Find a Therapist in Rolling Hills Estates, California.

Psychotherapy can be a frightening word because “psycho” brings up images of Norman Bates and he is certainly someone none of us want to be associated with. The truth is that psychotherapy is just a fancy word for counseling. If “therapy” is used alone, people ask if it is physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. A prefix was needed to distinguish it from other therapies and unfortunately “psycho” was chosen. Please don’t let the word stop you from seeking any necessary help you may be seeking. Needing help doesn’t mean you are crazy or that you are weak. We all need help at various stages of our lives and if you are in need now, please let me assist you. Call me at 714-751-0888.

Psychotherapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. In our sessions together, I will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, we will work to build self-esteem, reduce anxiety and worry, and strengthen your existing coping skills. I will also incorporate mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to help you connect with your inner self and find meaning and purpose in your life. Whether you're dealing with specific issues or just looking to improve your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth.

My approach to psychotherapy does not involve years of talk about issues until the client reaches a "catharsis," and suddenly is cured. It is more of a collaboration and involves the client to engage in his own therapy. We look for solutions, rather than talking about "problems" endlessly. As a person-centered therapist, I believe an authentic, respectful and caring relationship with the client fosters growth and self-actualization. The use of cognive-behavioral methods, allows us to look for underlying beliefs the client may have about his place in the world, and unrealistic thought patterns, such as "all-or-nothing" thinking. These can be redirected to provide positive outomes.

Therapy is not a one size fits all experience. Though I extensively trained to understand specific theories of practice, I utilize a "prescriptive" approach. This means I will adapt to your needs in treatment. Therapy is co-created, it is relational, and it is in the therapeutic relationship where we seek personal growth to apply outside the therapy room. I work with adult individual clients who are grieving a significant loss, LGBTIQ+ adults, adults with creative blocks, neurodivergent adults, people pleasers, those recovering from trauma, and adults burnt out about their work.

A high level of trust and comfort for you in psychotherapy is a must. Working with an experienced therapist you can rely upon to listen skillfully will help you to learn to to lift negative moods, become a better problem solver, or improve relationships. Can simply sharing your problems with a therapist be enough to help you improve? I often hear from new patients that they were dissappointed in prior therapy because they were not helped to foucus and to use specific tools that not only made them feel better in therapy, but also in their lives. Therapy should be designed to help you learn at you own, most effective pace for you.

The unconscious always wins. Often times we think we know why we do what we do---but we don't. The opportunity cost of not knowing can be huge. In my work I help clients get to the bottom of why they are doing what they are doing. When we have the insight, we can make new choices. Maybe you're dealing with a big decision in your career or relationships, maybe you struggle feeling confidence or self esteem. Whatever the case may be--I'm here to help.

People go to therapy to address a problem that is distressing them and causing interference in a significant aspect of their life (work, social life, interpersonal relationships, sleep, etc.) After the immediate problem is resolved or significantly reduced, most of my clients continue to stay in therapy because they have started noticing a change in themselves that they like! To me, therapy isn't just about reducing symptoms. It is about much more. It's about experiencing meaning in life. It's about connecting with the best version of ourselves and knowing that person is there within us. That's true self-confidence. My clients tend to tell me they feel more "whole". That's therapy to me.

Finding the right therapist is vital to the growth and healing of the individual. My goal is to uncover what my clients need and find ways to help them activate this within session and within their lives. I am very active, encouraging, using humor and stories or videos to help them reframe the areas were they are stuck or confused. My goal is to help them see that the tapes that they believe are no longer helping them and to give them the freedom to see themself with new eyes.

Psychotherapy on it's own or in combination with medication services can have a profound positive impact on a person's livelihood. Often times, there are patterns and cycles in life that an individual might be unaware of. It is my job to learn about a person through talk therapy, and conceptualize and help bring awareness to these patterns and cycles. Awareness is the first step towards change.

As a therapist I am trained in and specialize in feminist therapy, trauma therapy and therapy with adolescents and their families. I am also a specialist in therapy with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender/gender variant individuals/families. I use feminist therapy, a form of therapy whose focus is on empowering you as an individual. I am specially trained in the treatment of GLBT issues and have over 20 years experience. I am a trauma expert and am trained ina variety of treatment approaches. I am able to offer you very specialized help with traumatic experiences that will resolve anxiety, depression and relaionship problems caused by traumatic origins. Holistc approach, whole body!

The fact that you are considering psychotherapy shows that you are taking a powerful and courageous step towards enriching your life. I specialize in providing psychotherapy in an empathic, stimulating, and collaborative environment that will help you heal, grow, and find fulfillment in your life. Together we will explore your unique personal circumstances and come to understand how these circumstances have effected and continue to effect your life. Ultimately, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you can heal and grow.

Psychotherapy can provide you with insights and concrete strategies for coping and growing. We all have experienced frustrations from childhood that can develop into triggers, provoking intense feelings. Therefore we look for triggers and their roots, explore thoughts and feelings to facilitate understanding and healing. The focus is on new coping skills, relaxation techniques, restructuring your thoughts. You also learn to live more consciously and apply new strategies. It takes time -- it’s like building muscle strength. In close collaboration, we will together monitor your changes and process your reactions to weekly events as they relate to our work.

Having the desire to deeply experience, explore, and feel our emotions that are related to both present and past circumstances is at the core of the process. Unexamined feelings can often lead to negative feeling or experiences which their cause is not understand. The process of understanding one’s feelings and emotions allows us to grow. Psychotherapy can awaken us to discover the real reason we choose our behaviors.