Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in 91214

My name is Darren Thomas, LMFT 134517. I approach therapy from a client centered, existential and humanistic perspective, viewing the therapeutic relationship as the most essential component of healing for individuals, couples and families. I work primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults learning to navigate in the world as their authentic selves. With Rogerian client-centered therapy, I focus on developing a strong rapport with the client and, with the development of trust, then implement an approach tailored to the client's needs as defined by the client.

Are you dragging through each day in a repetitive and mind-numbing cycle? Have you traded merely surviving instead of thriving? Are you depressed, anxious, and wondering if life has more to offer? If so, therapy can help you achieve a more satisfying relationship and more rewarding work. I would be pleased to assist you on your journey to discover your full potential.

I am the founder & clinical director of ADAPT Therapy Centers, Inc. (c.1987). My specialties include a treatment of mood disorders (depression, anxiety/panic, bi-polar disorder) & addiciton. Throughout my 30 year career, I have run hundreds of psychodrama, multi-family, & cognitive therapy groups at various SoCal hospitals . I have been a professor in the Psychology Dept. at Mount Saint Mary's College & a member of the Board of Directors for the National Council of Alcoholism & Drug Addiction, Los Angeles Chapter. I have also served as Clinical Director at The Pasadena Recovery Center & co-hosted "Shrink Wrap" on KCSN-FM.

Hi, I’m Sydney Petersen, a trauma-informed, EMDR-trained, and neurodiverse-affirming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with individuals and parents of individuals with a variety of diverse needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury survivor and others. Whether you are processing a new diagnosis or a new life stage in your life or your child’s life, the load you carry can be overwhelming. Much of what you do goes unseen, unheard, and not fully understood by most, even your inner circles. You carry so much. How do you make sense of all of the things you do, see and hold.

When adults and children alike build an understanding of their emotional worlds, they are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. As your therapist, I will provide an empathic relationship in which we will explore the unique experiences and emotions, both past and present, that bring you to therapy today. Young clients may not yet be able to name their feelings, or have an awareness of what triggers challenging behaviors. Through Play Therapy, I will support your child to process feelings, increase emotional vocabulary, and develop positive coping skills. With older children, I often employ evidence-based CBT/Mindfulness.

Life can be full of challenges, but also rewards. Therapy can help us to have better relationships with our family and friends, as well as those in our extended communities. Those are extensions of our relationships with ourselves. I would like to help you build those relationships by providing a safe and welcoming non-judgmental environment. Together we will design and build the mental and emotional structure where you can live your happiest life that is mindful and peaceful.

The inward journey of healing our emotional pain may not be easy, but the steps we take in that direction can take us on a more peaceful and rewarding path. I am passionate about supporting clients on this journey through the use of self-compassion, mindfulness, and other positive therapeutic strategies.

Working with older children, adolescents, adults, and couples, I strive to help you understand how your early caregiving experiences are impacting your current wellbeing and interpersonal functioning. My goal is to create a secure relationship where you can feel understood and valued and better understand yourself through our work together. In working with young children and their caregivers, I hope to help parents understand how their own parenting impacts their identity as a caregiver as well as helping them understand their child’s needs and develop a deeper connection.