Photo of Melissa Solem Turan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90254, CA
Melissa Solem Turan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
My approaches include EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I work with clients who are seeking change in their life. My goal is to help you identify and alter specific aspects of your life that are not working, as well as amplify the parts that are. I am energetic and active with my clients in not only exploring underlying emotional issues that are perpetuating presenting problems, but also to find and use effective solutions to these issues. The goal is to better improve your life and increase the health and balance of your mind, body, and soul.
My approaches include EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I work with clients who are seeking change in their life. My goal is to help you identify and alter specific aspects of your life that are not working, as well as amplify the parts that are. I am energetic and active with my clients in not only exploring underlying emotional issues that are perpetuating presenting problems, but also to find and use effective solutions to these issues. The goal is to better improve your life and increase the health and balance of your mind, body, and soul.
(310) 881-8721 View (310) 881-8721
Photo of Brian Polis, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 90254, CA
Brian Polis
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, PPS
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254  (Online Only)
Brainspotting/EMDR trained, I approach therapy with a humanistic mindset, focused on developing insight to overcome the barriers that are preventing you from fully living life.
Opening up around the vulnerable and intimate details of our lives can be very uncomfortable. There is so much pressure to be “happy”, “better”, or “perfect”, while receiving messaging that being anything else is unacceptable. We are very adaptive yet often struggle to effectively get our needs met, so may engage in avoidance behaviors and withhold or internalize our feelings to try to prevent things from getting worse. You want to feel more like your true self and get more satisfaction out of your relationships. You need an unconditionally supportive, non-judgmental, creative, and humorous therapist who accepts you however you are.
Brainspotting/EMDR trained, I approach therapy with a humanistic mindset, focused on developing insight to overcome the barriers that are preventing you from fully living life.
Opening up around the vulnerable and intimate details of our lives can be very uncomfortable. There is so much pressure to be “happy”, “better”, or “perfect”, while receiving messaging that being anything else is unacceptable. We are very adaptive yet often struggle to effectively get our needs met, so may engage in avoidance behaviors and withhold or internalize our feelings to try to prevent things from getting worse. You want to feel more like your true self and get more satisfaction out of your relationships. You need an unconditionally supportive, non-judgmental, creative, and humorous therapist who accepts you however you are.
(628) 232-8422 View (628) 232-8422
Photo of Iris Lee Knell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90254, CA
Iris Lee Knell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Does your middle school or high school aged child need some additional support? Are they struggling in school or with maintaining friendships? Perhaps someone in the family is ill with cancer or has a substance abuse issue? I specialize in working with children and families navigating life's difficult moments and transitions. With over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, and over 30 years in practice as a therapist, I bring a unique perspective in helping individuals adjust. I work with the entire family to help promote positive behavior and teach coping skills.
Does your middle school or high school aged child need some additional support? Are they struggling in school or with maintaining friendships? Perhaps someone in the family is ill with cancer or has a substance abuse issue? I specialize in working with children and families navigating life's difficult moments and transitions. With over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, and over 30 years in practice as a therapist, I bring a unique perspective in helping individuals adjust. I work with the entire family to help promote positive behavior and teach coping skills.
(310) 906-4562 View (310) 906-4562
Brainspotting Therapists

How does brainspotting work?

Brainspotting works by using eye positioning to identify and process traumatic memories so that a client is better able to move forward and live with less fear. The theory behind brainspotting is that by identifying where a person looks when thinking of traumatic memories, a therapist will be able to guide them to focus on that spot and work with the client to get them out of the “fight, flight, freeze” response associated with the traumatic memory.

Is brainspotting an evidence-based therapy?

Brainspotting is a theory-based alternative therapy. It is one of the newest forms of treatment, so very little research has been completed that examines the mechanism by which it works. The theory behind brainspotting is that eye position can be linked to areas of the brain that store and process memory.

How effective is brainspotting?

Because it is such a new treatment, the effectiveness of brainspotting cannot be quantified. Some people have found it to be effective on its own, or in conjunction with other types of therapy. It is considered an alternative therapy, and it is popular with people for whom more traditional therapies have proven ineffective.

How long does brainspotting take to work?

A typical brainspotting session will last between 60 to 90 minutes. There is no required number of sessions needed to complete brainspotting therapy, but in many cases it is delivered over the course of about six sessions. Clients are encouraged to rate their level of distress prior to a session and again following a session, and to track progress.