patterns in your life. I am a Certified Jungian Analyst, working from a Jungian-oriented perspective, helping to develop a relationship between the conscious and unconscious. People often seek a therapist due to a crisis, or possibly because they've developed an awareness that something is not working in their lives anymore. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, so that you can change old patterns and live your life with integrity, authenticity and meaning. Thus, our work becomes a practice that tends to soul.

We all go through times that are stressful and overwhelming. Certain behaviors and aspects of our personalities can cause us trouble as well. Whether it be work problems, relationship issues, illness or just a vague feeling of unhappiness or irritability, seeing a therapist can help. As a clinical social worker, I have been trained to assess the complex picture of your life and determine where changes can be made. As partners in the process of therapy we can address emotional, mental, physical and practical areas of your life that can be modified or healed to bring about relief and fulfillment.

Are you overwhelmed? Need some relief? In online sessions, we'll explore what's working and what's not, so that we can come up with a plan together. I offer creative and practical tools to help you get a handle on the situation, find solutions and learn to respond to difficulties in new and effective ways. In a supportive, understanding and compassionate environment, you will learn new ways to express yourself, gain perspective, solve problems, and create change. Ready to feel different? Call for a free consultation.

Welcome. These are psychologically, emotionally, and physically complex times in which we are living. We have been thrust into a radically new era at lightning speed. I seek to meet you where you are and assist you in resolving any pain and confusion which blocks your sense of peace, strength and authenticity. Together we will find tools to relieve constraining beliefs, anxiety and/or confusion and we will find a place of equilibrium from which you can engage your inner and outer world in new and more effective ways. You can then make the changes you need to make in order to experience more peace of mind and fulfillment.

Therapy can be scary. Opening up to a stranger can be intimidating. For some, social navigation, advocacy, school-based issues, anxiety, depression, motivation, and issues relating to things out of our control may be an issue. We all struggle at times, even those who we think have their lives all put together.

Are you experiencing anxiety or depression due to family and work stressors, personal relationships, stage of life transitions, or trauma? Life is filled with challenges and there are many reasons you may find yourself looking for support. Researching therapists is an important first step towards actualizing your highest and best self. Isn't it time to step into your power? Using somatic interventions and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, I will work collaboratively with you to implement easily practiced wellness skills into your everyday life that promote a sense of connection and well-being.

TELEHEALTH OFFERED! WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? In the 21st century global economy, Anger is a major challenge! Although a valid emotion, unmonitored, it can lead to stress, inappropriate behavior, and violence. A former Tenured Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, I earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Publications include books (Amazon Bestsellers), 9 chapters, and refereed journal articles. Anger is frequently the antecedent to a myriad of issues. My goal is to facilitate the identification of viable solutions. I have 6 Full Clinical Licenses in 5 States-CA, IL, IN, MI, & NV.

Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.

Personal growth. Changes in thought and behavior. Emotional reactions and responses. Healing. Mindfulness. Resilience. These are some areas to focus on in psychotherapy. And choosing to go into therapy is the first, courageous action you will take. As your therapist, we will build a safe, trusting relationship so that together --through conversation, attentive listening, respectful and interactive responses-- we can discover what you want different in your life. My practice is client-centered and custom fit for each person and situation. Let's explore together.

Life is full of change, sometimes self-imposed and sometimes out of our control. During times of reflection and transition we find ourselves struggling to make sense of our lives and the world around us. My interests are in working with clients using an eclectic, psychotherapeutic approach. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.