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.

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.

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.

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.

It can be difficult to navigate change, relationships, and life in general, especially in today's world. We may feel alone, hopeless, or overwhelmed. We may just feel unlike ourselves and not know how we got there. Together we can explore what is coming up for you in order to understand the root issues. With awareness can come acceptance or meaningful change.

I am a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW 106791, employed and supervised by Kryss Castle, LMFT 95114 in Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey.

Peggy Hunt

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.

One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, my approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. I specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.

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.

You might be looking for support to manage a challenge that has come your way. This is a wise and life affirming choice. I find that obstacles arise as a way of offering an invitation to develop as human beings. It definitely doesn’t look and feel that way at first, but, as we look back on experiences, we know this is so. Meeting that invitation head on by having the neutral and clear guidance of a trained third party can make all the difference.

Everyone deserves a compassionate understanding of themselves. As we navigate through life, we are faced with uncertainties, challenges, stagnation, and cyclical internal conflict. Setting a positive, non-judgmental, collaborative environment, I hope to help you build confidence, gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop the emotional tools to find your inner balance achieving a sense of purpose and general wellness. To help you accomplish your therapeutic goals we may draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Emotion Focused approaches and Mindfulness Meditation.

Take back control of your life and become the best version of yourself. I work with clients to collaboratively develop a plan that addresses your needs, incorporates your strengths, and alleviates your symptoms. My approach is compassionate, solution-focused, and pragmatic. I believe that my clients ultimately know what is best for them, and it is my job to facilitate improvement through an empathetic yet challenging therapeutic environment. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues, we will identify patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are holding you back.