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.

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.

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.

I have had many years experience dealing with individuals coping with anxiety, depression, life adjustment changes, chronic illness, death of loved ones, anger, workplace conflicts, and gay, lesbian transgender issues . I am comfortable with couple counseling. I prefer working with people 17 years of age and upwards.

Do you have anxiety and find yourself worrying all the time? Do your relationships suffer because you worry? Worrying affects your mind and body. It often involves nervousness, panic, fear, obsessive-compulsiveness, and embarrassment or worse, shame. Whether you have one of these experiences or all of them, worry disconnects you from loved ones. This leads to sadness or depression. You don't have to be alone with your worry (or sadness). Engaging in treatment is a difficult decision, but your commitment will be the first step toward releasing the emotions that stand in the way of you feeling safe, calm, confident and connected.

You feel frustrated that your old patterns keep repeating in new form. People tell you to love yourself first, but you have no idea how to get there. Maybe you have said or done things you are not proud of and can't let go of the feeling that you are "damaged" or "not good enough". You can see your past experiences with new perspective but can't shake the torment. You aren't sleeping well, eating well, or showing up as your best self much of the time.

Are you suffering from grief and loss? Has a past trauma inhibited your ability to embrace your life? Do you experience crippling anxiety? Have these issues led you toward unhealthy behavior patterns and/or relationships? Do you need someone to listen to your story with an empathetic, nonjudgmental ear? Besides having a supportive therapeutic relationship in a safe environment, are you looking for a psychologist to offer effective interventions to diminish your pain? New innovations in psychotherapy offer more hope than ever, so you can begin to feel comfortable in your own skin again. I attest both personally and professionally.

If you're struggling with marital/relationship problems, addiction issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or a traumatic experience(s), I'm here to help. I also provide therapy for those having difficulty coping with a crisis, a stressful life transition, or a painful loss due to a break-up, divorce, or death. As a psychologist, I embrace the traditional values of developing a comfortable and trusting relationship with clients. The relationship I build is my priority and the primary means to help you feel better. Together, we'll help you develop greater self-awareness and a healthier relationship with yourself and others.

My approach to therapy is based on developing a deep emotional connection with the people in our lives, improving self-esteem, accessing inner resources to cope with difficulties and learning to have compassion for ourselves and others. Although therapy can be very helpful when we are going through a difficult time in our lives, it is also an important self-care practice. Just like we attend yoga or the gym to take care of our bodies, taking care of our emotional and mental health is just as important. For me, wellness needs to be holistic, both body and mind need to be treated to truly achieve inner peace and fulfillment.

Are you a professional women feeling anxious about balancing work and home life? Do you feel pulled trying to gain respect in your career yet feel personal relationships are slipping away? I understand. Achieving balance is challenging in this 21st century. You need someone who can listen to you with compassion in a non-judgmental environment to help you find solutions to these complex issues. I embrace clients from all background such as single parent, couples, custody issues, LGBTQ, and multi-generational. As your stress management professional, how can I assist you?