Attachment-based Therapists in North Arroyo, Pasadena, CA

I approach therapy from a depth-oriented and attachment-based perspective to increase insight, overcome barriers, and to connect to feeling more deeply. I view this work as a collaborative exploration, and am honored to provide support to others on their journey to a deeper understanding of themselves. I aim to create a safe and nonjudgmental space to enable you to comfortably begin this process of self-discovery.

In my therapeutic practice, I integrate the depths of existential and humanistic therapies with a keen focus on the intricacies of racial issues, identity exploration, and the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. My approach is underpinned by a commitment to understanding and nurturing the complex web of human connections, guided by attachment-based theory. This perspective enables me to support clients in exploring and healing relational patterns that have been shaped by early attachments and life experiences, fostering healthier and more fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

Are you struggling with anxiety, a relationship problem, or emotional pain from a past experience? Maybe you are looking for help with the challenges of parenting your teenager or seeking help for an adolescent who is struggling. I also know the toll of failing relationships and how important it is to find the right support when it feels like your world is falling apart. Maybe you are ready for change, but struggling to take that first step. I help people navigate life’s transitions, address recurring challenges and build better relationships with themselves — and others.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grappling with relationship challenges, or triggered by past traumas? You're not alone. I focus in providing a safe & supportive environment for individuals seeking to navigate these experiences. My ideal client is someone who recognizes the need for a safe space to process their feelings and develop coping skills. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, communication issues in your relationships, I'm here to help.

My background for the past 20 years is in individual therapy where I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD (including severe and complex),and adjustment disorders. I also have a Masters in Public Health which makes me uniquely qualified to help people with chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and autoimmune diseases) because physical health and mental health are enmeshed. My unique background helps my clients feel better physically and mentally with the goal of creating coping mechanisms that are obtainable and easy to implement.

My teenage clients report that I have greatly helped in reducing depression and anxiety by providing a non-judgmental space where they can explore communication challenges, self-esteem issues and work on difficulties that create a challenge in their day-to-day life. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, which can help teens reframe negativity, develop long-term coping skills, and be more fully present in their lives. Clients can recognize that their thoughts and emotions do not have to get in the way of taking action toward meeting their goals and making meaningful connections.

Whether you're in a relationship or living solo, life can bring it's own sets of problems that challenge even the best of us. I help people turn what use to antagonize & stall them into something they feel more empowered over. When you and I get curious about your life together, we can see how to help you and your life more fully align with you and what brings you fulfillment. Whether therapy is the place to work through these challenges is a decision only you can make & you'll have to ask yourself if you're ready to do the hard work of changing through them . If you are, I’m ready to help you overcome & find the enjoyment you seek

My clinical experience has focused primarily on helping individuals in the adolescent to young adult age, which is a critical phase of development, addressing issues around identity formation and family conflict. Diagnoses and presenting problems most prevalent for this age include major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiance, ADHD, schizophrenia, self-harming/high risk behaviors (cutting, eating disorders, and substance use) and suicidal thoughts & behaviors. My work with this particular age population often includes helping the family system in areas such as conflict resolution, family communication patterns and repair in attachment & connection.

Anchor Psychotherapy, Inc. - Traumatic memory appears without warning. It stops you in your tracks, invades, and overwhelms. In a moment’s notice, your body and brain feel hijacked. No matter what you try and bury it under: work, food, relationships – it’s still there. You may dissociate or maybe you’re watching it happen across the room, in your child’s face. You never asked for this, but, then again, neither did they. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your family, or the child in your life, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and walk through this with you.

If you've become lost amongst obstacles on your journey, I'd like to help guide you to more happiness by offering suggestions, uncovering unwanted patterns, and leading you from the past to the present in order to heal and evolve, enhancing your happiness. Through changes in perceptions/attitudes and being willing to see situations with a new pair of glasses, you can reach your goals and evolve. My clients report that they enjoy my down-to-earth attitude and humor and my use of Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, TRM, meditation and yoga to treat mind-body symptoms. I work best with clients who are motivated to gain self-awareness and see patterns that are no longer serving them. I give homework between sessions in order to keep the continuity of healing working consistently. I feel very blessed to be working in a field that serves people who are finding their best selves and evolving into the people they want to be.

Jessica Richards, MS, MSW, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in providing therapeutic services to young children and families. She is endorsed in CA as an Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. Jessica uses relationship and brain-based modalities for comprehensive treatment. Jessica has been trained in Child-Parent psychotherapy, a relationship and play-based therapy with a strong evidence-based foundation for the treatment of trauma and family stressors. Additionally, Jessica uses the Neurorelational Framework (Lillas, 2009) for an integrated approach. Her specialized Dual-Masters education provides an advanced foundation in applied child development.

Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or discontent with certain relationships and circumstances in your life? Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship distress, anger, and addiction are messengers that something in your life requires attention. I am privileged to walk alongside you in your journey towards a deeper understanding and connection with who you are. Together we will explore and attend to the underlying issues and feelings of these symptoms as a step towards healing. Simultaneously, we may adopt ways to cope with and alleviate the pain, loneliness, and difficulties you experience.

Life definitely has its challenging moments. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Together we can help you develop a deeper understanding of the emotional stresses you are experiencing. Relationship problems, loss of a loved one, depression, anxiety, a medical crisis, career options closing, or lack of direction in life often leave people feeling overwhelmed. Therapy can create a clearer understanding of unresolved issues, help you develop a sense of meaning, broaden your life perspective, and move you forward to a more vibrant future.

I focus on helping my clients connect to their inner strengths in order to help them heal, learn, and thrive in their daily lives. Whether you may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, abuse, relational difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem or identify issues - we will work collaboratively, to explore and make meaning of things that have happened as well as take time to process and be mindful what you are going through now.

Are you feeling shame, fear or guilt, but trying to ignore it? Does depression, grief, or relationship issues make you feel scared and confused? I'd like to help. Emotions can feel messy. If you've been trying to put distance between you and your feelings, you've probably realized that that's not working, and you only end up severing the connection to yourself. I can help you take a new approach, look at those strong emotions differently, and understand what they're trying to tell you.

"Life is about accepting inevitable change, I can help you better negotiate those twists and turns"

Life often presents difficult obstacles that can stand between who you are and who you want to be. Some obstacles may be unhealthy patterns in your relationships, overwhelming sadness or worry, not feeling good enough, or a loss of direction or purpose in your life.

Does this describe you: "I'm running on empty and living a frazzled life. I feel like I'm in survival mode." The process of exploring your inner life (the unresolved traumas, as well as the resiliency that has helped you survive) creates opportunities for you to heal. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). As Viktor Frankl wrote, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." We can rewire our brains and reprocess our past traumas using EMDR. I am currently providing EMDR via Zoom. Yes, this is possible, and it works.

I believe that the first step toward a more healthy life begins with the decision to facilitate change. That decision is wise and brave, but it can also bring up feelings of fear or sadness. I can assist you as you move through these emotions into a period of positive transition. In the process, obstacles in your life can be transformed into stepping stones toward greater self awareness and joy.