It's never too late to start living the life you were created to live. Whether your goal is self empowerment, healing from childhood trauma, recovering from addiction/alcoholism, changing self-sabotaging behavior, or healthier relational patterns, the therapeutic relationship is significant in the growth process. Healing from past wounds creates a space for more satisfying relationships with self and others. ~ "Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us." David Richo...

I understand that life can be difficult and at times and even overwhelming. My goal is to be a genuine support to you and help you learn new ways to cope through your struggles. I have extensive experience in helping people who are facing difficult experiences. I believe you have the ability to make your life better, to grow as a person and to overcome your current struggles.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Palos Verdes. I have extensive experience in the treatment of depression and anxiety, especially in regard to trauma, loss, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. I believe that individuals who participate in therapy have an invaluable opportunity to enhance their personal lives and relationships in very powerful and meaningful ways.

Christal-Joi Whitaker is a marriage and family therapist with over 17 years of clinical experience facilitating transformative life changes in adult and child clients of all cultures and beliefs. Her goal is to help her clients realize their authentic selves, walk in harmony with their true nature, and live stable, healthy lives filled with the love of rich and rewarding relationships. Christal-Joi is able to incorporate a biblical perspective in her clinical interventions with those clients who are seeking a therapist who shares their love for Jesus Christ.

I provide a safe and secure environment to explore experiences, gain insight and awareness to reach your goals. I believe that we all possess the necessary tools to overcome the challenges, difficulties, or changes in our lives. Often we struggle to find the tools we need in challenging times. I can assist you in recognizing and creating your tools in order for you to be successful in your life’s journey.

Usually we don't seek help unless we feel we are in some kind of crisis. With that in mind, I am sorry you are here... And yet, welcome. Welcome to the opportunity you are facing to make this hard time turn into strength, competence, satisfaction, peace and connection with yourself and others. Ideally, that is what good therapy does. You might not have the hope that can happen just yet, but I do. It is my belief that everything good is worth working toward. As a therapist, I will work with you collaboratively toward the goals you prioritize.

It’s hard to tune out those inner critics that leave us feeling not good enough, alone, and hopeless. Sometimes we have difficult thoughts and experiences we have never shared with anyone that also leave us feeling nervous, disconnected and depleted. What if you could take all that negativity and use it to fuel creativity? A kind of creativity that offers healing and liberation from the hurt- one that allows movement when we are stuck. In therapy with me you will express yourself with more than just talk. My approach is empathic, gender affirming, culturally humble, LGBTQIA+ celebrating, radically accepting, and direct.

My approach to therapy is, first and foremost, about the relationship between therapist and client. I view acceptance, compassion, authenticity, and respect as the building blocks of a therapeutic relationship. People often come to therapy searching for relief from the challenges that detract from joy in their lives, such as stress and depression or struggles in their relationships. I work with clients to build a personal connection that is collaborative, supportive, and challenging, which can ultimately promote growth toward a life that feels more fulfilling and satisfying.

"Feeling connected and understood is one of the greatest gifts of therapy. Another is not feeling alone as you face the burden of your personal struggle. I am here to listen, encourage, and acknowledge you. Together we can discover how to reduce your anxiety and depression. We can grieve your losses and you will learn how to trust in your ability to move forward. Whether it is the violation of health issues, the breakup from a relationship, or the persistent wounds of childhood, life can be different and more meaningful. There is hope and possibility."

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, or something about yourself that you don't like, give me a call -- I can probably help. I'm experienced both clinically and in the world, and have a warm professional style. Most of my clients are adults in the South Bay or West LA; they include executives, artists, business associates, lawyers, health professionals, scientists, teachers, and students.

How can I help you accomplish your mental and emotional goals? Let's chat, let's get to the root of the issue, let's talk about why you're thinking of making this phone call. We all need someone to process the hardships at some point in our lives. I am here to provide a safe, holistic, and authentic environment for you to unravel whatever it is that is weighing on you. Let's release the pain, the hurt, the self-doubt, and discover your potential.

"My goal is to help you reach your goals. With insight, education and support, my clients come and go, returning when they want support on their next step." Adoption support is available.

Wanting to feel better but not knowing how to make that happen is something we all struggle with at one time or another. Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is admit we need some outside help. It can also be the bravest thing we can do.

Welcome! You've likely found this page because you or a loved one is in need of social, emotional, or behavioral support. Maybe you're feeling depressed or anxious. Perhaps your child's behaviors are out of control. Perhaps you're experiencing relationship issues with your significant other or members of your family. What about a big life transition? COVID-19 anxiety or depression? These are common problems that my clients come to me for support. In therapy, my clients learn to self-manage their issues, find insight, & control the variables in life that they can control.

Everyone has within them the ability to attain personal growth by gaining insight into their unique strengths. During times of stress, this inner resilience can be called upon to guide them in discovering purpose and meaning in their lives, improving interpersonal relationships, and adapting to healthier patterns of relating to others. I take a collaborative, yet challenging approach in assisting children, adults, couples, and families on their path towards positive change. I use a solution-focused exploration of current struggles to help them break unhealthy patterns and develop coping skills and a sense of hope and strength.

Children and adults face many challenges in their daily lives and can benefit from the support of a therapeutic relationship. With over 20 years experience as a crisis counselor and psychotherapist, I'm passionate about helping people build healthier, more satisfying relationships and lives. I use a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic orientation when working with clients. This approach focuses on reducing stressors and building on strengths by enhancing insight and understanding and ultimately replacing negative behavior and communication patterns with healthier ones. I work with compassion and respect while actively, yet gently guiding clients to progress toward awareness, growth and healing.

Part of therapy is knowing, excepting what you really want and desire as well as why you want it. What you want depends on what you think, if you wish to change what you want, or get what you want you may have to change how you think. That entails exploring and looking at yourself in new ways. You need a more accurate feedback system. That is part of therapy as well. I provide a space and warm acceptance for that part of you to find a voice. Where we find answers to the more fulfilling life that you desire, along with the tools in confidence to sustain it.

I work with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I quickly get to know my clients so that we can co-create a plan that is right for them. Some people come with specific issues they would like to address. Others, are not sure why they are unhappy, feel nervous, are dissatisfied, and are not enjoying life. Together we investigate where this may come from, look for the root cause(s) and then create a plan for change. My business and entrepreneurial background helps me to understand the pressures that many people face daily, the challenges of balancing work & life, and the struggle to maintain relationships and a career.

Congratulations on taking an important step toward living a healthier and happier life. I believe everyone has the potential to achieve all they desire but sometimes different situations prevent us from accomplishing our goals. Experiencing many challenges and overcoming obstacles have taught me that life is a complicated yet fascinating adventure and having the right tools along the way could ease the journey. In my practice I provide support and guidance to my clients and help them learn new strategies to overcome hurdles, achieve their goals, and find their paths.

Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently providing tele-therapy and limited in person sessions out of my cozy office in Hermosa Beach. My multidimensional approach allows me to deliver a unique, private, and personalized experience for clients to explore and empower their inner voice. I work from a Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-based foundation, helping my clients gain insight into their unhelpful thinking patterns and heal deep wounds.