Therapists in 90254

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.

As a mental health crisis responder with 10+ years of direct experience, my technique is honed to quickly build a functional dynamic and work collaboratively to dial into the core problem. Results driven; I believe every minute of our time counts, so you can expect a style that is direct, concise, gimmick-free, and with no frills to interfere with the authenticity of our exchange. While I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, it is ultimately my job to support your path to self-mastery by asking the right questions and deferring to you as the expert on the situation, your life, and your choices.

When someone is in our corner and believes in us, I believe we are capable of overcoming any obstacle and of fulfilling our desires; we are capable of creating a satisfying life. I try to be that person as a therapist, offering interest, care, concern and compassion. I also challenge my clients to be their best selves. I have learned that each of us has a higher, deeper self that we can draw from. I see my work with you as helping you to connect with this part of yourself. I am down to earth, fully human and present with you as we work together. I offer safety, warmth acceptance and honesty to help you grow.

I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.

With care, knowledge, and passion, I help my clients achieve the meaningful changes they seek. From the first session, my clients say they feel lighter, happier, and empowered for change. I balance warmth and empathy with extensive education, experience, expertise. Focusing on solutions, strengths, and evidence-based tools, we take concrete steps to enrich lives and relationships, blending therapeutic modalities for conscious-unconscious mind, mindfulness, meaning.