Therapists in 90048

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 .

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.

Despite what you might be thinking, every moment contains the possibility for healing and change. With the right help, you can break free from old patterns and realize your true potential. For over 20 years, I have been helping people overcome obstacles to growth and realize their true potential. My emotion-focused approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy to promote new and transformative experiences. Experiences that enable you to resolve core issues, awaken and strengthen your inner resources, and, ultimately, feel more alive, vital and present in your life.

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 am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I am also a Doctor of Psychology and full-time counselor at Pepperdine University. I received my postgraduate training at the Beck Institute of Cognitive Behavior Therapy – the pioneer of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I specialize in solution-focused and evidence-based treatment to help you improve your life in the most efficient way. I also utilize attachment theory to address relationship dynamics that tailors to your needs. I am passionate about neurobiology and can provide you with the most advanced tools from medical research.

The ability to be reflective and resilient is a predictor of emotional well being and health over a person’s life span. For over 29 years I have worked with adults, adolescents and children. My goal is to help clients, of all ages, respond to the complexity of emotional life, including trauma, developmental conflicts, life transitions, relational difficulties and symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am also passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and families: bringing healing and growth to relationships. I am licensed in California and New York.

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.

A lifelong student and teacher of the psychological and spiritual life, I am significantly influenced by the writings of psychologist Carl Jung and others, as well as spiritual teachers of various faiths. I generally work with clients from a combination of psychological modalities with one direction in mind - allowing the needs of the client to direct the way. Deeper work may also be necessary to unearth old wounds and resolve unhealthy patterns of behavior. I am also skilled in helping those who are transitioning through changes in career, life, and relationships.

Here's what I want you to know: You were born ready and able to be happy, and have a satisfying life--that's natures way. And, yet, at any point in life there can be many 'causes & reasons' for life turning in a different direction; and there can be many kinds of 'symptoms & behaviors’ that emerge when things go sideways; and when this occurs, we all can use some support to get back on track. For right now, just know that reaching for support is itself a sign of strength, and is also built into our human nature.

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.

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.

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 want to help you have a happier life. People usually come to therapy w/ a problem that they are unable to solve on their own. I respect the work you have already done to try to get unstuck. What I offer is the possibility for new & imaginative ways of thinking about your dilemmas & a positive & supportive place to try out different ways of being in the world. With respect for your past, the work in our therapy is focused on the present and a "where do we go from here" perspective.

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.

All too often struggles deplete our energy and leave us feeling down on ourselves. Through rigorous conversation and a highly supportive relationship, I help people gain the clarity and confidence needed to produce desired change. I have extensive training in postmodern therapies, which examine how dominant cultural discourses can have oppressive effects on our lives, identities, and relationships. Prior to working in private practice, I was part of UCLA's network, where I brought social justice aims to integrative models of mental health. I have many years of experience working with couples, families, youth, and adults.

Oftentimes, people just need someone to listen to them, to help them work through an issue, and sort out their feelings. That's where I come in as a licensed psychotherapist as well as a medical social worker. I'm skilled at hearing what people are saying and helping them to figure out strategies for improving their situation. I work with a variety of clients ---men, women and children from all sexualities, gender identities, and races to help them with all sorts of issues. My clientele ranges in ages; however, a majority of my clients are in their early 30's.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth and fulfillment with me? I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist who embodies a compassionate, understanding, and respectful therapeutic approach with all my clients. My expertise lies in identifying and treating psychological, emotional, and relationship issues, and I have been instrumental in getting individuals to achieve breakthroughs by revealing toxic secrets and long-standing issues. Our work together will enhance your ability to effectively communicate, identify triggers, break maladaptive patterns, and achieve your greatest potential in life.

Do you find yourself shut down or suppress your feelings? Do you struggle in relationships due to your trauma? Are you unsure of where you belong? I work with people of all identities to process unresolved feelings due to trauma. I strive to provide you a safe and non-judgmental space, in order for you to develop coping mechanisms for trauma symptoms (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.) and to explore aspects of yourself. I can help you LET GO of past HURTS and develop tools to find RELIEF.