Find a Therapist in Gardena, 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.

Most of us don’t think about our mental health until we have a disorder or a serious problem that impacts us negatively. Many of us have learned communication, coping skills, and parenting skills from our caregivers which have not always been positive or helpful. Through our life experiences we develop good or bad habits, a positive or negative world view, effective or poor communication skills, healthy or unhealthy coping skills. Therapy by a professional can teach you new skills and behaviors to improve your relationships, increase your satisfaction and happiness, and improve your overall well being.

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.

Are you struggling with insomnia, or worrying constantly? Do you have a traumatic event in your past that is haunting you? Have your relationships become difficult to manage? Are you concerned about your effectiveness as a parent? Is your family in a constant state of conflict and unable to effectively communicate? Psychotherapy is an effective way for helping individuals and families better cope with these circumstances, as well as other overwhelming life events and concerns. Working with individuals and families to create a safe where they can work through their challenges and develop strategies for a more fulfilling life.

Psychotherapy is when an individual has mental health support from a therapist for emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy has the potential to help reduce undesirable symptoms and at times eliminate them. The goal of treatment would be to focus on individuals symptoms and create goals with the therapist support to then gradually increase overall well being of individual.

Processing and validating experiences with a trusted professional can facilitate healing. Therapeutic relationships provide an opportunity for self-reflection, connection, and growth. Increased self-awareness can benefit our relationships, decision-making skills, and overall well-being. I am committed to supporting your individual process and maintaining a safe, non-judgmental environment.

VOBH helps individual and group clients strengthen the relationship between human behaviors and the well being of the body, mind, and spirit. We provide a wide array of behavioral health services that will help you achieve a greater sense of self-awareness, which grounds you in your daily life and creates a more joyful existence. We value diversity and recognize the importance of finding a psychologist and therapeutic approach that works best for your current needs.

Psychotherapy is a broad term that is used to describe the range of therapeutic treatments that qualified mental health professionals may provide to the public. Each therapist will define their areas of strength, o it is important to read each practitioner's profile carefully to determine whether their skills and training are the best fit for you.

The most important indicator of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. From the moment we meet, we will build the trust and rapport which will crucial to your success in therapy. I use a variety of approaches including attachment, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy in my work to help my clients attain their goals of maximum well being. My clients are wonderfully individual, so I base my orientation on their insight and understanding of their situation.

How long does therapy take? This is a question I am often asked and yet is so difficult to answer. So much depends on what you expect and want from their therapist. Some people want a to address a specific problem they are facing and others want and ongoing therapeutic relationship. Personally, I much prefer working with patients who are looking towards the longer term commitment. I love getting to know my patients and becoming the holder of their stories as I try to facilitate growth and change.

Psychotherapy provides a supportive and steady space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while uncovering the patterns that hold you back. My approach is both compassionate and practical, helping you gain insight, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful change. Whether you are navigating stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or personal growth, therapy offers tools to build resilience, self-awareness, and clarity so you can move forward with confidence and purpose.

I truly believe psychotherapy provides a healing, transforming relationship that will ultimately empower you to make long-lasting life changes. One main goal in my personal therapeutic approach is to fundamentally change the struggle you likely have with your thoughts and feelings, so you can be free to experience a better quality of life. I tend to utilize a variety of therapeutic frameworks to conceptualize and fit your specific needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Relational Therapy, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Psychotherapy is primarily about creating a safe place to be open with your thoughts and feelings. When you can be understood in what you are experiencing a new connection. In this process of connecting healing occurs. We change when we are understood. The therapy relationship is such a place where you can be more fully understood. As this occur's, new energy and hope emerges. We are set free to live our authentic and unique self.