Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

My aim is to help you live with a feeling of wholeness and sturdiness, even when life is difficult. You need no longer feel tired, never enough, and at the mercy of your own performance. I encourage my clients to dream bravely about the changes they hope to see in their lives. We work to get there by identifying and shifting the patterns keeping them stuck, with the goal of cultivating more meaningful relationships, as well as greater freedom and joy. I am passionate about working with people on relationship issues, whether you are single or in a relationship.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, burnout, self-esteem or relationship issues, I am committed to working alongside you to identify underlying patterns, develop coping strategies, and foster personal growth. My approach to therapy is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and collaboration. I believe in creating a warm and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.

Are you struggling to feel understood by your partner? Do you ever feel like you’re having the same argument over-and-over again, and wonder why it can’t be resolved? Has your relationship been affected by infidelity, betrayal, or addiction? Do you hope that you could feel more connected to your partner, but are unsure how to move past things that have happened between you? Now, more than ever, couples are feeling more and more disconnected. The stress of dual careers, the distraction of our online lives and social media, and the demands of parenthood, all contribute to this feeling of being alone in your relationship.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing on the westside of Los Angeles. I believe that the therapeutic process can be a healing experience that focuses on your specific needs, with the shared goal of improving quality of life, increasing happiness, creating connections, and enhancing awareness.

Generally, I treat groups, couples, and individuals--21 years of age or older. I am best suited to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcohol/drug issues, personality disorders, anger, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, employment difficulties, military/veterans, spiritual issues, and relationship problems.

In short, I love my work. I get to help individuals grow and become more of who they are. As they are better able to cope with obstacles such as stress, anxiety, and depression, I watch them find greater fulfillment in their relationships, career/academics, and overall wellbeing. In my practice I treat a breadth of concerns ranging from psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, eating disorders) to relationship issues, family issues, low self confidence, trauma, and grief.

During challenging times, a lot that we've taken for granted - health, finances, career, dating - may feel precarious, doomed even. I help people identify any "thinking" obstacles you may have, in order to push past limiting assumptions or sabotaging beliefs. In a therapeutic relationship, you and I work towards acceptance and empowered management of challenges, expanding your tools and freeing up space. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal Therapies (IPT) and IFS therapies, I also pull from traditional psychodynamic theory (including attachment) and mindfulness approaches to help facilitate your desired change.

It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.

I am a licensed psychologist and health service provider in private practice and work with individuals, couples, groups, and families. I specialize in grief, traumatic experience, anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, and also enjoy working with issues of creativity and optimal self development over the lifespan. I practice from an integrative perspective that includes psychoanalytic, humanistic, and experiential approaches. My book, The Paradox of Loss: Toward a Relational Theory of Grief, describes my nonlinear, non-pathologizing, and relational understanding of grief. I am offering four groups this coming year: Recent Bereavement; Longer-Term Grief; Creative Writing and Loss; and Enhancing Communication and Connection for Improved Functioning.

Are you having the dawning realization that you aren’t living life as fully as you could be? Are you experiencing troubled relationships, a narrowing sense of possibility, or wounded self-esteem? Or maybe you simply have the gnawing sense that it’s time for a change, but no idea how to make it happen. If so, this is a great time to step into therapy. I use a collaborative, depth-oriented approach to help individuals and couples overcome obstacles, build on their strengths, and move through a variety of challenges.

Change is possible. With over 25+ years of experience, I have successfully worked with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall conflict, whether it be at home or work. As little as 3-5 sessions, my clients have reported that they have higher self-esteem and greater confidence in all areas of their lives. High stress can hit you during times of change: birth, separation, divorce, or death of a loved one. I will help guide you through this difficult time. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strength-based. I offer a 2-hour deep intensive couples therapy.

Being a human these days is hard, and even more so when you get into complicated dynamics with your relationships, job, or family. Perhaps it's all feeling like too much? Or maybe you have a hunch that you can live a fuller life? Reaching out to a therapist does not mean that you are broken; it means that you are ready to evolve. With my background in art and extensive therapeutic training, I offer a dynamic healing experience that addresses old patterns in both mind and body. I can provide a supportive and creative space for you to explore yourself, practice relational skills, and grow into a life that you truly want to be living.

What do you want? This is the question you and I will start with. There are times in our lives when we feel sure about who we are and what we want and just need some thoughtful support to get there. There are other times when we feel powerfully torn and conflicted and we have to look deeper into ourselves to discover the right path. I help people with both. As you talk me through what’s troubling you, I’ll help you feel and think through your experiences. I’ll help you work through internal obstacles and take thoughtful action to resolve interpersonal ones.

I can assist and support you with problem-solving skills, traumas, and collaboratively work with you in obtaining new coping strategies for issues such as: Depression, anxiety, relational disruptions, unresolved childhood issues, stress management, and more. Many of my clients have shared that attending therapy with myself has helped them learn new techniques in self-management and personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and some of life daily stressors. I can work with you in achieving a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you identify your true authentic self.

Are you looking for a safe place where you can access and explore your emotions without shame or judgment? Are you feeling frustrated, stuck or disappointed with the quality of your life? I can help you learn how to access your inner wisdom, build and bolster resiliency and connect more effectively with yourself and others.

As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.

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.

Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.

What we seek in our partner is connection. Deep, relaxed, secure connection is the springboard to passion. I help couples re-connect and stay connected by enhancing the positive, eliminating the negative and becoming each other's advocate. I help singles identify patterns that have haunted past relationships and help find and forge a new kind of loving partnership. Anxiety, depression and addictions all stem from, or are fueled by, deficient early connections. Learning the skill and discipline to navigate a conscious romantic relationship can heal much of the past and free us from many restricting thoughts, feelings and behaviors.