Family Systems Therapists in 94107

In these difficult times, it’s normal to feel inundated by our stressful environment. Maybe you’re looking for healing, or motivation to realize your full potential. My passion is helping adolescents and adults realize healthy perceptions of themselves while developing resilient habits and lasting coping strategies.

As a person originally trained in psychodynamics, I care greatly about the experiences and relationships that have shaped you. I am currently perusing more training and consultation in Internal Family Systems and trauma informed approaches. Of primary focus, in my work with clients, is the therapeutic relationship. It is here that our patterns of relating often reveal themselves. Through the safe container of therapy, I invite my clients into new ways of being that invite more creativity, flexibility and deeper relationships.

I am a licensed psychotherapist who works with people for whom shame is a driving force in decisions, behavior and relationships. There is relief to be found. Having experienced my own struggles and divergence from a typical path, I understand what it's like to be out of ideas, despite your intellect or your deepest desires to change. At the root of our distress is an attempt to feel relief from fear and uncertainty. I also help couples reframe their communication by exploring attachment styles. I can help you reframe deeply ingrained beliefs that may be blocking you. I believe that to "change" is to become who you are meant to be.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of mental health experience. I work with children, adults, older adults couples, and families. I have a wealth of diverse experience which includes mood / anxiety disorders, substance disorders (chronic alcoholism and eating disorders), and providing couples and family treatment. I specialize in trauma and relationships. Healing is often a hard and painful process, but it also can be joyful and lead to a more fulfilling life and improved relationships. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey towards happiness, acceptance, greater intimacy, peace, and recovery.

How do you wish to engage in life? Are you getting what you want? Are you getting too much of what you don’t want? We average over 6000 (mostly negative) thoughts a day. Are you wishing for more loving relationships, good will, affection and purpose in your life? Pain rolls through our lives and understandably we wish to avoid it. We often deflect pain but inevitably it returns. Our habitual behaviors take root over many years, often initially helpful but later in life constrict us. I offer an approach to notice how you incur distress by turning toward what you wish to avoid with a sense of curiosity and care.

Life can be difficult, challenging, and overwhelming at times. I am here to partner with you and assist you in your journey toward growth and wellness.

As a native of Southern California, I deeply connect with the diverse communities I serve. My passion for advancing the field of Marriage and Family Therapy led me to pursue extensive education and training, culminating in a Doctoral degree. With a strong foundation in research, clinical practice, and business, I founded two impactful ventures in 2023: The Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), a California non-profit, and The Institute for Relational Well-being, a national practice. These initiatives reflect my unwavering commitment to enhancing mental health services and promoting community well-being.

Are you feeling stuck? Are you struggling with relationships or work fulfillment? Do you want to feel joyful, satisfied, and less anxious? I care about your well-being and helping you find happiness and balance is my passion. My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. I can help you understand and change the negative patterns that contribute to your emotional distress. I’ll teach you innovative techniques to enhance your mood, improve your relationships, and live a happier, more meaningful life. As a former corporate high-tech employee, an Asian immigrant, and an LGBTQ person of color, I can relate to many of your struggles.

Are anxiety and overwhelm robbing you of the ability to live your life confidently? Lately you feel like you've been having more bad days than good days. Self critical thoughts and spiraling worst case scenarios crowd your mind. Your friends, family, or partner want to help but they don't know how. Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to work? Have you recently realized, "something has to change here." If you are looking to learn new skills and get to know yourself again, you have come to the right place. I work together with my clients to break this anxious cycle and finally start to do things differently.

My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.

My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.

Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.

I counsel individuals, couples and families, helping them to restore hope, find solutions and transform their lives. I have extensive experience working with trauma issues, from the little hurts and rejections we go through every day, to childhood abuse and neglect. I work with individuals of all ages struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and those with a history of trauma.

Life used to be easier! Perhaps you feel stuck in your relationships and you are not getting along with the people you see daily. Issues in life can be overwhelming and full of challenges. I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or healing, and whether trauma, abuse, grieving, recovery or life issues, we work together to overcome them. There is hope. Let me help you reach the goals and connections you deserve. With sensitivity and compassion, we work to determine what might be blocking your full potential and your feelings.

One way that people can cope with trauma, anxiety and depression is to distract ourselves with work. While this is a functional way to survive, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, numbness, extreme stress and burnout. Future goals and dreams may feel hopeless, you may be feeling like it is getting harder and harder just to move through your day. It may become challenging to connect with others and perhaps impossible to connect with any joy. In these times of uncertainty, it makes sense that we would be reaching out for support, reevaluating what is important and talking through ideas on how to move forward.

It's a challenge to be in this world. You want to be considerate and kind; you also want to fulfill your potential. Were you were raised with a lot of "shoulds"? Were you told to control or ignore your feelings? Are there issues with anger- yours or anger from loved ones? Anger can lead to feelings of shame. But finding the feelings beneath the anger, you can accept and love yourself. And that can change your life. Here's an old, fun riddle about therapy: "How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?" "One- but the lightbulb has to want to change." My ideal client may not know how to, but they want to change.

Sometimes it can be difficult to sort out all our feelings, especially when things are messy, confusing, and overwhelming. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from counseling to process the feelings that come with human experience. At the foundation of my practice is forming a strong therapeutic relationship with you. I believe the quality of our relationship is the basis of what can lead to healing. Gaining greater insight into yourself can help you carry out how you want to be in the world.

I offer sensitive, humanistically-oriented psychotherapy to clients; and psychodiagnostic consultation to mental health, medical, and legal professionals.

I am passionate and dedicated to creating a trusting relationship and safe space for the process of narrating your personal story. Over 10 years I've worked in community-based programs with both teens and adults. I especially enjoy working with young people ages 16 to 25 (Transitional Aged Youth) a population that’s often overlooked and underserved. Having personally struggled myself during that time, I know how to identify with that challenging life transition and sometimes overwhelming decisions of "What's next?" let alone the bigger question of "Who am I?".