Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

Let's face it...life happens! We try our best to make the environment around us as comfortable as possible for ourselves, and many times we succeed. Then, there are those times when we just feel stuck and frustrated, perhaps even discouraged. Often, if we stay in those 'stuck' places for too long, we end up feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, angry, insecure, vulnerable, unmotivated, or just plain moody. It almost feels like there's some hidden knowledge that could unlock that 'stuck' feeling and let us get back to, or begin, feeling motivated and confident about the direction of our lives.

If you are looking for a change from talk therapy to help you achieve your goals, please contact me. I specialize in use of Brain Based Therapies and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and EEG informed Neurofeedback. Brain-based therapies are one of the fastest-growing areas in psychological health and combine the strength of brain-based, somatic and talk therapies into a powerful healing process. Together we can accelerate the ability for your brain to activate its own natural healing.

My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, empathetic and unique to each individual's personal needs. I believe the most important component of therapy is establishing a genuine, trusting connection. I strive to create a therapeutic environment in which the clients feel respected, supported and understood in order to actively explore deep personal issues and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving about their present and future. During our process, we will explore emotions and relationships that impact your life. Together we will clarify the development of thoughts and feelings and understand how they shape us.

I am Cheri McDonald Ph.D., LMFT, PATP, a creative visionary with a passion for healing individuals, families, and communities. Drawing from my 35-year private psychotherapy practice at A Place To Turn, I've cultivated wisdom and knowledge that form the foundation of my Holistic Integral Training (HIT). This modality leads to profound, long-lasting healing in the mind, body, and spirit. I stand as a holistic leader and mentor in the mental health realm. With the transformation of the world today and the increasing need to provide healing for the most complex times, I have founded Alternative Place 2 Turn, LLC..

Hope and Change. The counseling relationship that we will engage in together, will not be the traditional, canned approach to therapy; but a unique, individualized and insightful look at your needs and desires. Life is not just about problems to be solved but solutions to be lived. I specialize in creating additional resources and groups to facilitate a whole life treatment plan. Below I have listed some of my "Thriving" groups for health, wellness and growth. Along with the groups below I have other Men's, Women's and Co-gender groups. Please call for more information of days and times.

Is your child experiencing problems at school, difficulty making or keeping friends, tantrums, constant worrying or nightmares? I have a passion for working with children and families, and I'm here to help. There is so much pressure today to be a "perfect" parent, and admitting that you need support can be difficult. My goal is to create a safe space for you and your child to work together to problem-solve and get through challenging times.

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.

Are you experiencing difficulties adjusting to separation, divorce, chronic illness, or loss of a loved one? Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship problems that make you feel stuck? We all go through transitions in life, and at times, may need support to feel empowered and whole again. As a therapist, I offer an atmosphere of warmth, empathy, openness, and creativity to help you take control of your life and make meaningful changes. I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families during their difficult times and help them to reach their goals toward a healthier life and thrive.

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.

Therapy is learning to use yourself as source for truth. It is my honor to be able to support and guide my clients through this process. I hold the perception that we are all creative beings who are artists of our own lives. I believe that every individual has a unique blueprint and a unique way of living. When we paint with the colors that ignite our truest essence, we become tuned and we attract what is in alignment with us. Yet to do so, we must know and understand ourselves. It is in this impactful space where we can find tremendous healing, growth and elevation.

Trusting and developing our capacities to navigate and effect even the most painful, stressful and overwhelming experiences, is key to overall health, well-being and growth. Understanding our early development and how it touches our present, defining boundaries; internally with thoughts, feelings and expectations, and externally with others, feeling secure in relationships, and being mindful and effective in communicating and reacting, are valuable ways of managing emotional and mental health issues and enhancing peace, trust, healing and growth. I work successfully with clients to develop these traits and states of being.

I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional, relational, or other phase of life changes. The way I do this is sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. As we work together in a safe, non judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives.

25 years as a clinical social worker has taught me that finding the right therapist is like trying on a pair of shoes. It has to be the right fit for you to start the journey of self-exploration. I believe in a strength based approach, where we not only explore the issues that brought you to therapy, but we explore how to expand the things that bring you joy and happiness. As Dr. Seuss once said, “life is a great balancing act” and he could not have been more right.

EVENING APPTS. I chose a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to help individuals suffering with the emotional pain and upheaval that life's ups and downs can bring. I enjoy a close working relationship and collaborative trust based connection with my patients, which brings the reward of personal growth and stimulates the healing process. With more than 28 years in the mental health profession, and 25+ years in private practice, I continue working to expand my education and experience to include a wide variety of psychotherapeutical skill sets.

All of life's unknowns can be terrifying, but everything you want for yourself to live your best life is on the other side of fear. Often it requires us to be much more compassionate with ourselves on our way towards growth. Compassion to recognize that growth takes time and moving from point A to Z doesn’t happen overnight. Change is clearly not easy. If it were there would be no need for anyone’s assistance as we grow and change. When we distract ourselves in any way, such as with tv, cleaning, alcohol, or any other means of checking out, we are in a state of avoidance.

For over 30 years, I've helped adults, couples, children, and parents move past hurdles that got in the way of having better lives and stronger, more loving relationships. My clients are often successful, with lives that look good and in many ways, are good. But so often underneath are feelings of unworthiness, perfectionism, chronic stress, ineffectiveness, loneliness, and a need to please. We'll get to know you and your needs; understand early experiences that drive many of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and take advantage of your brain's natural ability to "rewire" itself as you move toward change.

Are you Autistic or ADHD? I support self-identified and professionally assessed neurodivergent teens and adults. My clients need help with executive functioning, anxiety, and letting go of shame and self-doubt. I am a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist and emphasize building a loving relationship with one's self. Many of my clients have dealt with a history of invalidation, a lack of proper support, or are seeking specialized help. Often I see neurodivergent folks who have seen previous providers that have been unable to help them find wellness.

I specialize in clients who have lost direction or focus and whose personal challenges, including depression, trauma and low self image, have pushed them “off course”. I assist my clients in identifying the aspects of their lives that present obstacles and partner with them to develop strategies to overcome them. Our collaboration allows the client to redirect his/her path and move forward with an increased confidence and renewed spirit.

At A Place to Turn, we understand that your journey to well-being is unique, and our approach to holistic healing is tailored to meet your individual needs. Our ideal client is someone seeking not just relief from symptoms but a comprehensive transformation that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Their goal is beyond symptom relief but a profound sense of balance, purpose, and vitality. Our clients desire a holistic approach seeking the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. A Place to Turn becomes the refuge where their needs for deep healing, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose converge.