Psychodynamic Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Treatment is a step-by step- discovery. I work with a psychodynamic approach that encourages a more mindful understanding of how our past may influence our present. Our work together supports deeper personal growth and balance in mind body and spirit. I encourage conscious rather than automatic living by assisting clients to overcome past difficulties and traumas to grow to a new full potential of their choice. I have a unique ability to connect with clients that have multiple stressors and life changing events guiding them to embrace change and create a new view of life.

If you suffer from developmental (trauma from childhood abuse) or acute trauma (for example, rape, assault, divorce, accident), I am trained in several modalities that can help. These include: Neurofeedback, which is exercise for the brain, improves self-regulation and calms the nervous system, building resiliency. EMDR is a process that desensitizes and reprocesses trauma. Somatic Experiencing releases pent up energy in the body that keeps us from completing and letting go of traumatic experiences. I use these methods, along with traditional psychodynamic talk therapy, in a kind and healing environment, to help you recover. .

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 a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.

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 provide a caring & objective atmosphere to encourage your self-awareness and emotional growth. One rare, unifying finding among all specialities of psychotherapy is that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to success. Therefore, I will be your partner throughout the process, both supporting & challenging you along the way. During the over 35 years I have provided therapy, I have developed many approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach now is eclectic and includes cognitive behavior therapy to facilitate observable change.

I treat children, adolescents and their families in my practice. Examples of issues I address include depression, anxiety, learning and behavioral challenges, bullying and conflict with peers, divorce, step-families, death of a parent or sibling, sexual, emotional or physical abuse, school refusal, school phobia, self-harming behaviors, and identity issues.

Shana works with couples and individuals to create a sense of empowerment and a positive self-image. She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and has completed training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as well as Narrative Therapy. Shana also incorporates Psychodynamic theory, CBT, Attachment theory and Existential theory to help her clients reach their goals.

Like water, every individual is unique, whole, and complete. Sometimes we have a hard time acknowledging this and embracing who we are. It is in this place we are asked to go inward and begin to understand the patterns that inhibit our growth. I utilize a blend of therapeutic approaches, meeting clients where they are, by integrating psychodynamic , mindfulness, and experiential therapy to recognize problems relating to grief, bereavement, anxiety, and multiculturalism.

Welcome! The challenges of everyday living can seem overwhelming. Life at times presents us with struggles and setbacks, but sometimes the same problems will keep on recurring unless you make a change. Therapy can help you find the underlying causes of why you feel the way you do and finally move towards relief. I would be honored to work together with you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. My therapy style offers a safe, warm and compassionate environment while encouraging my clients to recognize their strengths and weaknesses within themselves.

Do you feel disconnected from yourself, from life, and from others? Panic, anxiety, depression, confusion, loss, overwhelm, numbness-- these can feel like powerful forces separating you from the vibrant and productive life you imagine is possible. I can help you navigate your path to emotional balance, cognitive clarity, joyful energy, and sense of purpose. Together, we can face the distress and restore your inner life in a way that brings you home to your Self.

I believe the purpose of therapy is to return to one's sense of well-being. Do you long for a personal sense of ease and comfort? Do fears and self-doubt lead to immobility and a sense of inadequacy? We can work together for the purpose of discovering, defining and creating goals to achieve what is meaningful to you.

I understand that seeking therapy may be a very difficult process, however what you can gain from the process is limitless. If you are feeling stuck and interested in making some changes in your life or just need some support right now, this may be a good time to give therapy a try. It's very important to feel safe and connected to your therapist and I encourage you to shop around for the "best-fit." I welcome you to contact me in order to determine whether we would be a good match.

For many people life can go through periods of intense difficulty, pain and suffering, and it can feel overwhelming. My practice focuses on understanding these feelings with the hope of decreasing the distress. I work collaboratively with my clients believing they contain all the wisdom they need to heal and that together we will help you access it. I work and am trained in several models; psychodynamic , internal family systems, attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy.

I am a clinical psychologist specialized in the care of patients with physical pain. I provide psychological evaluation and individual/family psychotherapy. I rely upon a variety of therapy methods - psychodynamic , cognitive-behavioral and existential. My hope is to help people suffering with the emotional consequences of physical pain to improve insight, coping and acceptance. I can also provide pre-surgical psychological evaluations as required by insurance for invasive pain and other medical procedures. I collaborate with health care providers. I also provide psychotherapy to non-pain patient for general emotional issues

I do individual and couples therapy dealing with: addictions; defensive communication; sexuality; aggression; parenting, and money. *I find that most couples during arguments or stressful times, communicate poorly--are reactive and quick to blame. I really value helping the individuals develop themselves and their skills as a way out of this cycle, and towards a loving relationship. *In individual therapy we may deal with loneliness, anxiety, addictive patterns/substances or depression. We work together to set personal goals and on staying accountable. I focus on their maladaptive thoughts/feelings that can interfere with them retaking charge of their life.

I believe anxiety and stress to be the foundation of many issues we all face. My first goal is to help my patients reduce stress thereby decreasing chronic pain, depression and even the ravages of disease and illness. By developing rapport and trust and then utilizing healthy coping skills, the goal of anxiety reduction can be achieved. Its important to remember that we are engaged in a collaborative process where we learn to accept, resolve, move on and let go. I find that mindfulness, meditation and breathing is highly effective in decreasing anxiety and depression.

People who see me for the first time are often feeling overwhelmed, confused, depressed or anxious. Some people are unable to sleep, have distressing thoughts, or cannot control troublesome habits and behaviors. Others have have struggled with chronic pain due to injuries or illnesses. Many have endured the stigma of having a major mental illness which created difficulties in daily functioning, mood swings, or poor judgement and distorted thinking. And others have functioned well with significant achievements in their careers, family, and relationships but still feel empty inside, and cannot experience pleasure, meaning, or fulfillment from their lives.

Often the desire to start therapy begins when you realize that you are not in control of your feelings, goals, wishes, your own life. Those are the moments that you realize that maybe something needs to change. The change you seek may be specific around a certain event, or more diffuse, based on larger transformations, a desire for deeper insight or better self-awareness. Whatever it is, you do not have to deal with it alone and finding the right therapist is an important first step. As your therapist, I'll meet you with curiosity, warmth, and respect, creating a safe space where you can re-connect with your best self.