Therapists in North Central, Pasadena, CA

I really enjoy helping people who are entering counseling for the first time because I get to show them what a safe place it can be to receive personal support during challenging times. Counseling isn't meant to be "forever" -- but it can be a powerful, transitional tool to help you when breakthrough feels elusive and you feel like you've tried everything. It can be just the boost you need to get going again on your journey!

If you've found yourself on my page, you may be experiencing life changes, seeking emotional support and tools to navigate those challenges. Perhaps the challenges are manifesting as feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or disconnect to your work, relationships and even yourself. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma are common in, but not limited to, first responders and helping professions. You may love what you do but are finding it increasingly difficult to remain present at work and home. Maintaining that mind and body connection is vital to thriving in both your field of work and life at home.

Today's world demands so much of us. The pressures to be everything, do everything, for everyone can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. We are human. And even the best of humans need support from time to time to bounce back from the challenges of life and live powerfully. It is time that you had a consistent partnership that focuses on your healing, growth, and emotional resilience.

I love working with people who are focused on personal growth and healing. I enjoy helping clients understand their own story, which often results in changing their current narrative to one that is more empowering. My hope is to see clients walk in greater freedom and see tangible changes happen in their life, while also enjoying this messy, yet beautiful process of healing as much as possible! I believe that as we grow in self awareness and develop a deeper sense of identity, that shame, disappointment and negative beliefs no longer have the same hold over us and we can move toward a deeper sense of fulfillment in life.

My work is guided by the belief that there are certain conditions necessary for a healthy therapeutic relationship—trust, patience, courage, curiosity, creativity. I hope that people from all races, sexualities, ages and genders would find in me a sensitive and thoughtful attendant to the changes they long for.

I believe that all people have the ability to heal themselves and yet sometimes we may need a little extra support. Working together to empower people with the strength to heal is something I take great pride in. I offer a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space so you can explore whatever is currently holding you back. As someone who also works as a night attendant on the FDA-approved MDMA/PTSD study and having provided over 8 years of harm reduction services at music events, I find that my open-mindedness has been an essential component of my professional development.

I am accepting new clients! I specialize in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and difficulties managing emotions and behaviors. I have expertise in working with second generation individuals. I used evidence-based treatments such as, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness based approaches. Through a collaborative approach, I can help you develop skills to more effectively cope and create meaningful life changes.

Hello, I'm so glad that you have taken on this journey of growth and healing. My name is Blanca Amaya, and I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years, working with adults using evidence-based and alternatives practices. I work under a multicultural and trauma informed lens that allows me to understand your individual needs and meet you where you are in your journey. Together we will focus on your currents needs and goals to help create trust within the therapeutic relationship. I am excited and honored that you would allow me to accompany you through your healing journey.

Are you having a challenging time in your life and can’t seem to work through it? Maybe you’re having a difficult time communicating your emotions, feeling stuck in your relationship, finding it difficult to cope with your feelings or engaging in destructive behaviors. Having to go through any of these issues can be overwhelming when lacking a safe support system or appropriate coping tools.

Sometimes we feel lost, angry, or sad about our romantic relationships. I have been using the Gottman Method for couples therapy for 7+ years. This method is based on extensive research on what tools "master couples" use to have successful relationships.

I look at things differently. Maybe you're not sure of your "next step": you're contemplating making a shift in your primary relationship; or you work in mental health and are worn out, tired needing clarity on what's next. It could be the past needs to be put to rest so you can soar in the present moment. Is it a major life change that has you frustrated, anxious, and struggling? No matter what, you want a safe space because your goal is to feel better, and feel relief from your inner stories and conversation, weighing the pros & cons. Ultimately, you want clarity and viable solutions to live a life that is fulfilling and happy.

We are all looking to obtain clarity and a sense of happiness and peace. Everyone is working from their experiences, feelings and views on life, making the best decisions based upon what they know to be true. Life can be challenging and at times confusing. Not only could we benefit from obtaining some support through that journey, but heightening our own awareness to ourselves and raising our consciousness to a healthier state of mind. I’m a believer that we all need a sense of purpose, fulfillment and connectivity. I welcome you in your decision to seek that for yourself.

Have you ever been lost in a dark forest? You may have felt helpless, out of control, very scared, or confused. Perhaps you suffer from anxiety, depression, and grief. If so you need someone to hold your hand and walk with you until you get home safely. When you are going through very painful suffering, your brokenness can lead you to discover how your childhood wound might affect your self-esteem and your relationships. I like to work with adult women who have been abused as a child, battered women (intimate partner abuse), and young adult women with childhood wounds.

It's been a struggle recently. You are feeling stretched thin. You think of yourself as a kind, caring and giving person. Although you've tried to keep it together, your feelings of stress, tiredness and frustration are leaking out. What's worse is that this especially shows up in your interactions with the people who are closest to you. You're wondering how you got here and if you are even the person you thought you were. You are feeling disconnected from yourself and others, tired and raw.

Sometimes life is just too hard. There's confusion and hurt around school, work, relationships, this crazy new world of which we're all trying to make sense. But there's good news too! You are not meant to do this alone. It is my true privilege to be able to walk alongside my clients, helping share the weight of their burdens. Together we will create a place of peace and trust, a relationship full of compassion and encouragement and without judgment (and we'll likely have some laughs together as well!). From there we will work together to find new ways to grow and learn and manage the things that make life hard.

Intimate relationships could be difficult to maintain and understand. Sometimes we are left confused and hurt by the behaviors and words of others. Our responses to these unfortunate behaviors might create a negative reaction which could worsen the feelings of despair. Having a personal psychotherapist with whom to explore some of these problems could be very rewarding and healing. Finding assertive ways to express our emotions using a win/win approach might assist in the healing of those injuries. Anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflict could be minimized or eliminated with the appropriate interventions.

My specialty is working with adolescents to adults. In my practice I integrate several therapeutic methods to achieve your goals... I am also a certified EMDR Therapist. EMDR is a highly effective treatment for people that need deep change, yet do not want to stay stuck with experiencing intense feelings of pain and shame. My client's have found that EMDR has also been a powerful aid in helping them breakthrough addictive feelings/behaviors ( depression, anxiety and behavioral addictions) that keep them in a negative and frustrated mental loop. We end the session with positive protocols that strengthen your objectives.

I'm a Psychotherapist, Christian Counselor, and Life Coach. My approach to therapy is holistic and developmentally based. I see a person as a whole rather than just the current symptoms or problem. I paid attention to attachment patterns, differentiation, integration, and the competencies proper of the adult age. And I use a myriad of interventions and techniques from a rich arsenal of therapeutic tools to help you improve your life and relationships.

Hello and welcome! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I appreciate that reaching out for support can be a difficult and courageous step. I want you to know that I am here to help you make better sense of your history and your current inner experiences, no matter how difficult they may seem. I believe that therapy is both a science-based and a deeply personal, creative process, and I am dedicated to guiding you through this process with sensitivity and expertise.