Domestic Abuse Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

Have you ever heard that you have an anger management problem? Is substance abuse an issue? Do you have teenagers that are "challenging?" Dr. Kaufman is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works in the area of helping people through various issues including anger management, substance abuse and alternative parenting techniques for parents of challenging teens for over 29 years. He has helped thousands of individuals, couples and families. He is a licensed anger management and domestic violence provider for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has lectured extensively. He creates a safe and supportive environment.

When we seek therapy it is usually because we reach a point when our problems and challenges outweigh our ability to cope with them. Sometimes we feel stuck in old patterns of behavior or relationships that no longer work for us and we wish to make changes. I serve as a collaborator with you on your journey of self discovery as you find new ways of being and making more appropriate life choices. I provide safety and support as you experience psychological understanding and growth and remain with you as you develop ways to handle life's burdens in more empowering ways.

A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset- Anonymous. I assist clients with more in-depth treatment during the sessions to address the roots of the present problems and issues by addressing and identifying maladaptive thoughts, and conscious and subconscious mind to create an individualized treatment that fits with individuals' current issues and challenges while creating a safe environment to build strength, balanced, peaceful life within and with others. I have extensive experience and background working with children, teens, adults, couples, families, and group sessions to help you overcome your challenges via telehealth.

I have over 12 years of experience working with individuals, families, and intimate partners in various settings including field-based, inpatient, and outpatient settings who present with moderate to severe mental health conditions that include mood disorders, existential and codependency issues, schizophrenia disorders and substance use disorders. I also have extensive experience working with victims of human trafficking, sex and relationship issues, life phase changes, daily-living issues and vocational stressors, LGTBQ+, domestic violence victims, trauma, self-harming behaviors, suicidality, grief and loss.

The decision to engage a therapist is deeply personal and may seem challenging. It is a unique relationship, where ideally, you can be in a safe, empathic environment and talk to someone with in depth psychological training and significant life experience. I offer both to my clients, treating individuals, couples, children, adolescents and families. These relationships have led me to focus on the treatment of: anxiety, depression, relational communications, work place stressors, substance use/abuse, attachment disorders, emotional regulation issues, self image, family systems, ADHD, grief and loss, parenting, obsessive/compulsive behaviors, impulse control, mood disorders and relational conflicts.

We specialize in helping people struggling with trauma. Common trauma symptoms include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, negative feelings and thoughts about yourself, other people, and the world, feeling afraid that something terrible might happen, anxiety, depression, physical and emotional distress to trauma reminders, feeling isolated, difficulty connecting with others, and difficulties with intimacy. Our ideal client is someone that is ready to make real change in their lives, ready to leave their trauma in the past, ready to be an active participant in their healing process.

My focus is on deepening my patients' understanding of their own behaviors, improving their communication and coping skills, increasing confidence and self-image, and moving toward a healthier and more satisfying level of functioning. I am fluent in both English and Farsi.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been providing psychotherapy for almost thirty years with all ages and all different populations. My treatment modality encompasses an electic style based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Brief/Solution Focused Therapy. An integral part of my work with clients includes establishing a collaborative and therapeutic alliance, identifying goals, and developing solutions. I empower clients to identify their resilience, resourcefulness and systems of support where I guide clients through the process of discovering their aspirations and developing solutions.

There are moments in everyone's life when things can begin to feel overwhelming. Deciding if therapy is right for you or a loved one is not always easy. I provide a safe environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings so that together we can come up with the best treatment plan for you. With the right therapist I believe amazing growth can happen. My goal is to have you leave with enough tools and resources to use throughout all the difficult times in your life not just this one.

Is sharing your life with a stranger comfortable for you? It's not easy for anyone and yet from my own experience and from the testimony of others (clients/friends/family), therapy has proven to be a positive life-changing experience that I would want for you. I count it a privilege to be invited into your life and heart and I wouldn't take that lightly. My goals are to make therapy a "safe place" by welcoming you with empathy, validation, affirmation, assistance and tender care (the way we all want to be treated). Maybe you're suffering from trauma or loss or hurt or...please give me an opportunity to work with you to make your life a new and safe place. I also offer faith-based counseling.

