Therapists in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA

Sometimes all it takes is an outside perspective to be the catalyst for change. But let’s be real, change can be hard, especially when we feel we “should” be able to do it on our own. If there’s one take away message here, it’s that you do not have to do the hard work alone. I hope to be the one by your side on this journey. I aim to treat adult individuals and couples who struggle with a variety of concerns including, but not limited to, depression, mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal mental health struggles, identity development, LGBTQIA+ and other minority group stressors, and life transitions.

Scanning through this website trying to discern which therapist will be a good fit from a photograph and a blurb is tricky and also a sign of the times. Ideally less time is spent searching the web for answers and more can be spent with a person whose sole intention is to understand the complexities of your point of view, your experiences and facilitate you getting to where you want to go, while walking right along side you. Depression, anxiety, trauma, distorted relationship with food, difficulty being productive; these are all areas I feel confident I can help you with.

I'm Cassandra, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I've worked with people struggling with relationship issues, women's issues, infertility, marital/pre-marital issues, spirituality, and more. My ideal client is someone who is struggling with knowing what to do next. They are likely overwhelmed but are also tired of inaction and are trying to find a way out of the mess. My top modalities are CBT, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based therapy. I also like to practice faith-based counseling but that is something that a client would have to request.

Do you feel disconnected from living a vibrant and engaged life? Do the simplest tasks stand before you like an ocean? Are relationships a source of emotional pain in your life? Our ability to make sense of our emotional experiences can be the key to releasing emotional pain and suffering. Often times, our own cultural perceptions of mental health can prevent us from seeking the help that we need. My personal and professional experiences have influenced my understanding of the value of promoting mental health and how simple changes can have a profound effect on our lives.

The techniques I have discovered and found useful on my own healing journey have become the foundation for my practice as a holistic psychotherapist. My passion lies in creating a sacred and compassionate space where individuals can embark on a transformative exploration of their inner worlds, healing past trauma or negative beliefs so that they can fully live in the present moment. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, recognizing the uniqueness of each person's experience and honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

People thrive when they feel a sense of purpose and connection to themselves and others. Most people come to see me when something is missing from their lives, be it purpose, connection, or both. Depression and/or anxiety may be at work. Anger or grief could consume more of their time and focus. Others feel stagnant, confused, expressing a lack of motivation and self-worth. Finding a safe place to explore your current struggles is possible in therapy. To achieve the meaningful changes you desire, seeking professional help is an effective option.

Are you in your 20s or 30s and concerned about your mental health? Maybe you have been feeling anxious or depressed and just want to feel better. Perhaps it has reached point where people in your life are suggesting that you talk to someone. Contrary to popular belief, young adulthood can be a difficult phase of life. Many struggle with finding a healthy relationship, a community of friends and a meaningful career path. Therapy can be helpful in reducing painful feelings and overcoming obstacles towards a more fulfilling life.

I have been a psychotherapist for over a decade and I treat children, adolescents, and adults. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. Some of my areas of expertise include with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, divorce, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and parenting. I give my clients a safe space to process their emotions, learn how to manage stressors, and lead more meaningful lives.

Welcome to my practice! In our sessions, you will feel safe enough to be rigorously honest with me, without fear of judgement. I will meet you with the compassion and discernment you need in order to heal. I specialize in treating sex addiction, codependency, betrayal trauma, love addiction, substance abuse, partners of addicts and complex couples. We will work through the underlying emotional content (trauma, unresolved grief and abandonment wounds) that fuel the negative patterns. Together, we will restructure your internal landscape so you can achieve your goals and bring purpose to your life.

Too often it feels like we "should" do something - or feel pressured by thoughts of what others think of us. Carrying these burdens can feel like abandonment, sadness, worry, shame or being generally overwhelmed. My goal is to help stop this cycle by developing a deeper understanding of your own true feelings. Together, we can build your sense of confidence so you can speak your own truth - ultimately, creating the kind of life, career and relationships you want.

I am a LMFT and Somatic Experiencing practitioner with over 20 years experience working with adults, families, and adolescents. Using a combination of Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy, I focus on helping you to become more self-aware in both mind and body, in order to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms you might be feeling. We will address areas you may be feeling stuck, discover underlying causes, and learn ways to relieve these symptoms from the body and better manage the thoughts in our mind. Clients have told me, "You've taught me a more patient way of thinking."

I specialize in treating highly gifted & highly sensitive people, relationship issues, family systems, anxiety, depression, individuation, compulsion, trauma, and dream work. I have seen the depths of pain and shame in the therapy room. I have compassion for your struggle and am ready to be your ally on the path of healing. The process of psychotherapy is a deeply personal, introspective undertaking. Together we will recognize the wounds, trauma, and disappointments that have befallen you and begin the process of remedy, integration, and repair. In this emotionally safe harbor you can press up against your edges and find compassion.

As a clinician with over fifteen years of experience in diverse cities, there is no "one approach" to therapy; the process is individual and directed by your needs. My philosophical belief is that therapy is a place where you can reflect on how best to navigate your life. With you guiding, we work together to better relationships, improve communication, and move through transitions. I treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, work/life management, major life transitions, and trauma. Central to successful therapy is making sure that we have a "goodness of fit" between therapist and client.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Hypnotherapist who truly enjoy helping people live their lives to their full potential. I see challenges in life as opportunities for growth, and invitation to better ourselves. I have a masters degree in clinical psychology and working in the mental health field for over a decade helping clients achieve successful results.

TELEHEALTH OFFERED! WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? In the 21st century global economy, Anger is a major challenge! Although a valid emotion, unmonitored, it can lead to stress, inappropriate behavior, and violence. A former Tenured Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, I earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Publications include books (Amazon Bestsellers), 9 chapters, and refereed journal articles. Anger is frequently the antecedent to a myriad of issues. My goal is to facilitate the identification of viable solutions. I have 6 Full Clinical Licenses in 5 States-CA, IL, IN, MI, & NV.

The fabric of our lives is interwoven to create a tapestry that is unique to our experiences. At times, some of those experiences can feel overwhelming and confusing to make sense of. Therapy is a highly creative process that allows for weaving in and expanding upon parts of the tapestry, to provide a more robust and multidimensional landscape. So often, we hide parts of ourselves that feel unacceptable and intolerable to others. Together, we can be curious and inviting, creating a space for all of these parts of yourself to be present so that you can foster better relations with yourself and others.

Life can feel overwhelming and unmanageable at times. Often those feelings can seep into your relationships and daily life, creating conflict and confusion. You can begin to question your worth and value to yourself and others, and you can begin to see everything through the lens of those feelings. The ways in which you try to cope with those feelings are often linked to experiences in your past, and they are likely keeping you from creating the fulfilling and meaningful present you desperately want.

These are difficult times navigating the on-going effects of the pandemic, US politics, climate change, and other global issues - all on top of your daily struggles. Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or fatigued? Are your relationships under stress? Are you dealing with job insecurity or a career change? If you're in need of support and looking to make some sense of these trying times, then please reach out. Together we can identify the problems you are experiencing, and find ways to make sustainable, meaningful changes and find personal growth.

Right now you may be in need and suffering? The body has a deep intelligence and sometimes our attention is required to feel well again. Take a moment to notice that you're breathing. When you're ready take two or three long deep breaths. You have more control than you think.