Humanistic Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

We often find ourselves in rigid or stuck places. Life can be hard and navigating it alone is even harder. Whether you are having consistent negative thoughts, encountering a big life transition, lacking in your relationships, or struggling to cultivate joy — I would be honored to help you find or return to your meaning and goals in life. Working together we will move you from rigidity to more fluidity where we can explore all the dualities of life.

My practice is informed by the interconnectedness of all things, especially the relationship between mind, body, and spirit (or soul), and the interrelationships between beings. I am influenced by Western psychological theories, as well as holistic, ancestral, and indigenous wellness rituals from around the world.

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, having relationship difficulties or need guidance and support in your life? As a therapist for over 25 years, I have effectively helped many individuals and couples with an insight and solution based therapy. I tailor the therapy to fit each individual’s needs by combining a compassionate approach with expertise and direct feedback. I’m trained in individual therapy, couple and family system dynamics and have an advanced degree in depth psychology.

You and your partner(s) have fallen into patterns of miscommunication, leaving you in emotional distress. You feel there has been a breach of trust in your relationship and are unsure how to move forward. You’ve noticed as your relationship has progressed, your individual priorities have shifted, leaving everyone feeling adrift and confused on how to grow together while also growing thriving as individuals. If any of these sound like you and your partner(s), I provide individual and relationship therapy in person and virtually especially for those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and/or persons of color.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed in the challenges you're up against? Ever feel confused about where things went wrong, and unsure how to get your life back on track? When we're stuck in the dips of life, it can be difficult to see the way out. The essence of therapy, is having a safe space to process feelings while learning to navigate the struggles. Each client offers a unique blend of beliefs, perspectives and values. I offer support, warmth and empathy. I offer a space without judgement, an opening for us to work together to find a way forward.

Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My hope is that therapy doesn’t feel like another task or “to do” item. While there isn’t a quick “fix” my training has been in evidenced based modalities which includes many useful skills and coping tools that one can put into practice from the start of our work together. I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco and I have worked as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 15+ years. My experience includes working with adults, families, couples, children, and teens in private practice, schools and outpatient clinical settings.

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.

Hello, I’m Ariana! I am passionate about empowering young adult women and couples to move through life's challenges with more confidence and clarity. My areas of focus include eating disorders, relational issues, and relational trauma. In my practice, I offer support to those on a healing journey from narcissistic abuse, seeking self-identity, facing career challenges, or dealing with body image concerns. My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic, relational, person-centered, and evidence-based modalities—striving to blend depth psychology with solution-focused strategies.

Accepting New Clients! I am a bilingual therapist with a passion for helping individuals and families thrive, my journey informs my approach. I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to the States at the age of 17. This unique perspective allows me to bring empathy and understanding to my work as I understand the ebbs and flows of life's transitions; I've been there, I understand! I know that each person's story is different, and I’m here to listen to yours and help you find your way forward. Together, we'll embark on a voyage of self-discovery and transformation—a journey fueled by courage, curiosity, and compassion.

Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.

Become Your Best Self: none of us wants to struggle but even with our best intentions & efforts we can find ourselves stuck, confused & in a position of self-doubt. We are vulnerable to blaming ourselves when things go wrong & we often feel pressure from all different directions. I will help you navigate life's challenges with compassion, non-judgement & humor. We will work on building up inherent strengths (yes you have them), coping strategies & making space for more adaptive ways of relating to the world. I provide direct & honest feedback within a supportive & relational framework.

Hello! My name is Jennifer Nickel, and I am a LMFT. I have worked in a variety of areas and with a wide range of ages. We all face challenges and encounter obstacles in life that sometimes seem impossible to manage. I love what I do and being able to support and help people to move through and past those times in our journey that we all go through. I am honest, and direct but kind. I use humor and am very open and understanding.

Struggling to manage a busy household, kids activities and have no time for yourself? Feeling overwhelmed with career and family responsibilities? Or wondering why you and your partner just can't seem to communicate? You don't have to go through this alone.

No one is born with a playbook for life, but you have the power to write your own. Some people I work with recognize that they feel anxious, depressed, possibly reliving trauma, or are generally unfulfilled, while others are not sure why they are unhappy, nervous, not enjoying life. I’m here to help you get more out of life. More love, more joy, more peace. Change isn’t always easy. I offer a space where you can explore your emotions, fears, anger, and experience new-found hope, plus get real solutions, and thrive!

Are you feeling alone, unheard, or stuck? Are you experiencing anxiety, fatigue, and excessive worrying that impact your relationships and career? I’m glad you’re taking the time to notice these changes and to invest in yourself to become a better version of yourself. In sessions, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help identify ways to incorporate positive changes for your negative thought patterns. Thus, you will learn to become better equipped in maintaining your personal or professional goals. I am committed to helping my clients decrease anxiety and manage healthy relationships.

We all go through emotional storms where we feel emotionally and physically stuck; we worry too much and lose control of ourselves. Do you find yourself thrown off balance by your childhood trauma? Childhood traumatic experiences such as abandonment, abuse, and neglect lead to social anxiety. My approach is solution-focused and tailored to your needs and goals. I am committed to providing a profound sense of safety and offering compassionate and actionable guidance to all my clients.

Are you seeking stronger connections and effective communication with someone you love? Are you yearning for understanding? Do you desire emotional intimacy? Do you aspire to overcome challenges with your signifiant other? Does your child or you need some extra support through a life transition? I am passionate about helping individuals and couples attain harmonious relationships by fostering awareness, growth, and resilience. My life’s work is helping humans do life in a way that’s more fulfilling and less stressful. It is an honor to walk alongside people on their journey towards lasting happiness. Reach out and let’s talk!

Are you struggling with anxiety and trauma and turning towards unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to manage your emotions? Now is a trying time for almost everyone, and if you have a trauma background what's coming up in the current environment may be reminiscent of the stress, isolation, and fear induced by early childhood experiences. You don't have to handle this alone, and with clinically tested techniques to regulate the mind and body, it's possible to shift from a place of disempowerment to strength.