Attachment-based Therapists in South, Pasadena, CA

Karina is a bilingual Spanish-speaking associate marriage and family therapist in Pasadena, California, specializing in infant and child development, including work with at-risk youth, neurodivergent disorders, and developmental delays. Working from an attachment-based lens, Karina is passionate about supporting families and children experiencing conflict and a variety of stressors, including high conflict family dynamics. Karina has a strong appreciation for the relationship between the body and the brain, thus integrating mindfulness, self-regulation, and other somatic-based modalities into her work.

I love my work supporting people in creating the life they want. I have an extensive background in helping patients work through eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm and complex trauma. I use a direct, strength-based approach and evidence based interventions- it’s very important to me that therapy feels supportive and provides results. The modalities I utilize to treat eating disorders include CBT, Family Based Therapy, and Adolescent Focused Therapy.

Hello! I'm Dr. Samuel Girguis and I am a licensed clinical psychologist who can help you overcome the difficulties you are facing today. I have worked with a wide range of issues and have specialized in the treatment of abuse and trauma across the lifespan. My work with children, adolescents, adults, and families is tailored to your individual needs. I understand that individuals and families today have many demands upon their time and resources; my goal is to work with you and help you to thrive in the midst of your busy life.

I bring my passion for using words and inquiry to cultivate insight, growth, and transformation to our shared conversations, which allows us to map a path toward healing utilizing the strengths you have naturally developed throughout your life. My clients are smart and resourceful individuals. While their resilience may have resulted in successes, they find themselves overwhelmed by stress, worry and hopelessness, struggling with transitions, challenges in relationships, identity, and an injured sense of self.

I understand that healing takes courage, and requires trust in the person from whom you are seeking help. I value integrity, wisdom, creativity, and empathic connection. My approach is strengths-based, collaborative and empowering. I enjoy helping you make sense of your past experience, live fully in the present moment, and dream about the future.

Each person has their own story and own experiences that are unique to them. As we navigate life, our relationships and daily live's can be impacted by these experiences and past experiences. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment to help you navigate feelings and experiences that may cause discomfort, pain, sadness, happiness, and joy along with other emotions. It is my goal to meet each client where they are and create safety to help your inner self take up space in your mind and body, to allow for growth. I am also trained in EMDR and specialize in attachment work.

Are you feeling lost? Like you are stuck, and you do not see a way forward? It is a sinking feeling - but you are not alone. We all know what it feels like to be stuck. To face challenges, problems, and adversity. We feel alone and do not know how to find our way out. All the stress and uncertainty make it hard to sleep. It is impossible to focus at work, get things done, and our to-do list keeps getting longer and longer. Feeling stuck often means we feel overwhelmed and do not even know where to start.

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.

I use compassionate, directive and practical approaches to treat PTSD and the symptoms associated with trauma. My life experiences have given me unique insight into the impact and treatment of trauma.

Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.

I believe that all human beings have the capacity to realize their full potential and to gain insight into life’s difficulties. I tailor my approach based on each unique person's needs and often utilize story-telling, dreams and archetypes as ways to make meaning of significant events. I support individuals in strengthening existing coping skills, developing new methods of support, and identifying patterns and themes in a safe, empathic space.

Our identity is shaped by our relationships. Those attachments have created patterns in our lives we may not be aware of. Therapy is a great place to explore those patterns. Whether you'd like to work through some current stumbling blocks that seem to keep you from thriving, or explore deeper patterns that you've developed from earlier childhood experiences, I am here every step of the way. No one should walk alone. Call me today for a FREE phone consultation! (Please leave a message when you call). Thank you!

My goal is to help you identify your struggles and to collaborate with you to find meaningful solutions as quickly as possible. Through a safe space and strong therapeutic alliance, we will move towards your goals, however small or large. You deserve to have a life full of meaning that you are inspired to wake up to every day.

Melissa strongly believes in a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach to patient care. She is dedicated to creating a safe and judgment-free environment, as well as helping individuals find peace and heal their inner child and past traumas. She is available for couples, family, and individual therapy.