Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Colleen Perry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Colleen Perry, M.F.T., is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937).Most people come to see a therapist because they are in emotional pain, physical pain, or both, as one often creates the other. I understand how vulnerable this can make you feel, so I am committed to giving my full attention and respect to the unique experience of each client. It is for this reason that I maintain a small “boutique” practice, where I listen to what you want for your life and together we create a course of treatment that meets your goals and needs.
Colleen Perry, M.F.T., is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937).Most people come to see a therapist because they are in emotional pain, physical pain, or both, as one often creates the other. I understand how vulnerable this can make you feel, so I am committed to giving my full attention and respect to the unique experience of each client. It is for this reason that I maintain a small “boutique” practice, where I listen to what you want for your life and together we create a course of treatment that meets your goals and needs.
Robert Grossbard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Specialty areas include hypnosis for pain management, anxiety, depression, and habit control.
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.
Specialty areas include hypnosis for pain management, anxiety, depression, and habit control.
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.
Sam Hopper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
Ronna Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I work with in a holistic way often in conjunction with other practitioners to help individuals with a variety of issues including; addictive behavior, illness, loss, trauma, mood, anxiey and panic, relationship and family issues, as well as in achieving goals in areas such as diet, sports and achievement.
I work in many ways depending on the unique situation of my clients.
I find that working on both a conscious and subconscious level to be extremely precise and powerful in getting to the root of a problem, changing patterns and programming, letting go, facilitating a natural healing process, and replacing unhealthy with healthy ways of fulfilling certain needs, and achieving certain goals.
I work with in a holistic way often in conjunction with other practitioners to help individuals with a variety of issues including; addictive behavior, illness, loss, trauma, mood, anxiey and panic, relationship and family issues, as well as in achieving goals in areas such as diet, sports and achievement.
I work in many ways depending on the unique situation of my clients.
I find that working on both a conscious and subconscious level to be extremely precise and powerful in getting to the root of a problem, changing patterns and programming, letting go, facilitating a natural healing process, and replacing unhealthy with healthy ways of fulfilling certain needs, and achieving certain goals.
Martha Jane Joachim
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I work with and train others to work effectively with diverse people, issues and modalities: relationships, parenting, seniors (Medicare), LGBT, illness, addiction, eating disorders, life challenges.
I have had many years of gratifying experience in deeply engaging with the people I work with, and training and supervising doctoral students and therapists (many on this site have been my students!). Discovering what has been causing personal distress, worry, loneliness, or disappointment is what transforms life. These underlying stresses can cause problems with relationship, career, mood, or just general feelings of dissatisfaction. The personal growth that blooms in the therapy opens doors inside and out, and creates the rich opportunities and experiences we all want in life.
I work with and train others to work effectively with diverse people, issues and modalities: relationships, parenting, seniors (Medicare), LGBT, illness, addiction, eating disorders, life challenges.
I have had many years of gratifying experience in deeply engaging with the people I work with, and training and supervising doctoral students and therapists (many on this site have been my students!). Discovering what has been causing personal distress, worry, loneliness, or disappointment is what transforms life. These underlying stresses can cause problems with relationship, career, mood, or just general feelings of dissatisfaction. The personal growth that blooms in the therapy opens doors inside and out, and creates the rich opportunities and experiences we all want in life.
Bahar Yaghoubian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
Kenneth M. Sabel
Psychologist, PsyD , SEP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
Ava Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
Andrew M. Stewart
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Thank you for your interest. You are probably here looking for help dealing with problems of living, loving, and working. Psychotherapy is an effective way to learn to cope better with thoughts, feelings, and experiences which may rob you of the joy of living.
Thank you for your interest. You are probably here looking for help dealing with problems of living, loving, and working. Psychotherapy is an effective way to learn to cope better with thoughts, feelings, and experiences which may rob you of the joy of living.
Diana Beck
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Therapy is a platform to identify and nurture your strengths, explore emotionally charged topics, and discover potentials in order to create a strong, loving relationship with yourself. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I work from an integrative framework, combining mindfulness, somatic interventions, and strengths based approaches.
Therapy is a platform to identify and nurture your strengths, explore emotionally charged topics, and discover potentials in order to create a strong, loving relationship with yourself. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I work from an integrative framework, combining mindfulness, somatic interventions, and strengths based approaches.
Ned Rodriquez
Psychologist, PhD, SEP, MA, Theo
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in state-of-the-art therapy to help persons recover from stressful life experiences (e.g., developmental/family-of-origin stress & trauma, child abuse, sexual trauma, violence/crime, accidents), through therapy that heals the mind, body, energy & spirit. I address all trauma reactions: Complex PTSD, Depression, Guilt/Shame & offer caring therapy that works by integrating research-validated & new leading-edge treatments. As a highly interactive therapist, I provide feedback & experiential exercises, & work hard to create a richer & more effective therapy experiencethan traditional talk therapy.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in state-of-the-art therapy to help persons recover from stressful life experiences (e.g., developmental/family-of-origin stress & trauma, child abuse, sexual trauma, violence/crime, accidents), through therapy that heals the mind, body, energy & spirit. I address all trauma reactions: Complex PTSD, Depression, Guilt/Shame & offer caring therapy that works by integrating research-validated & new leading-edge treatments. As a highly interactive therapist, I provide feedback & experiential exercises, & work hard to create a richer & more effective therapy experiencethan traditional talk therapy.
