Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.

I believe my role as a therapist is to partner with you in order to help you to connect with your own innate strength. It is not uncommon to have feelings of anxiety or depression given the many challenges of life. Perhaps you are moving through the grief of losing a loved one or relationship. I am here to help you find your way through the confusion and pain. I have been honored to work with people during the most painful of circumstances. In my work with families during the challenge of end of life issues, I am able to offer support as they journey toward a new way of experiencing their loss.

I provide assistance to individuals, couples, and families confronting various challenges such as anxiety, depression, couples conflict, family trauma, and more. Though the journey may seem daunting, embracing this process of healing will lead you to discover your true self and experience newfound freedom. Remember, you are not alone—I am here to offer support, equip you with valuable skills, and present fresh perspectives to empower you to become who you aspire to be.

Are you or your child experiencing anxiety, low mood, or trouble with your interpersonal relationships? Are you finding it difficult to communicate effectively with the people in your life? I specialize in working with teens, adults, families, and couples who are struggling with boundaries, communication, and overall barriers in their relationships. In addition to seeing these individuals in my private practice, I have worked within multiple school districts, a treatment center, and a non-profit community mental health center. I also work with first responders and their families dealing with stress, anxiety, and PTSD.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing for over 17 years. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families from primarily a solution-focused, cognitive behavioral approach, I offer a variety of interventions best matched to fit my client's individual needs. Adept in working with childhood disorders, trauma experiences, grief and loss, anger management, and parenting issues, I strive to look at the "whole picture" and incorporate collaterals and family members, as needed.

My specialties include couples counseling, alcohol,drug,sex and love addiction, eating disorders, relationship issues,depression, sexual abuse, victims of crime and spiritual issues. I am extremely skilled at helping clients who have very difficult people in their lives ( partners/ ex-partners, bosses etc with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). I have over 20 years of experience working with both adults and adolescents/teenagers. My private practice is in Manhattan Beach and I genuinely LOVE what I do.I accept all PPO Insurance Plans and do the insurance billing on line for you.

Therapy is a collaborative experience where I genuinely believe that my clients are the experts on their lives and personal experiences. My role is to help them become more self-aware, integrate both mind and body, and identify and implement their strengths on a daily basis. Throughout the therapy process, I help empower my clients so that they can create both emotional and behavioral changes that will help them lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

I love my work as a therapist because it allows me to truly listen to others and pay attention to their needs. My objective as a therapist is to assist people in identifying and achieving their goals. Examples of some therapeutic goals include: improving relationships, reducing conflict, gaining clarity, improving self-image, becoming more confident, grieving a loss, reducing depression or anxiety, resolving past trauma, improving life satisfaction, etc.

I have helped numerous patients in the past 25 years overcome major hurdles emotionally and spiritually, helping them discover for themselves who God has truly meant them to be. Living with depression, anxiety, fear, inhibitions, low-self esteem, relationship problems or the like -- your suffering should not be ignored. Life was not meant to be lived in part, but rather in fullness. My interest is in dealing with the deeper issues that underlie problems so that life can be lived in fullness rather than confusion, frustration and regret.

I understand it takes true courage to seek therapy, and I am sincerely dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, empathic, inviting place to meet your individualized needs and goals. Through a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship, we will collaboratively work together to navigate and promote insight into your current struggles, process your thoughts and emotions, help you heal from past experiences, and build your skills to cope effectively and foster satisfying relationships. I draw from a variety of approaches to best help meet your unique needs.

I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.

My specialization has been helping women overcome issues that are common among them. These particular areas include overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, self criticism, perfectionism, setting boundaries, relationship conflicts, co-dependency, grief and life transitions. My goal is to provide a safe and accepting environment that will help women break free from their current struggles to gain a life of healing and hope.

Being seen and supported for who you are is vital to feeling comfortable with your therapist. I strive to provide an affirming space for all individuals, especially gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, and non-binary individuals and couples. Heteronormative societal pressures often force sexual minorities to think of themselves in a non-affirming language, creating internal conflict and self-doubt. Crafting therapy with a language that reflects your lifestyle and beliefs is a hallmark of my therapeutic approach, and we craft that language together in a safe and collaborative space.

Has your personal or family life spiraled into chaos or confusion? Are you hurting, feeling alone, anxious, triggered, and overwhelmed? Are you having panic attacks? Do you feel like you're stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns. I believe most people suffer mental injury rather than mental illness. Fortunately, our minds can heal itself just as our bodies do when we are sick or injured. Yes, you can be free of feeling trapped and move on to live a meaningful life!

I have over 20 years experience working successfully with individual adults, adolescents, children and families. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety, ADD and ADHD, life transitions, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship issues. I work collaboratively with clients to provide insight and understanding to heal old wounds along with practical strategies to move forward. I am patient focused and able to work with different modalities and therapeutic orientations to meet client needs.

Are you someone who is trying to make a meaningful change in the world but is struggling to make significant changes in their personal life? You may be seeking therapy as a way to explore your past while understanding that it does not have to determine your future. I am an Asian American therapist who works with Asian Americans and other people of color who may identify as activists, creatives, immigrants, children of immigrants who struggle with adjustment disorder, PTSD, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and substance use.

Are you struggling with life's curve balls, which are negatively impacting your moods, motivation, stress level, which then affect your relationships, work, school, dreams and goals? As I join you on your therapeutic journey, I will help you navigate life's curve balls and challenging times through "connecting your life dots" (past, present and future) and by learning healthy coping skills and strategies to apply. My biggest goal for you will be to guide you on how to build your "solid sense of self," so you can live a life that is authenic and emotionally fulfilling.

The STRESS is never ending. Pushed to the edge of every limit, belief that there is no solution. Feeling stuck, and not knowing the next direction you want to take whether it be careers or other life transitions. The overwhelming pressure to make decisions that would best benefit you and your family. Having difficulty finding balance in any aspect of life between work, family and time for yourself. Frustrated that everything else you have tried up to this point has made no improvements or significant changes. The crushing reality of transitions into different stages of life is overwhelming. Almost impossible knowing where to start.