Therapists in Harbor City, CA

Therapy can be a journey of self discovery, healing, building relationships, and so much more. I am here to support you on whatever journey you are on.During sessions I create a safe space where you can feel supported and be able to be yourself. I believe that we all have strengths within us that can be used to help find balance in our lives. I will help you find coping skills that work for you and encourage new forms of self care. At the start of my career I earned a Bachelors degree in child development and family life education, and a Masters degree in Social Work with a concentration in mental health.

Life Comes in Waves, Let's Learn to Ride Them! Sometimes in the waves of change, We find our true direction. Life events and stress can leave us with emotional wounds. We then try to heal these wounds with harmful methods that make us feel better for the time being but hurt us later. Therapy can be your safe space to heal. It may sting or hurt to clean out at first. However, the gains you will receive from doing so will be beneficial for your well-being, your relationships, and your future. I will be by your side guiding you through the process at a pace that fits you.

If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.

At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.

I believe all of us must face different challenges in life. My role as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can express your true feelings and learn more about yourself. Having a safe place to explore and express your confusion or despair can be the first step to healing and growth. I can assist you in resolving your past pain in an effort to promote insight and healing. In an environment of warmth and genuineness, I will affirm your strengths and challenge you to use them.

Some Adults, Teens and Children in our community face issues of stress, fear of underachieving, depression, body-image concerns, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or over-eating), relationship traumas (affairs, divorce, abuse, child custody battles), addictions. Other adults face unsettling retirement, empty nest syndrome, elder care concerns, serious illnesses, definite anxiety and feelings of meaninglessness. Couples become estranged: lacking in communication, connection and emotional or sexual intimacy. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist and Counselor for over 30 years, Dr. Carol Francis uses multiple researched tools helping individuals, couples, and families create satisfaction and well-being.

I've been working with parents to find solutions to common behavioral problems. I work from an evidenced based, positive parenting approach. I also work with children with difficulties related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, tantrums, defiance, coping skills, & other problematic behavior.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

I have over ten years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapeutic services in English and Spanish. I work with all age groups, ranging from toddlers to seniors, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including homeless people, veterans, homemakers, students, members of the LBGTQ community, and blue- and white-collar workers. I have hands-on experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar).

Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, unmotivated? A distant, angry relationship that was loving, romantic, or safe? Wish to improve your ability to focus, relax, not worry? Considering changes in your career, relationship? Confused by your marriage, by being new parents or by your child or teenager? Want to stop smoking with hypnosis? Wish you could like yourself, feel attractive, smart, energetic & successful? Feel stuck, blocked, uncertain, discouraged? Afraid of public speaking or socializing at work? Suffer awful abuse? Have you and your partner been fighting? Need to learn to solve problems in your team?

I provide therapy to individuals, children, couples, and families to help them to find the best solutions to their problems. Whether you are looking to improve yourself, your relationships, or help others in your family, you will find my services to be supportive yet challenging enough to help reach your goals.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

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.

I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

I received my B.A. in Psychology from U.C., Berkeley & my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I hold a Certification in Dual Diagnosis from U.C., Los Angeles & am skilled in counseling clients dealing with addictions as well as emotional challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, grief & loss). I am proficient in treating persons & families dealing with divorce, separation, custody and court issues. I have provided supervision to Marriage & Family Therapy Trainees and Interns. In-home psychotherapy available, upon request. A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) provided upon request.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Does it feel like your anxiety is holding you back? It can be frustrating when it feels like our emotions are getting in the way of our goals and relationships. I am passionate about serving kids, teens, and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, relationships, and self-esteem issues. My goal is help you build a strong sense of self to navigate stressors, shifting peer dynamics, and the uncertainty of life. I recognize that growing up in the age of social media and covid-19 has had a great impact on us all. Together, we can navigate this complex environment.