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James Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, DAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
Cari Ginger Smulyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” Brene Brown -Putting yourself first can be scary. Showing up in life can be overwhelming but I believe showing up is half the battle and from there we can create a collaborative therapeutic relationship to help you on your path of healing and self-discovery. I integrate principles of psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness and humanistic theoretical approaches into my work. I believe that by looking at events and relationships in our past can help us understand patterns in our present that no longer serve us or have made us feel stuck.
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” Brene Brown -Putting yourself first can be scary. Showing up in life can be overwhelming but I believe showing up is half the battle and from there we can create a collaborative therapeutic relationship to help you on your path of healing and self-discovery. I integrate principles of psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness and humanistic theoretical approaches into my work. I believe that by looking at events and relationships in our past can help us understand patterns in our present that no longer serve us or have made us feel stuck.
Robin S Cohen
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
An examined life IS worth living. In this stressful world, many of us are troubled by anxiety, worry, sadness and depression, as well as frustration in our relationships. Although it is easy to feel helpless to make changes in our lives, I have been a part of many amazing transformations coming about through therapy. Therapy is a collaboration and I am dedicated to and active in the process. I have extensive training and experience and I use a multiplicity of approaches, including psychotherapy, relational psychoanalysis, hypnosis, EMDR, somatic and mindfulness practices, to help change the mind and the brain.
An examined life IS worth living. In this stressful world, many of us are troubled by anxiety, worry, sadness and depression, as well as frustration in our relationships. Although it is easy to feel helpless to make changes in our lives, I have been a part of many amazing transformations coming about through therapy. Therapy is a collaboration and I am dedicated to and active in the process. I have extensive training and experience and I use a multiplicity of approaches, including psychotherapy, relational psychoanalysis, hypnosis, EMDR, somatic and mindfulness practices, to help change the mind and the brain.
Sarah Segal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Have you noticed that it's in the places you are supposed to be most relaxed (meditation, vacation, weekends, sleep) that your mind feels louder than ever? It might feel like the idea of letting your thoughts go is meant for “normal” people and that does not include you. Maybe you stand guard to keep yourself from your worst case, as if your attention to your thoughts keeps you from descending into unimaginable fear. All the advice you get from those closest to you feels so out of touch with the agony of daily doubts around the things that matter most. I can help you sift through the noise and regain your confidence in yourself.
Have you noticed that it's in the places you are supposed to be most relaxed (meditation, vacation, weekends, sleep) that your mind feels louder than ever? It might feel like the idea of letting your thoughts go is meant for “normal” people and that does not include you. Maybe you stand guard to keep yourself from your worst case, as if your attention to your thoughts keeps you from descending into unimaginable fear. All the advice you get from those closest to you feels so out of touch with the agony of daily doubts around the things that matter most. I can help you sift through the noise and regain your confidence in yourself.
Sum Yee Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
As an Asian woman who has straddled two cultures for many years, I have a deep understanding of the struggles Asian women and men face in relationships, family life, and the workplace. I also know that our unique cultural history and cultural norms can present so many obstacles to healing emotional injuries and finding emotional health.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, anxious and guilty, inadequate, overwhelmed, conflicted, or depressed, I understand. And I have the experience to help you find concrete, practical solutions to these emotional challenges, yielding timely results. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
As an Asian woman who has straddled two cultures for many years, I have a deep understanding of the struggles Asian women and men face in relationships, family life, and the workplace. I also know that our unique cultural history and cultural norms can present so many obstacles to healing emotional injuries and finding emotional health.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, anxious and guilty, inadequate, overwhelmed, conflicted, or depressed, I understand. And I have the experience to help you find concrete, practical solutions to these emotional challenges, yielding timely results. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
Stephen A. Diamond
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Diamond has been practicing psychotherapy for 45 years and is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. He is the author of Anger, Madness, and the Daimonic: The Psychological Genesis of Violence, Evil and Creativity (1996), and contributed chapters to Meeting the Shadow (1990), Spirituality & Psychological Health (2005), Encyclopedia of Psychology & Religion (2009), and Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling & Psychotherapy (SAGE, 2015). Diamond's unique treatment approach (Existential Depth Psychology) is a fusion of psychodynamic and existential therapy, with an emphasis on C.G. Jung's analytical psychology.
Dr. Diamond has been practicing psychotherapy for 45 years and is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. He is the author of Anger, Madness, and the Daimonic: The Psychological Genesis of Violence, Evil and Creativity (1996), and contributed chapters to Meeting the Shadow (1990), Spirituality & Psychological Health (2005), Encyclopedia of Psychology & Religion (2009), and Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling & Psychotherapy (SAGE, 2015). Diamond's unique treatment approach (Existential Depth Psychology) is a fusion of psychodynamic and existential therapy, with an emphasis on C.G. Jung's analytical psychology.
Iris Nathaniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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'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.
Jaime Carrillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Jaime Carrillo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe having someone to talk to is incredibly important. I try to offer a warm and collaborative approach with my clients, and provide a safe and non judgmental space to work through whatever struggles you are facing.
Hi there, my name is Jaime Carrillo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe having someone to talk to is incredibly important. I try to offer a warm and collaborative approach with my clients, and provide a safe and non judgmental space to work through whatever struggles you are facing.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
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Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.