Women's Issues Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

One's deepest desire is to be truly accepted and understood. Yet, many times we find ourselves afraid of being judged or ridiculed for sharing our true thoughts, feelings, and challenges. In our busy lives it is a rarity to find someone who is not only equipped but also has the desire to truly listen to our deepest thoughts. It is my belief that if given the needed support and proper surroundings, we will find that we hold the answers within ourselves to overcome the challenges we are facing.

Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping teens and adults make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.

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.

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.

Are you having difficulty in your relationships and wondering, "how do I make things better?" Are you experiencing a loss of self, feeling confused and/or depressed? Is it difficult to identify your feelings? Have your feelings become too painful to experience on your own? It is only natural to want to avoid feelings that are painful. It is our basic human instinct to avoid anything that is painful especially emotional pain. Unfortunately, avoiding pain results in maladaptive behavior and difficulties within relationships. Avoiding feelings can result in feeling numb and/or loss of self.

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.

Everyone longs to feel love, noticed, and adored. But for many, Mom (or Dad) didn't show up in the way that was needed or they didn't represent physical or emotional safety. These children are left to figure life out alone. Childhood trauma is often the root cause of sadness, fear, depression, anxiety, physical pain, feeling stuck, unworthy, unlovable, and invisible. Or perhaps there were traumatic events that happened. In both cases, memories often stay encased in thick walls hijacking the mind and body with fear. There they remain repressed waiting to be witnessed to release shame, guilt, and pain to live a life of freedom!

Life can be a beautiful, yet complex tapestry of experiences that sometimes feel too overwhelming to navigate alone. When we're tangled in the threads of anxiety, grief and loss, or trauma, it's essential to remember - you don't have to face it alone. As a biracial therapist, my journey has been a tapestry of its own. My own experiences with racial identity and the challenges of belonging have shaped my compassion and empathy for those feeling unseen or misunderstood. These experiences have become the cornerstone of my therapeutic practice, guiding my commitment to support others as they navigate their unique paths.

You've been struggling for far too long obsessing about food and your body. You are ready for a change. It's time. Maybe you've been stuck restricting, emotional eating, binging, or over-exercising. You work hard to stick to the plan, but you just feel like you can’t be trusted around food. On the outside, everything looks great. People think you “have it all” but inside it feels like you’re a total fraud. Each day, you're determined to do things differently, to finally get things “under control,” but you're trapped on this never-ending cycle. You know there's got to be a better way, but you have no idea where to start.

Are you like me and have found when I seek to change anything in my life it is the most exciting, terrifying, rewarding, difficult and life altering experience? Deepak Chopra once said, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.” I have found this sentiment to be true in my personal life. Making the decision to change is a difficult choice, but I believe, the true path to healing and joy. In my career I have the pleasure of getting to know many different people from different walks of life and individuals in different phases. I have found the desire to better oneself to be the most amazing and rewarding work I could ever ask for.

Have you tried dealing with things on your own but need to reach out to a professional for yourself, your relationship, your child, or your parenting skills? I will work with you to help you gain understanding of your issue and gain insight about yourself. We will find tools to help you build resilience and coping skills, while enhancing your well-being. I hold a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental space, where we will work toward improvement and where you will receive understanding and empathy, while working toward your goals.

Growth and healing take time, and sometimes it can feel most overwhelming when we are in the midst of this process. On the journey towards change, we may have moments of feeling deeply lost, disconnected, or alone. I believe that the ability to shift struggle into strength is shaped by the relationship that you have with yourself. I aim to support teens and young adults in developing the skills and insight to navigate anxiety and depression as they adjust to many new types of life stressors. I hope to illuminate worthiness, value systems, and the capacity for resilience by breaking through barriers rooted in shame and self-doubt.

My practice is dedicated to providing a thoughtful and compassionate setting for clients to find more effective ways to address issues and concerns that are negatively impacting their lives. Together we will address emotional challenges related to past traumas, anxiety, sadness and depression, feelings of being overwhelmed, stuck or hopeless, identity development and relationship struggles to create balance and wellness.

Find ways to enhance your well being, health and personal growth in the here and now. Learn simple mind and body self-care practices to unblock paths for transformation to return to your essential nature. Learn to use words to move energy, balance your mind, body and spirit.

Are you finding it is hard to stay focused and take care of yourself while taking care of others? Perhaps you are navigating health challenges, chronic illness, chronic pain or are going through the process of pregnancy to postpartum. All of these experiences can really increase anxiety making daily tasks and responsibilities all that much harder to achieve. You put on a brave face so everyone thinks you have it all together & that you're fine, but that's not true. In fact, keeping up the façade that everything is great is leaving you feeling exhausted & you are ready for a change.

Do you find yourself worried, stressed, or not feeling good enough? Maybe you are a new mom feeling overwhelmed, feeling like you are failing, or missing your old life and old self and you're wondering if you will ever feel like you again. I believe that with the right tools and support, you can feel like yourself again, reconnect with yourself and your relationships, and live life on your terms. Whether you are facing a new challenge, difficulties within relationships, are pregnant, or are a new parent trying to adjust to life with a baby, I provide a safe, warm place and direct approach to help guide you along the path to healing.

If you are struggling with anxiety, sadness, or feelings of loneliness, I can help you. I provide a safe and compassionate space for you to process feelings and also release past trauma or other obstacles that may be preventing you from living a life filled with joy, healthy relationships, and success in your career.