Domestic Abuse Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Many who find their way to my practice are survivors of interpersonal abuse, spiritual abuse, systemic oppression, and/or complex trauma.
I understand how abusive relationships and oppressive systems contribute to (and often escalate) issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related stress. My work is collaborative, intersectional, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and centered on building safety and resilience—internally, externally, and relationally.
Many who find their way to my practice are survivors of interpersonal abuse, spiritual abuse, systemic oppression, and/or complex trauma.
I understand how abusive relationships and oppressive systems contribute to (and often escalate) issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related stress. My work is collaborative, intersectional, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and centered on building safety and resilience—internally, externally, and relationally.
Rachel Howard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, a Nationally Board-Certified Art Therapist, a Registered Yoga Teacher, a Clinical Supervisor and consultant, and a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT) Practitioner.
She has almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. She specializes in trauma and family work. She is an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.
Rachel Howard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, a Nationally Board-Certified Art Therapist, a Registered Yoga Teacher, a Clinical Supervisor and consultant, and a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT) Practitioner.
She has almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. She specializes in trauma and family work. She is an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.
I work with survivors and people who cause harm in domestic violence, human trafficking, and crime-related trauma, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Navigating life can be really challenging and my goal is to provide a warm, safe, judgement free, and collaborative environment to assist you navigate these challenges. In my work I recognize the importance of each individual’s intersecting identities such as race, gender identity, gender expression, culture of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, primary language and disability. It is through the exploration and comprehension of these different parts, as well as live adversities, that we can have a more complete understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.
I work with survivors and people who cause harm in domestic violence, human trafficking, and crime-related trauma, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Navigating life can be really challenging and my goal is to provide a warm, safe, judgement free, and collaborative environment to assist you navigate these challenges. In my work I recognize the importance of each individual’s intersecting identities such as race, gender identity, gender expression, culture of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, primary language and disability. It is through the exploration and comprehension of these different parts, as well as live adversities, that we can have a more complete understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.
I specialize in treating couples and individual adults presenting with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, substance abuse, and relational conflict and dissatisfaction.
I believe my excellent clinical training, professional experience, life experience, personal growth and authenticity contribute to my ability to assist others.
I specialize in treating couples and individual adults presenting with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, substance abuse, and relational conflict and dissatisfaction.
I believe my excellent clinical training, professional experience, life experience, personal growth and authenticity contribute to my ability to assist others.
Life has a way of quietly accumulating. Stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, career uncertainty, sometimes it all builds up until something that used to feel manageable no longer does. If you've been running on empty so long it feels normal, or caught between who you are and who you want to be, you're not alone.
I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who are often doing well by most external measures, yet something feels off. They may be navigating overwhelm, depression, difficult relationship patterns, grief, or a career transition that feels both necessary and terrifying.
Life has a way of quietly accumulating. Stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, career uncertainty, sometimes it all builds up until something that used to feel manageable no longer does. If you've been running on empty so long it feels normal, or caught between who you are and who you want to be, you're not alone.
I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who are often doing well by most external measures, yet something feels off. They may be navigating overwhelm, depression, difficult relationship patterns, grief, or a career transition that feels both necessary and terrifying.
Feeling stressed and anxious about life’s challenges? Struggling to find balance and peace in your everyday life? If you’re seeking to strengthen meaningful connections and personal growth you're in the right place. My name is Iman Saint Jean and I am an EMDR & CBT trained Clinical Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting clients with ADHD Trauma and more on their journey. Whether you're seeking to overcome obstacles, enhance your well-being, or achieve personal growth, my approach blends psychological insight with compassionate support. Embark on a transformative journey in therapy and discover the power and resilience within.
Feeling stressed and anxious about life’s challenges? Struggling to find balance and peace in your everyday life? If you’re seeking to strengthen meaningful connections and personal growth you're in the right place. My name is Iman Saint Jean and I am an EMDR & CBT trained Clinical Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting clients with ADHD Trauma and more on their journey. Whether you're seeking to overcome obstacles, enhance your well-being, or achieve personal growth, my approach blends psychological insight with compassionate support. Embark on a transformative journey in therapy and discover the power and resilience within.
I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life.
I see children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, strains in romantic and family relationships, low self-esteem and body image, unhealthy coping habits, and grief and loss. I specialize in helping clients navigate through different life transitions, including birth, divorce, parenting, job/profession changes, and sobriety.
