Trauma Focused Therapists in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA

Are relationships supposed to be this hard? When sexual issues keep you from maintaining or obtaining a happy relationship it's time to see a sex therapist. As a sex & relationship specialist, I successfully treat people with issues surrounding sexual desire & performance, sexual trauma, problems with arousal or orgasm, differences in the amount of sex they'd like to have, & sexual pain disorders such as vaginismus. I assist clients in building intimacy by deepening their mutual understanding & compassion (for their often very opposite mate!) and help them stay accountable for taking positive action to improve relationships.

Are you concerned about your child's wellbeing? As a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience, I specialize in treating children/adolescents who present with anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors that impact their functioning in home, school, and social settings. I enjoy working with children and their parents helping children learn how to regulate and tolerate feelings (anger, frustration, sadness, and anxiety), manage challenging/disruptive/impulsive behaviors, and acquire adaptive, positive coping skills. I assist parents in learning how to regulate their own feelings and be aware of their behaviors so they can help their child.

I specialize in evidence-based treatments for children, teens, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and behavior problems. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. I strive to provide therapy that is grounded in science, while honoring the unique needs of each individual. My approach is deeply relational, and I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to understand your struggles and learn new tools. I am passionate about empowering clients to face their fears, change unhelpful patterns, heal from trauma, and develop more self-compassion.

If you are the victim of a traumatic event, you are not alone; many have suffered sexual, physical or emotional abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment, bullying or have witnessed traumatic events as a child or as an adult. Unfortunately, many people live with the detrimental effects associated with trauma. If you are struggling to recover from life-changing events, feeling that life's difficulties are interfering with your well-being, I can help you. Through a collaborative effort and the utilization of trauma focused -insight oriented approach you can eliminate shame, guilt, intrusive memories, nightmares, depression, anxiety and fears.

You're smart and motivated and professional. You've managed to piece together a life and career. But behind the curtain, you feel the lurking demons that others would be shocked to know about. You often feel anxious and isolated, despite having people around you, like you're walking around with a sign on your forehead that says "incompetent." Maybe it's hard to trust in relationships or you're constantly fighting off reminders of prior traumas, whether an abusive or neglectful childhood or something more recent. Many of my clients struggle with binge eating or disordered eating or other addictive behaviors.

Are you ready to break the painful cycles that keep you depressed, anxious, hopeless, addicted? Would you like to learn how to be alone and not feel lonely? Are you ready to leave the old story behind and realize your true potential - live the full embodied life you deserve? It takes great courage to break with ones' past story and stand alone, to learn to be reunited with yourself. Trauma lives in the body as wound. Through a client-centered, trauma focused somatic approach, as you become willing, we will take that journey together and tend those wounds that are the place where light can enter.

So much of what we experience in our early life impacts who we are as adults. Whatever barrier or struggle you may be experiencing; I am here to go through this therapeutic journey of self-understanding in order to build on the strengths you inherently have and to achieve a life of resiliency and fulfillment. A motto I live by is “Hold the vision and trust the process.” It can be a hard decision knowing that you need support and seeking it out. For that I am grateful that you have taken this step in getting the support you deserve.

Navigating daily life is challenging enough. With the addition of anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, or life transitions, you may need support in managing the difficult emotions that arise during periods of stress. I work with clients from a collaborative, strength-based lens and have experience working with a range of populations including adults, adolescents, and children. Whatever is motivating you to seek additional support, I look forward to drawing upon your existing strengths to help you reach your goals.

Hi there! I'm Alison and I specialize in working with children as young as 4 years old! I am a nature enthusiast, a native upstate New Yorker, a musician, and a devoted dog mom to my pup, Doug. As an Associate Marriage & Family (136606) Trauma Therapist, and certified Mindfulness Skills Instructor, I'm passionate about helping children and adults overcome emotional difficulties and build healthy coping skills. I'm committed to providing a safe, nurturing space for my clients aged 4 and up to talk about their feelings and learn practical calming tools for stressors at home, with friends, and in the classroom.

I have worked with clients in English/Spanish helping adults with co-occurring disorders, at-risk youth, children, adolescents and veterans, with exposure to trauma, neglect, abuse, and parents with parenting issues. Working with these clients early on in my career motivated me to help those who cannot help themselves. Working as a therapist is a rewarding experience as well as a privilege to be invited into another person's life. I find that in joining clients on their journey to make changes and overcome the difficulties in their lives it enables them to discover their best self.

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.

My focus is to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family issues. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced, we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. I aim to establish include compassion, good communication and trust. In our relationship then I will work alongside you to develop your own coping tools. My approach is a person-centered (positive type) direction to further your strengths and resilience which is tailored towards your specific goals and needs.

I have years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions. Whether you are looking to heal from pain from the past or trying to find a way to move forward in your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental relationship where individuals feel validated and empowered to overcome life’s challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. My approach is person-centered and one of collaborative self-exploration where I see myself as a guide to help you get where you want to be.

Deciding to enter into professional counseling can be a scary idea, but I believe an individual’s ability to recognize that there is a problem, coupled with their willingness to work to find a solution, demonstrates courage. I have experience in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. My passion is working alongside my clients which includes; children, adolescents, and adults; to help bring healing to those who have been through a traumatic or stressful experience.

I have been in practice 32 years, and I am trained in TFCBT, CBT, Mindfulness, relaxation, trauma focused studies for adults, and soon I will complete my certification as an EMDR therapist I enjoy working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and treatment of people with Bipolar disorder. A good therapeutic alliance with my patients in which my patient feels safe and welcome to do the hard work of psychotherapy needed to ensure the maximum growth and healing is achieved for the patient.