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.

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.

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.

*Accepting new clients* My first goal as a therapist is to establish a genuine connection with my clients. Feeling understood, cared for, and emotionally linked to the person we share our inner thoughts and feelings with is essential in building a therapeutic alliance. Reflection of ourselves in a contained and safe environment enables the opportunity to recognize and change barriers in our lives that inhibit growth and an overall sense of well-being. With guidance and support, my clients develop new coping skills and strategies to work through life's challenges while repairing emotional and psychological wounds.

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.

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.

Have you tried dealing with things on your own but still need help for yourself, your relationship, or your children? I will work with you to help you gain understanding of yourself and how you interact with your world. 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 on your issues and where you will receive understanding and empathy, while working toward your goals.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I work from the belief that the answers are already within you, waiting to be unlocked. My role as your therapist is to help you remove psychological blocks that hinder you from fully becoming who you are meant to be. We will work together to explore and move past these blocks in an open, trusting, and non-judgmental way. The ultimate goal being a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and well being in your life.

I believe that well-being is a right not a privilege and that everyone is hungry for meaning, purpose and connection. The absence of these things can lead to disorder and dysfunction. The greatest gift of being a therapist is helping people of all ages let go of unhealthy coping skills and cultivate an authentic, full life. In my practice, I focus on the specific needs and goals of the individual, couple or family. Through story, intervention, tools, and feedback I help my clients address the issues that are preventing them from moving forward in their lives and ultimately to reclaim their true selves.