I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life.
I see children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, strains in romantic and family relationships, low self-esteem and body image, unhealthy coping habits, and grief and loss. I specialize in helping clients navigate through different life transitions, including birth, divorce, parenting, job/profession changes, and sobriety.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist working with individuals and couples who wish to make their lives and relationships more satisfying and reflective of their deepest values and aspirations. I strive to help clients increase awareness, reduce suffering, gain insight into feelings, thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to current concerns and unhappiness, and connect with the inner wisdom that leads the way to a more peaceful and satisfying way of being in the world. (Photo credit: Merrie Asimow www.asimowphotography.com)
I'm an experienced psychotherapist working with individuals and couples who wish to make their lives and relationships more satisfying and reflective of their deepest values and aspirations. I strive to help clients increase awareness, reduce suffering, gain insight into feelings, thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to current concerns and unhappiness, and connect with the inner wisdom that leads the way to a more peaceful and satisfying way of being in the world. (Photo credit: Merrie Asimow www.asimowphotography.com)
CONNECT WITH YOURSELF TO CONNECT WITH THE WORLD AROUND YOU."
I believe that therapy is a means to illuminate your internal world while helping you to connect with others.
Through dialogue, our sessions will focus on clarifying your understanding of your own experiences. This can be the beginning of learning how to simply be with yourself and make meaning of yourself in the world.
CONNECT WITH YOURSELF TO CONNECT WITH THE WORLD AROUND YOU."
I believe that therapy is a means to illuminate your internal world while helping you to connect with others.
Through dialogue, our sessions will focus on clarifying your understanding of your own experiences. This can be the beginning of learning how to simply be with yourself and make meaning of yourself in the world.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment ( violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may also be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment ( violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may also be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
Welcome! I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, recovery, and life transitions. Many of my clients find themselves at a threshold: a season of change, loss, uncertainty, or transformation, and are longing for something deeper than symptom management alone.
There is talk therapy, and then there is depth therapy. Together, we explore not only present struggles but the underlying patterns, stories, and experiences that shape them. By attending to both the wisdom of the body and the deeper layers of the psyche, we discover what healing, joy, and freedom can look like.
Welcome! I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, recovery, and life transitions. Many of my clients find themselves at a threshold: a season of change, loss, uncertainty, or transformation, and are longing for something deeper than symptom management alone.
There is talk therapy, and then there is depth therapy. Together, we explore not only present struggles but the underlying patterns, stories, and experiences that shape them. By attending to both the wisdom of the body and the deeper layers of the psyche, we discover what healing, joy, and freedom can look like.
Change is possible and I believe therapy is a place where you can explore the challenges and achievements that make our lives feel more fulfilled. My approach to therapy is one of empathy, collaboration and practicality. I like to make therapy fun, engaging, and a safe place for you to comfortably explore your emotions and learn new healthy coping skills to support your growth. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore feelings that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
Change is possible and I believe therapy is a place where you can explore the challenges and achievements that make our lives feel more fulfilled. My approach to therapy is one of empathy, collaboration and practicality. I like to make therapy fun, engaging, and a safe place for you to comfortably explore your emotions and learn new healthy coping skills to support your growth. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore feelings that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
Along with advanced training, for 35 years I've helped individuals and couples affected by low self-esteem, codependency, abuse, anxiety, and trauma heal and find their life direction.
Life often presents crossroads we need help to navigate. Relationships bring happiness but also create longing and loneliness. They can preoccupy us and destroy our sense of safety and self-respect. I can help if you're stuck, overwhelmed, afraid, or lost, or are unable to make decisions or life changes, have irresolvable conflicts or unmet needs, feel devalued, or seek guidance with codependency, trauma, communication, intimacy, or self-esteem. You'll gain awareness in your first session and quickly see changes in handling emotions, conflict, and boundaries. You'll find solutions, empowerment, and an improved sense of well-being.
Along with advanced training, for 35 years I've helped individuals and couples affected by low self-esteem, codependency, abuse, anxiety, and trauma heal and find their life direction.