As a therapist, I demonstrate a passionate devotion to fostering growth in a safe, nurturing environment. My treatment approach is tailored to your strengths and uniqueness. I teach and guide you how to actively pay attention to the messages of your body, thoughts, feelings, and your actions. Learn new coping skills that compliment your uniqueness. Visit my websites at www.mindfulpath.com and www.ericaives.com I believe recovery is much more than eliminating self-destructive behaviors; it's about cultivating and living life everyday on a mindful path filled with self-awareness, fulfilling relationships, meaning, and vitality.

The areas of expertise are: addictions, marriage therapy, child/adolescent therapy. Additionally, We treat individuals, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, anger, domestic violence, all addictions, sexual and emotional abuse/neglect, low self esteem, bullying, failing grades, being oppositional, cutting, anxiety, depression, suicide, death of a loved one, and domestic violence. Additionally, there are two Associate Marriage Family Therapy interns that graduated from Pepperdine that work here, Doug May and Austin Johnson, that see clients that need low cost therapy starting at $50-80 and will be on insurance panels soon

Cultivating emotional health, growing vibrantly in daily life requires a harmony of being emotionally, mentally and spiritually grounded as a human being. As lovely as it sounds, this is challenging, if not altogether a daunting process for most of us. Especially with increasing depression, anxiety, life stressors and many other barriers we struggle with. How do we begin? What can be said and how do we embark on creating a healthier relationship with our true authentic self. How do we learn to connect to others and the world to nurture wellbeing? These are the questions to search out and discover. So breathe...and let's begin!

My therapeutic approach stems from the belief that at some point in our lives, we all could benefit from speaking to a professional to help us navigate through whatever issues are holding us back. For some, the desire to seek support happens early in life and for others it happens later. Whether issues stem from life changes, mental health disorders, or external stressors, I believe now is always the right time to start working towards a greater understanding of yourself and your needs. Through working in collaboration with my clients, I hope to help them heal and become the best version of themselves that they've ever known.

It's not easy asking for help and support when navigating life's challenges. Finding a trained therapist you feel comfortable with is extremely important. My goal is to balance supportive connection with skilled intervention, helping clients create healthy and meaningful lives. I believe in a holistic, integrative approach to therapy that includes all dimensions of health. I perceive every person who enters therapy as valuable and courageous, deserving treatment tailored to their specific needs in a supportive, safe, caring environment. I will always respect your unique personality, cultural background and family context.

Maybe you are feeling tangled up in unwanted habits, behaviors, or ways of thinking. You might be feeling unsatisfied with the way these things seem to have shaped your life. The weight of carrying this thing around has become exhausting and you are looking for a place to set it down, leave it, and move on with your life free from this burden.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."Lao-Tsu Each day brings opportunity to improve & create change in your life and relationships no matter how hopeless things seem. Relationships can be complicated, confusing, sometimes hurtful. I help you sort it out as you move toward healthier relationships with your children, partner, spouse, co-worker, others. The focus is on solutions and life change. Everyday IS a new beginning. Dr. Plotkin has 25+ years experience working with families, and adults. Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology.

My approach to therapy focuses on healing, connection, and emotional insight to allow individuals, couples, and families to reach their goals and improve their lives. We will work together to tailor your treatment so that whatever may be affecting you can be worked through in a safe, comfortable space. I utilize different treatment modalities like EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy and TRM to bring you the best treatment for your personalized needs. Some of my specialty areas include grief & loss, PTSD, couples and family therapy, depression, and anxiety.

I believe that change is possible for anyone who wants it. It is my passion to help you on your journey to a joyful and satisfying life. I do this by using cognitive behavioral techniques and providing a safe and loving environment in which to heal old wounds and give you tools to manage your current challenges. This includes; anxiety, depression, addiction, food and body issues, or relational problems. Wherever you find yourself I can help you to develop a compassionate view of yourself and empower you to take steps towards getting your unmet needs fulfilled.