Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA

We’re finding ourselves living in a fragmented world, trying to hold it together when the nature of things is to fall apart. How can we feel whole within so much fragmentation? The big questions arise: Who am I now? What matters to me? How do I enliven myself within these restrictions? We are all grieving, mourning lost friends, illusions of safety, illusions of control and predictability, opportunities gone that will never return. Are you sadder? Sadder and wiser but more adrift? Are past traumas holding you back? Right now is the time to get more support as you grapple with your life's meaning and purpose.

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.

Change can be hard but all you need to do is take the first step. I'd be honored to walk along with you on that journey & make it a little easier. I've worked with individuals who are seeking to live more authentically, slow down, be less reactive, and be more in tune with their emotions. While some clients are looking for immediate solutions, others want to explore the “why” behind it all. I believe we can focus on both. We'll move at your pace to understand what isn't working and why. I'm also passionate about helping couples seeking to improve their communication and reduce conflict leading to increased intimacy and connection.

Things are crazy right now, huh? Our world is in an extreme state of uncertainty which can tax our existing coping strategies, shed light on unhelpful habits, and challenge us with fundamental questions about ourselves and our place in the world. I work with clients wanting to lean into these issues and offer a warm presence as they explore what’s happening underneath. Typically, I work with those struggling with trauma, depression, and/or anxiety, wanting to untangle the influences of their past. I also offer support to those that are dabbling with psychedelics by providing risk reduction and integration.

These are such intense and overwhelming times. We are all grieving. Before 2020 maybe you had some anxiety or a history of trauma but overall you were functioning and feeling OK without ongoing therapy. Or despite all you do to take care of yourself, you were experiencing quite a bit of anxiety and stress, struggling with feelings of shame, anger or self-hatred for a very long time. Since 2020 and that's happened your nervous system is on overload and everything feels overwhelming, exhausting, scary. The existential pain you’ve struggled with is back and real and being felt by you and people all over the world.

My goal is to listen well and provide the treatment that best meets your specific needs, to help you to identify your strengths and manage your vulnerabilities. In my work with families I encourage each person to express his/her individuality, and to cope with differences -striving for mutuality, fairness and harmony. My chief concern is with maximizing your capacities and potential, and helping you improve your relationship to yourself and to others. Together we may engage with imagery, sensory experiencing, movement, art, poetry and music to deepen self awareness and understanding (and relief from discomfort)

I work with women struggling with relationships, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, major life transitions, and finding balance. I’m interested in getting to know the whole you — which is someone far greater than any single role in life or any single struggle or experience. Your therapy will be tailored to your individual needs, and we will work together to define what you truly want out of life. Through building a compassionate and healing space, we can take an honest look inward to help you develop an enriching life that feels more meaningful and satisfying.

Often times we get stuck in patterns related to our thoughts or behaviors that get in the way of us getting to where we want to go. These patterns can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and at times, interfere with our relationships and overarching goals. Through a collaborative approach, I aim at helping you explore your own motivation to take meaningful steps in creating the life you want to live by examining these patterns.

“Why can’t I move past this?” “Will I ever feel better?” “Is there any help for me?” While trauma may be a painful inevitability of being human, it can provide an opportunity for growth with help and support. My path to healing and wholeness came after a particularly dark time in my life. I became a somatic trauma therapist because I found that traditional talk therapy too often attempts to rationalize what seems to be irrational. The fact is, our nervous systems react in ways that make perfect sense in the face of traumatic experiences.

The past can get in the way of living the life you truly desire. This can feel like a deep sense of unworthiness or a fear of being who you really are and asking for what you really want. Do you get lost in worrying? Or caught in the same patterns not knowing how to break the cycle? Instead of feeling calm and joy, you find yourself emotionally spiraling, judging and trying to gain control of every moment. It can be hard to trust that things are going to be ok or that you will be able to handle it if things are not ok.

Thank you for taking a moment to read about me and my work. My approach uses insight and depth psychotherapy combined with Mindfulness within a framework of awareness of the body. When our living process becomes stuck, therapy can move it forward. If you feel stuck in repetitive behaviors, painful feelings, and recurring anxious thoughts, I want to help you to identify how you are bogged down, so you can feel better. I can help to re-focus a sense of purpose...a way to step into your life more completely. This may include taking action if feeling adrift, or bringing clarity to a relationship.

Does anxiety, fear, sadness, grief, confusion, helplessness, anger, or shame overwhelm you? Maybe a recent loss or previous trauma affects the way you are coping. Perhaps you struggle to navigate your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, or relationships. Let me help you find meaning, patterns, and ultimately relief, with compassion, insight, and tools to heal. Through this process, I hope you will find a greater sense of calm, clarity, and agency.

I work with both athletes and non-athletes to use the combined power of body and mind to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and the related physical health symptoms that can include immune, gut and skin conditions. (Conditions such as Fibromyalgia, RA, Psoriasis, IBS, Lupus and many others can be partially caused, flared or prolonged due to psychological stress).

Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.

No two people are alike and neither is my approach, therefore, I work eclectically fusing narrative, somatic, experiential, and mindfulness in my practice. I am also an art therapist and enjoy working with clients who want to dig deeper through creative ways when words are not enough. I am adoption competent and an adoptee myself, and I am also LGBTQ+ affirming.

I am interested in treating people whose potential is hindered by negative concepts of themselves imprinted in childhood (through traumatic experiences or neglect of basic emotional needs) and who frequently suffer from symptoms like chronic depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I am committed to helping these individuals attain a sense of self that brings them happiness and fulfillment. My basic perspective is that the human mind possesses the capacity to heal itself, if guided in the right way. I have explored various methods and approaches to helping the mind restore its basic wholeness.

I invite you to reach out and call if your interested in embarking on a journey of self-discovery and change in a comfortable environment filled with kindness, understanding, laughter and hope. Choosing a therapist that "fits" can be challenging. My unique style, knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion are qualities that support and encourage the development of practical healing strategies to deal with relationship conflict, developmental trauma, addiction, depression, and anxiety issues, career/occupational stress, and LGBT concerns. Transforming difficulties into opportunities for growth, connection, improved passion and potential is the key to effective therapy.

Hi, glad you're here. Therapy is great place for any person, no matter how small or big of an issue you are going through. I see therapy like going to a gym but for your mind & soul. I specialize in working with trauma & addiction along with relationships, substance use, identity, eating disorders, mood disorders, BPD, ADHD, & ASD. As a queer therapist, I work closely with my LGBQ+ community and trans & gender diverse people. My goal is to help you reach your goals.

Engaging in psychotherapy is a positive step toward realizing a satisfying life. Through a safe, trusting, confidential relationship with an experienced therapist, the process helps you find relief and feel better. Psychotherapy can provide relief from ongoing, unwelcome feelings such as: sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, confusion, fear or anger. Whoever you are, happiness, joy and ease are not elusive. Begin the practice of experiencing relationship to self and others from a place of curiosity, integration, regulation and clarity.