I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Professor of Psychology. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to parenting support, couples counseling, individual therapy, and psychological testing. I offer my services in a comfortable, non-judgmental, and supportive atmosphere in English and Farsi.

It’s hard to imagine what your life could be like when we go through in rough patches that often become discouraging and/or normalized. This can then lead to unforeseen problems and unconscious patterns within us and within our relationships. The good news is that this is normal human behavior, however, when we are going through these struggles, we sometimes need support in changing. Change is essential for growth and I can help you with this transition if you are ready for the challenge. I know change is not the most comfortable process but it can be rewarding so that you not only heal from your symptoms but you can also thrive.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or anger? Do you feel confused or alone? Is your child or teen anxious, angry, or struggling with social skills? Talking issues over with a caring and competent professional can make a difference. I'd count it a privilege to work with you to bring relief and a deeper understanding of yourself or your child.

If you have tried to resolve relationship issues or other life complications on your own and things still haven't changed, I can help get you to where you want to go. I specialize in working with adults (individuals & couples) regarding relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, divorce, parenting problems and difficult life transitions. Every client is different and your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your needs. We will work together to develop the strategies that will be most effective for you.

I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, Michael Used Evidence Based Practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving to help you be more of yourself again. Whether you need to speak to someone about your relationships, your future or your child, Michael is here to listen and ask you the right questions to help you more fully understand what choices you need to make to improve your life.

Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.

Many of us face crossroads in our lives, such as transitional times with family, friends and / or work in which we are struggling to cope. It may be yourself or a family member trying to come to terms with life challenges. You may find yourself stuck and don’t feel you can handle normal routine. Anxiety and/or depression may be a little too much, leaving questions of where to turn and with whom to share. I am here help you gain control and return to / or create your best self.

Everyone struggles with the challenges of life and everyone can use some help once in awhile to get through a difficult period. Challenging times can be scary and overwhelming, but they can also present an opportunity for growth and positive change if managed appropriately. In my practice, I work collaboratively and interactively with teens and adults to help identify and solve problems that get in the way of achieving life aspirations. The goal of therapy is to empower people to live richer and more satisfying lives. I use a compassionate approach when helping people make changes in their lives.

I am a bilingual (Spanish-English) clinician dedicated to assist persons who are interested in identifying their endless source of inner power that resides in each of them that is needed for self-actualization and transformation. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and other psychological problems may conceal & compromise emotional growth and disrupt normal functioning leading to develop destructive coping mechanisms such as addictions & anger problems among other difficulties. Children and adolescents might develop behavioural problems and symptoms that can be very similar to ADHD that need a thoroughly assessment for an accurate diagnosis in order to design the correct treatment.

I utilize evidence-based approaches in my work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples/families, drawing upon techniques originating in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (including exposure-based therapies), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and attachment-based approaches to therapy (including those involving mentalization). I specialize in anxiety, trauma, eating/weight, or relationship issues, and adopt an individualized, culturally sensitive approach with each client. I view therapy as an opportunity for the client to share, to learn, and to grow through a close connection.

*Phone Sessions Available during Covid* Everyone has a different personality and a unique set of problems, so everyone’s path to healing should be designed differently. I believe in customized and creative solutions for people. I use EMDR, CBT and other scientifically proven methods of treatment in a non judgmental, empathetic way. We will focus on utilizing your individual strengths to help you to better cope with the battles you are facing. Whether its stress, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression or loss that’s causing your pain, I want to help you feel better fast.

My work is solution focused. I work in a Family Systems Orientation to help bring context to what is happening today and a Cognitive Behavioral Orientation to help clients make adjustments in the present. Our past family experiences are important. What we learned in our family is very much related to how we do life today. But sometimes, I think, people may invest an inordinate amount of their time and resources analyzing the problems of the past. In doing so they may miss the exceptions to those problems that hold the key to change.

If you are feeling like finding the right therapist in the seemingly endless list of qualified professionals is overwhelming and off-putting, you are not alone. In fact, most people are confused about whether they need an MFT (therapist), a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. It can be confusing! I'm sure that you want to find someone who is easy to talk to and who is highly trained, but mostly you're looking for someone with whom you feel a connection. This is true for most of us. Read on... I think that you might be in the right place.

For over 30 years I have been helping my clients to discover new ways to deal with their problems and to begin thriving rather than merely surviving in their lives. My greatest strength is moving people from crisis to change. My openness and forthright style with clients provide them the opportunity for understanding, personal growth, and change. I view therapy as an educational as well as therapeutic experience. My style is primarily interactive. I am supportive, caring and process oriented. I have extensive experience with mental health, hospitals and schools. I love working with people in all stages and ages of their lives!

Our *ORANGE COUNTY* Practice, Specializes with Individuals *Marriages/Couples ( 8 to 12 sessions ) *Infidelity *Intimacy *Alcohol Treatment *Anxiety/Depression/Panic Attacks *Lying *Addictions *Anger & Control & Emotional Abuse. We Help our Couples & Individuals in our Practice by Co-Leading our Workshops Together, in order to Have a Female/Male Perspective. For our Couples, their are always going to be Problems, but it is the *Communication Process* that stays Constant throughout your Challenges. Dr. Mitch & Lisa have been in Practice for over 25+ years working together to help our clients and we really are Caring Professionals.

As a therapist and brain health coach, I work with individuals, couples and families to help guide and support the process of change, growth and overall wellbeing. I have 15 years of experience working with youth and parents in a variety of settings, over 12 years of experience supporting individuals in their health and wellness goals, and nine years of experience working at the Amen Clinics in Orange County providing therapy, coaching, and brain health assessment and education. I have facilitated groups for brain health optimization, anxiety and depression, Love and Logic Parenting, Creating Brain Healthy Families, and weight loss.

I appreciate how difficult and scary it can be reaching out for help, but you have already taken the first step by visiting my website. With my warm, non-judgmental and understanding approach, I will help you on your journey to understand the difficulties you are facing. I work with adults to successfully reduce stress, anxiety and depression; strengthen friendships and relationships at work and at home, resolve grief, past traumas, and internal conflict, modify negative thinking and self-destructive behaviors, build self-esteem, foster self-discovery, and help improve one's overall quality of life experiences.

So you have a new baby. And it's nothing like you thought it would be. The sleepless nights, the frustrations around breastfeeding, and the general feeling of loss of control are just getting to you. You haven't showered in days, don't feel like yourself anymore, and the thriving career woman you once were seems like a distant memory. You've read all of the parenting books, asked questions in the facebook mommy groups, and the advice that you keep on hearing just doesn't seem to work for you and your growing family. You are fighting with your spouse more than ever before. You are feeling helpless, hopeless, and overwhelmed.

Are you looking to become a better, happier, and healthier person? Are you hoping to gain a deeper understanding and love for yourself and others? Psychotherapy includes improving the quality of your life, self-guidance, and/or managing more serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. As an experienced psychologist, I help you achieve your goals. We attain your emotional alignment, and look at and face truth in you. It may sound a little bit scary and challenging, but together, we can do it. You will fully be authentic to yourself and experience real joy in your life. Call me at (310) 933-6281 for consultation.