Life often presents crossroads we need help to navigate. Relationships bring happiness but also create longing and loneliness. They can preoccupy us and destroy our sense of safety and self-respect. I can help if you're stuck, overwhelmed, afraid, or lost, or are unable to make decisions or life changes, have irresolvable conflicts or unmet needs, feel devalued, or seek guidance with codependency, trauma, communication, intimacy, or self-esteem. You'll gain awareness in your first session and quickly see changes in handling emotions, conflict, and boundaries. You'll find solutions, empowerment, and an improved sense of well-being.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to experience an awareness of yourself and the obstacles that hinder your emotional growth and connection to others. In this courageous journey, the match between you and your therapist is essential. I view our work as an important collaborative journey and welcome all of your experiences. We will work together to identify your goals as well engage in a meaningful way in your life. My role is to provide a genuine and safe environment to make life-affirming changes.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to experience an awareness of yourself and the obstacles that hinder your emotional growth and connection to others. In this courageous journey, the match between you and your therapist is essential. I view our work as an important collaborative journey and welcome all of your experiences. We will work together to identify your goals as well engage in a meaningful way in your life. My role is to provide a genuine and safe environment to make life-affirming changes.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, disconnected from their bodies, or uncertain in their relationships. Change can feel uncomfortable, especially when patterns around food, self-esteem, or attachment feel deeply ingrained. You don’t have to navigate that alone.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, disconnected from their bodies, or uncertain in their relationships. Change can feel uncomfortable, especially when patterns around food, self-esteem, or attachment feel deeply ingrained. You don’t have to navigate that alone.
We are all on an ontological journey, learning about ourselves. I have a warm but directive approach. I use a mix of modalities including somatic experiencing, IFS, EMDR, DBT. I have a lot of experience working with addiction, C-PTSD, grief, infidelity, developmental trauma, and depression. Many of my clients feel chronically on edge, emotionally flooded, disconnected from themselves, or impacted by past experiences that continue to show up in the present. I interweave a variety of different interventions depending on the presenting symptoms to help you integrate new ways of being and release parts that are impeding connection.
We are all on an ontological journey, learning about ourselves. I have a warm but directive approach. I use a mix of modalities including somatic experiencing, IFS, EMDR, DBT. I have a lot of experience working with addiction, C-PTSD, grief, infidelity, developmental trauma, and depression. Many of my clients feel chronically on edge, emotionally flooded, disconnected from themselves, or impacted by past experiences that continue to show up in the present. I interweave a variety of different interventions depending on the presenting symptoms to help you integrate new ways of being and release parts that are impeding connection.
Bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with minority populations, mainly with the Latinx community as well as LGBTQIA+ community. I specialize in trauma and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My practice is strength based and solution focused.
Bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with minority populations, mainly with the Latinx community as well as LGBTQIA+ community. I specialize in trauma and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My practice is strength based and solution focused.
As an Asian woman who has straddled two cultures for many years, I have a deep understanding of the struggles Asian women and men face in relationships, family life, and the workplace. I also know that our unique cultural history and cultural norms can present so many obstacles to healing emotional injuries and finding emotional health.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, anxious and guilty, inadequate, overwhelmed, conflicted, or depressed, I understand. And I have the experience to help you find concrete, practical solutions to these emotional challenges, yielding timely results. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
As an Asian woman who has straddled two cultures for many years, I have a deep understanding of the struggles Asian women and men face in relationships, family life, and the workplace. I also know that our unique cultural history and cultural norms can present so many obstacles to healing emotional injuries and finding emotional health.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, anxious and guilty, inadequate, overwhelmed, conflicted, or depressed, I understand. And I have the experience to help you find concrete, practical solutions to these emotional challenges, yielding timely results. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
Something in your life isn’t right. Maybe you’ve already tried therapy or gone over the same self-help topics many times, yet the emotional shift you’ve been hoping for hasn’t happened. There’s a deep pain still holding you back, and you’re unsure how to move forward. While traditional psychotherapy may have offered some relief, it did not fully address all your pain. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of your past and present – traumas from a challenging upbringing or later in life, addiction issues, as well as the anxieties of adulthood, such as life transitions, relationship problems, and feelings of depression.
Something in your life isn’t right. Maybe you’ve already tried therapy or gone over the same self-help topics many times, yet the emotional shift you’ve been hoping for hasn’t happened. There’s a deep pain still holding you back, and you’re unsure how to move forward. While traditional psychotherapy may have offered some relief, it did not fully address all your pain. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of your past and present – traumas from a challenging upbringing or later in life, addiction issues, as well as the anxieties of adulthood, such as life transitions, relationship problems, and feelings of depression.
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Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.
When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.
What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.
How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.