Therapists in Valencia, CA

I work with clients who are struggling with trauma or who may be facing personal or relationship problems creating friction or functional problems in their lives. I can help address the feeling that something is just not quite right in one's life, that one is not living to ones fullest potential, and identity issues. Invariably, these problems arise as a result of loss and disillusionment, whether it be through traumas including heartbreak, the loss of a loved one, or feelings of abandonment, isolation, or not being understood. I have significant experience and training in working with men and teenage boys.

Do you feel troubled by events in your past that you can't seem to forget? Perhaps you have nightmares or trouble sleeping. You might feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or have difficulty making decisions. You may have one difficult relationship after another, or you may feel stuck and unhappy in your current relationship. You may be a veteran of the military who is suffering the effects of war or combat trauma. Whatever your concerns, as a therapist, I'd like to help. through therapy, we can work together to help you feel calmer, more relaxed and in control of your life.

Parenting your teen has nearly destroyed you. Their anger, depression, and self-destruction has devastated your entire family. Most days, you're barely hanging on by a thread. Your instinct is to protect, yet nothing you do seems to help. You feel alone and helpless. You're obsessing, hovering, and constantly questioning their state of mind. "What does she have to be depressed about?" "I don't understand; he has everything he needs." "Why would they do that?" You're expected to remain strong and contain your worst fears as you watch them unravel in self-defeat.

I have experience working with all types of clients. The clients that find the greatest success are those that have a desire to change and are willing to put in the work. I love seeing the amazing healing power that can come when clients overcome difficulties. Meeting with clients on their first intake assessment and then sitting with them as they work and grow on their journey towards happiness in this life is why I came into this field.

I learned long ago in my own therapy that to be happy, first I had to learn to love myself. Now, as a marriage and family therapist, I help my clients do the same. Therapist Carl Rogers said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." You don't have to be perfect; it's okay to make mistakes. To realize your dreams, you must face your fears and take risks. It's easier when you stop worrying so much about reaching your goal, and learn to savor the process itself.

With compassion & understanding borne of my own journey through debilitating life experiences, I bring a genuine sense of calling to my task as a psychotherapist. It is profoundly meaningful to me to witness hope as it rises in my clients, not despite the trials they face, but rather, because of them. My goal in working with you would be to bring a compassionate approach to facilitating healing as well as to provide you with clinically effective tools to assist you along the path toward achieving wellness. Whatever your goals for treatment, our time collaborating together will be tailored to your specific needs and concerns.

Many of us, including myself, can find it difficult to identify the cause of generally feeling discomfort and uneasiness. We might wake up feeling stuck, worthless, hopeless, lacking energy or simply have no sense of self. It is the heavy feeling in the chest or gut, an overwhelming feeling of not being who or what we thought we would be in life. That feeling of malaise does not respect if you are male, female, non-binary or if you are 16 or 65 years of age. Any of us can and will suffer from anxiety and / or depression at some point in our lives. I have helped individuals with wide ranging mental health challenges, such as

I provide for you a safe, caring, and supportive environment whether working with an individual, couple or family. Your therapy will be non-judgmental and compassionate which will help you to establish the trust that is necessary to explore the painful experiences of your life.

Are you looking for a local therapist who specializes in children and teens? Does your son or daughter seem anxious, sad/depressed or withdrawn? Has your child been struggling in school or with social relationships? I would love to help. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and families. I believe that effective therapy is based on a trusting relationship that empowers and makes space for positive change. My experience includes academic/school problems, behavioral issues, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, and social skills deficits. My approach is strength-based and non-pathologizing while highlighting your child's natural assets.

Are you looking to make a positive change in your life? Do you have anxiety that you feel is taking over? Are you looking for a way to cope with stressful life transitions? Do you have children and adolescents that you are finding hard to relate to? As your clinician, I hope to work together to find a solution to these challenges.

The purpose of my practice is to provide a safe space, a sanctuary of sorts, where I guide you to discover insights and strengths about yourself within the context of your relationships. Your context might include such things profound adversity, compound losses, grief, caregiving for those with chronic health issues, parenting, life transitions, aging, caring for aging loved ones and navigating these unique family and relational dynamics, all within a range of mental health concerns. There is much to be gained when we are intent on building healthier and stronger relationships with our loved ones, the treasures of our lives.

What is the impulse that gets you up in the morning? Do you struggle with knowing what it is? Do you feel that you are constantly working towards a goal only to see it move out of your grasp? In my practice I work a great deal with clients who work in the creative professions. I work with clients to uncover their internal dialogues and behaviors. I believe that every person is operating from a desire for love, dignity, and grace, and it can begin with the therapeutic relationship. I also have a business doing mental health consultation for the entertainment industry (Media Psychology Services).

Life happens! Unexpected loss, phase-of-life transitions, the stress of parenting, managing your career, and maintaining relationships often lead to feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and out of sync. As a therapist, it is my role to empathize, educate and empower. Working from a collaborative, strength-based approach, I will guide you through therapy and help you take control of your life to establish healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I nurture a supportive and safe atmosphere where you can work through hardships and build upon the strengths and skills that have helped you to overcome past challenges.

Life challenges can motivate us to overcome obstacles and solve problems; but sometimes these challenges can slow us down and make us feel hopeless and helpless, worried, and unfulfilled. If you feel isolated and unable to function effectively in your daily life, allow me to work with you in finding the YOU within that can better manage emotional, behavioral and communication challenges. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, or low self-esteem, contact me for a consultation session. I look forward to being of service to you and join YOU in your journey.

Welcome! I’m glad that you are here and hope we meet one day soon. My passion and purpose is to guide you to tap into the incredible healing power you have. Whatever you're struggling with on the surface -anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, pain, life transitions, addiction, mood dysregulation, panic attacks, etc. you CAN heal deeply and profoundly and moved from the dysregulation you're suffering (in your nervous system) to regulation and calm. I've been helping people heal for 30 years. You can and deserve to heal too!

Choosing a therapist is a difficult process. In the time when you may feel most vulnerable, you are inviting a complete stranger in to discuss very personal information. I believe safety and non-judgment are among the most important aspects of the therapeutic environment. I create a place for clients to ventilate emotions and build coping skills that make daily life more meaningful. Even though it may be difficult to initiate the process of therapy, having someone assist you in making sense of internal confusion can result in insight and clarity that is often very difficult to achieve alone.