Therapists in Laguna Niguel, CA

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with adolescents, adults and families looking to work through their mental health challenges, all while improving their relationship with both themselves and others. I am experienced in treating individuals and families impacted by addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, relational conflict, depression, perfectionism, low self worth, life transitions and more. This includes clients currently struggling with substance abuse and disordered eating.

Susan Kaufman, LMFT123914. I look at therapy as an opportunity to look at one's current thoughts and behaviors and appreciate what is working for you and to change what is not. I use an individualized approach, solution focus approach, often integrating mindful awareness, cognitive behavior therapy, humanistic philosophy and neuropsychology. My areas of specialization are parenting relational issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting support, perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, trauma/PTSD and addiction.

Is your unconscious decision-making getting in the way of the life you want and leading you to repeat the same patterns over and over again! Therapy can guide you in uncovering these internal processes and relational patterns, and lead you on a journey of discovery of how they influence and impact your understanding of self and how you relate to others. Whether you engage in therapy as an individual, couple, or family, there is unlimited potential to increase self-awareness, gain deeper understanding, build deeper connections and create more meaningful relationships.

Problems are often the catalyst to transformation......you becoming your greatest self. Our work together will help clarify your preferences and identify what gets in the way of living the life you want. My approach to working with clients varies depending on our therapeutic goals. Each client is unique and brings important life experiences and personal resources into the therapeutic process. These strengths will be foundational to our work together. I am experienced in treating a broad range of problems including depression and anxiety disorders, relational problems as well as issues relating to trauma or loss.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital or relationship issues, it is important to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable....a good fit for you. I have been in practice for over 20 years and my approach is to get to the problem, find the solution, and work collaboratively toward these goals. I welcome feedback, positive and negative!

In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I am an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University where I have worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development. Call Today

You’re a new mom who has gone through something traumatic but is expected to put your needs aside and give every ounce of yourself to your tiny human(s). You feel completely lost in the mix and invisible. You’re not even sure who you are anymore or where you start and stop. You love your baby, and you feel suffocated too. You feel guilty that you feel so empty…really, you feel guilty for everything. You feel on edge, worried, and super scattered. You are shocked at the rage you feel by the unfair load you are tasked with. You’re not asking for much! Just a moment, a breath, some space, some clarity.

For the past 20 years, I have worked in Hospitals, Inpatient and Outpatient, Eating Disorder Clinics, a Women and Children's Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter, non-profit counseling centers for families and in an extremely challenging College setting with ages 17-65.In my private practice I see Individuals, couples, children and families. My experience working in numerous settings with people from diverse backgrounds with mild to severe mental health issues, has helped me develop a level of professional competence to help you and your family members with the highest level of care. Your well-being is my highest priority.

Dr. Licuanan is a board-certified psychologist, author, & speaker who treats a wide-variety of issues. Most commonly, clients seek his assistance for depression, anxiety, relationships, and substance dependence. Additionally, his M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology--field of study focused on the workplace including leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, etc., is integrated into treatment for clients needing assistance with career-related concerns. Dr. Licuanan attained his Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Oklahoma and M.A. from Pepperdine University.

Life is more than just struggling to exist or survive. Allow therapy to be the bridge that teaches you how to overcome the problems you face and the loneliness you feel. I use the proven technique of Emotionally-Focused Therapy which quickly can bring changes that heal and restore your life and relationships. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, or any life burden that has you lost....come and take the next step to a better life and healthy connections.

I provide psychotherapy for adults and adolescents in a warm, respectful environment. My primary goal is to guide you to a stronger sense of self and a place where you can feel at peace with yourself and those around you. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues, stress management, loss/grief, relationship issues (divorce/separation), effective parenting, and substance abuse recovery.

In life, we often feel overwhelmed, out of control, or caught in patterns we can’t seem to escape. We may be affected by trauma, feel stuck in relationships, get caught in self defeating thought spirals or find that we are sabotaging ourselves. Many of us move around the world carrying secret struggles with negative thoughts, emotions, or urges, which disturb our day-to-day life and make waves in our relationships. Changing life circumstances-both positive (like the birth of a child) or negative (loss of a job)-can cause anxiety and strife.

Do you walk through your day feeling anxious and worried? Do you feel disconnected from your relationships or unable to pinpoint the feelings that keep holding you back in your life? Racing thoughts, panic attacks, social anxiety, relationship insecurity. My clients come to me seeking relief from anxiety and relationship difficulties that cause them to feel like they’re stuck repeating the same mistakes and getting the same results. If you are tired of feeling like you’re living your life out of a series of habits and survival then you’ve taken an important step and I’d like to work with you.

Change is hard! Isn't the alternative worse? Life can be very challenging and demanding. It can even seem extremely overwhelming. The good news is you don't have to feel alone. Seeking help is a sign of courage and strength, which I foster in practice. I offer assistance in finding ways to manage your stressors in ways that work for you. Improving self-esteem, learning to cope, and managing emotions is all possible. I won’t promise it will be easy (therapy rarely is). But I can promise you, it will be worth it.

I am looking for clients that are ready to get to work and make lasting change possible in their lives. My style is centered on creating a direct partnership with my clients in order to make change happen rather than continue to sit in the problem. I am very well versed in working with all aspects of addiction, anxiety, depression, life changes, sexual abuse, trauma & PTSD, and day to day living concerns, to name a few, for all individuals, couples & families.

Trauma and chronic stress make it hard to sit still. Trauma-related triggers can seriously interfere with your daily life. Distressing memories can pop up out of nowhere. All you want to do is feel like your normal self again, but you’re always on guard, always perceiving danger. It’s frustrating, exhausting, inconvenient, and painful to constantly be in fight, flight, or freeze mode. Your nerves are completely shot and nothing seems to help.

In the midst of the storm, I will join you as you walk in the rain. Clients are the authors of their lives and need assistance solving problems in ways that fit who they are. My goal is to offer individuals the support they need to successfully address life challenges to help them find their strengths and personal solutions to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Recognizing and capitalizing on strengths is imperative for personal growth.

Life may be difficult, therapy doesn't have to be. With simple and straightforward approaches we can understand and identify the sources of your troubles. I have experience working with people with diverse backgrounds and can help you shed light on your troubles with the added bonus of learning more about yourself! Together we can create a plan of action that works for you. Contact me when your time is right and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have and get you scheduled right away. Everyone is different but we all need space to work through difficulties; let's create yours!

Welcome! You might be here because you need some support in your life, some guidance, navigation, focus, or just someone to talk with. We face demands of work, family, marriage, and relationships daily. Add in financial, personal, and societal pressures to the mix, and life can definitely get overwhelming. Well, you took the first step to taking care of you by seeking help and support. It takes courage to take that first step, and I am so glad you did.