Therapists in 90048

Psychotherapy helps to regulate your feelings, make better choices, and to remove the obstacles to your goals. As a licensed psychotherapist and Professor at Pepperdine and Antioch Universities, I work with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds dealing with emotional difficulties, relationship problems and various psychological conditions.

Is your relationship at an impasse? Are you dealing with issues of trust & infidelity, lack of intimacy, emotional turbulence, communication difficulty, and overall sense anxiety & grief? I offer a safe and welcoming environment for couples and individuals to talk through their emotional experiences, internal turmoil, and conflicts to begin the journey to healing. Through therapy, I help partners of all diverse backgrounds and orientation move from gridlock by learning healthier communication skills, love languages styles, time-outs and self-soothing strategies to foster an environment of growth towards a meaningful relationship.

I grew up in a small steel mill town in Ohio. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in the nascent field of Psycholinguistics. Upon graduation I moved to West Hollywood and became an activist in its inception as the “first gay city in the US”. I’m proud to have been a catalyst for inclusion in a business operation that had been a bastion for exclusivity where I opened doors without regard to race, sexuality, gender identity, or abledness. My Practice reflects that inclusivity. I see primarily Adult Individuals; as well as young adults & teens; ranging in age from 14yo thru + +; and Couples .

Taking the step into therapy is an act of courage to face what is holding you back. Are you suffering from depression or anxiety? Having trouble forming intimate relationships? Having a challenge in your relationship? Can't find a meaningful career? Faced with an addiction problem? Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IMAGO Couples Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Self Compassion, Psychodynamic Therapy, and, if needed, group therapy, we will dismantle the unconscious problems resulting in these problems so that you you can finally ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS and experience the joy you deserve in life.

I work with individuals, couples and families. I work with many people in recovery and individuals who have experienced different levels of trauma ( whether it was by having difficulties in childhood or a specific recent event). Creating a safe space to uncover some of the layers that guard us from our truths is something I believe firmly in.I think our nervous systems are partners in our understanding of ourselves. Thru therapy we aim to grow a deeper self awareness and acceptance of ourselves and those around us.

I work with people who have a wide range of addiction, trauma and mental health issues. I am passionate about helping people with their relationships- whether individual, couples or families. I have extensive experience in working with loved ones/ parents struggling with an addicted person in their lives and how to best help themselves and their loved ones get the proper help. I have appeared as a regular expert on the Dr. Phil show (and other shows) for the past twenty years helping his guests get the proper treatment they need.

At times, experiencing painful feelings, having difficulty managing stressful or unexpected situations, life transitions, and/or dealing with relationship conflicts, whether romantic or not, may hinder us from feeling happy, capable, and empowered to live our lives to the fullest. During these times, the support and the guidance of a caring professional can make a difference.

What makes us seek therapy? Perhaps we are having a difficult time achieving personal or professional goals. Maybe the way we used to do things is no longer satisfying. Whatever brings you into therapy, through the foundation of a therapeutic relationship, you can be supported and encouraged to explore the direction and meaning of your life. It can empower you to gain new perspectives, acquire behavioral tools and insights to forge ahead and create a life you wish to live.

Do you question your purpose in life? Are you still looking for your "passion?" Do you want a deeper connection with others? Do you sometimes feel that there must be more to life than working and buying things? I am passionate about helping you answer these questions. My approach to mental health is collaborative and includes a strong belief that people strive towards wellness and have within them the capacity to heal and grow. I see individuals, couples, and families age 15 and up. I treat couples, sex/infidelity, substance use/abuse, mood disorders, grief and loss, life struggles.

I hope I can be of help to you. Please call me so we can decide together if I am the right person for you.

I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples affected by substance abuse and co-occuring disorders. The effects of substance abuse and addiction can be devastating to individuals and their loved ones, and my goal is to help you navigate through the confusion and pain in order to establish a more fulfilling life. I have years of experience working with a diverse array of clients in residential treatment settings and bring a wealth of knowledge about the most effective treatment modalities to my private practice.

Congratulations on taking the FIRST courageous step toward dealing with your PAIN that is no longer working for you; or perhaps you like to grow and learn more about yourself; or you want to achieve HEALING from grief/loss related to major life changes. Painful symptoms related to trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, or relational issues are tough to tackle by yourself. Understanding and dealing with addiction ( that could be generational) and facing feelings of blame shame guilt denial anger, and depression ALL by yourself is hard. By giving a non-judgmental and an empathetic therapist a CHANCE and Therapy time, change IS possible.

Are you a gay man who is trying to reduce conflict in your relationship? Do you have concerns about sexual frequency or performance/satisfaction? Do you want help in how to grow your career/income, cope with workplace stress, gain self-confidence in sex and dating, or cope with a medical or psychiatric challenge (depression, anxiety, ADD, OCD, PTSD)? Support for healing from a traumatic experience (violent crime, illness, accident), or recovering from difficult past experiences in your Family of Origin or past relationships? Recover from substance issues? I help gay men with all of these issues and more in my long (32 years) career.

Seeking help can be scary and exciting, and it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take the initial step. You may be feeling like you are depressed and anxious due to your trauma. I aim to meet you where you are mentally and emotionally and help you grow, learn skills, and adapt to new changes. We can work together to identify your goals and needs and address the emotional and behavioral challenges you experience.

Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.

Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.

Healing from trauma, reclaiming power, growing from struggle and learning to work WITH emotions rather than AGAINST them are the goals I strive to support my clients in achieving. I want to help my clients move beyond simply not feeling so depressed, anxious, angry or manic. I want to help them transcend their pain, feel like they are fulfilling their purpose in life, are able to truly love themselves and are cultivating relationships that feed their soul. Narrative Therapy teaches my clients to transform the meaning of what they have been through and techniques from Existential Therapy help clients create or discover their purpose.

Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.

Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.