Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA

As a Specialist with over 28 years experience, I am and expert in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. I was a guest expert on Oprah and Dr. Phil. You will learn new skills and workable solutions for handling conflict. My goal is to help you focus on your present journey and where you would like your journey to lead. I have the vital experience working with adults and children who are in family law cases. I own Cornerstone Counseling. We treat depression, anxiety, and a wide variety of mental health challenges. Experience Counts!

I work with adolescents, adults and couples in an interactive, relational way informed by my contemporary psychoanalytic training. I have been in the field for over 30 years, and work with a broad spectrum of patients. With compassion and understanding I hope to help you with your personal growth and relationships.

Whether you are looking for a therapist because of recent difficulties or challenges that started years ago, you will find that I offer a rare combination of rigorous training with a down-to-earth style to help you achieve your goals. As an established professor and author in the field, I am well-versed in the latest research to ensure your problems are resolved as efficiently as possible using the most effective methods available. If you have had difficulty connecting with past therapists or are concerned that I might act like therapists in the movies, I believe you will find my style refreshingly more relatable.

I view the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and perceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help client(s) look at their options, evaluate choices, and build toward a healthier outcome. My work has involved helping client(s) toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

We all have a learned tool box. However, most of us will hit a point in life where the tools we have been using our whole life are no longer working. Whether you are seeking therapy as an individual or as a couple, based on your current challenges, together we will assess your tool box and figure out what is and isn’t working. Based on your natural emotional and mental wiring, I will help you add in the new tools needed for you to experience less stress and instead, more satisfaction in your life.

Attn: Three sliding scale slots open for virtual sessions Wed and Thu- I work with the "black sheep" Those who don't follow the prescripted path and cannot help but carve their own paths. There is a specific pain associated with, these traits you cannot help but display. No matter the way that pain shows up, I am adept at helping you dig deeper into the reasons as to why you find yourself time and again in the same suffering. My system of working is geared towards helping you escape stagnancy and into living a more satisfying, awakened life, full of new possibilities.

The clients I see in my practice range in age from 11-80. While each individual has their own story, there are common threads that seem to run through all of us. These threads include loneliness/isolation, anxiety about the future, addiction, the aftermath of heartbreak/loss, work/money stress, longing to understand one’s past, even worry over the ever-changing state of the world. These and other issues, while painful and often confusing, are actually the materials that create change and growth. This is the therapeutic process.

Quite often life can be full of challenges and it can be difficult to work through them. Part of my goal as your therapist is to help you see that despite these challenges, they can be worked through and you can have a meaningful and fulfilling life. I personally enjoy being on this journey with my clients and will utilize a variety of approaches and techniques to help you overcome them. I do believe that everybody is different and deserves to have a customized approach which works for them, and that is why I work from an eclectic perspective and will personalize a treatment plan for each client.

Hope and Change. The counseling relationship that we will engage in together, will not be the traditional, canned approach to therapy; but a unique, individualized and insightful look at your needs and desires. Life is not just about problems to be solved but solutions to be lived. I specialize in creating additional resources and groups to facilitate a whole life treatment plan. Below I have listed some of my "Thriving" groups for health, wellness and growth. Along with the groups below I have other Men's, Women's and Co-gender groups. Please call for more information of days and times.

You know how people tell you to move on...but they don't tell you how? We teach you how to move beyond the agony of grief to peace of mind and heart. We have been working with grievers for over 30 years. The world can look and feel so surreal after a significant loss. And the people around you don't always know what to say, so they give you advice or offer support in ways that can feel more distancing and isolating.

Life and its problems, past and present, can cause anxiety, depression, and grief. Substance abuse seems like that's the only thing that gets you through the day, but that is temporary and leads to more problems. Feeling safe, connected, and knowing that you will not be judged, leads to honesty and trust. You can share your story and issues that are keeping you stuck. Learning and understanding coping skills in dealing with past issues, understanding the process of grief, and the cycle of substance abuse, will give you an understanding of what has kept you from moving forward. Let's work together to help you understand you,

I'm a firm believer humor, hope, and caring are essential components in therapy. My ideal clients are typically adults dealing with everything from anxiety and depression to everyday stressors. I also work in assisting through change of career, divorce, relationship issues, coming out, grief and loss (including pet loss- certified in pet therapy), health related anxiety and anxiety over the aging process; have extensive training/experience working with obesity related issues, including those considering weight loss surgery.

For many individuals, recognizing and addressing an issue, comprehending its complexities, or articulating it to others can be incredibly challenging. I believe empathy, active listening, unconditional positive regard, and creating a nurturing and nonjudgmental space where my clients can feel heard and understood are instrumental in creating a therapeutic alliance. Once rapport is established, I aim for my clients to freely share their deepest thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities, fostering meaningful and positive progress toward their needs and goals without fear of judgment or rejection.

In my 30 years of personal and professional development, I have created a unique approach to bring hope and strength, healing and transformation to those who are ready. It is my honor to provide and hold space for you as I offer assistance with your empowerment, acceptance, trust, forgiveness and gratitude. My philosophy is based on healing relationship within Self, with others and with the world. Our time together is precious and I will share with you mindful and compassionate practices and share the value of authenticity, and presence.