Find a Therapist in Hancock Park, California.

My approach to psychotherapy is specialized to each individual I work with. Even though symptoms of eating disorders and the underlying issues may be common amongst people who suffer from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, understanding one's own personal history, story and psychology is what helps develop insight and sustain change. It is my clinical belief that eating disorders, self injury and compulsive shopping each provide a sense of emotional soothing and regulation that may be absent or limited in the person who suffers from one of these "hunger diseases". In my clinical work, I help people develop emotional regulation skills and insight.

Abby provides comprehensive psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families seeking deeper understanding, healing, and growth. Her integrative, trauma-informed approach blends psychodynamic, relational, and evidence-based modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, Abby creates a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop lasting change. Her work is grounded in empathy, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for each person’s journey.

My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental place where I can help my clients reach their full potential by processing feelings (past and present issues), improving communication, and exploring family issues that may be a barrier to success. I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families with various issues including: Depression, Anxiety, Communication, Coming Out Issues, Increasing Intimacy, Sexual Identity, Attention Problems, Self Esteem, Anger Management, Addiction Issues, Bereavement, Relationship Issues and Trauma.

My approach to therapy incorporates the belief that the way people function, behave, think, feel, and relate to others is impacted by their life experiences. As children (and even in adulthood) we learn about ourselves and the world around us from the experiences we have. The choice to come to therapy is a courageous one rooted in a decision to explore how past (and/or current) experiences may be contributing to current challenges. I work with my clients to help them increase overall wellness and life satisfaction by exploring past experiences, current challenges, and how their choices, actions, and beliefs can be used to promote healing.

Ask yourself, when was the last time I invested in me, my own well-being and overall health? Psychotherapy offers you the opportunity to express your unspoken fears and worries in a healthy way while learning insight as to the causes of the underlying issue. While supported by your therapist, you have the opportunity to explore and process the impact of life events (ie., childhood experiences/relationships, major life changes such as marriage, birth of a child, divorce, loss of a loved one, and current relationships) in a non-judging environment that will afford you the opportunity to improve your overall level of functioning.

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 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.

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.

Are you interested in getting relief and finding solutions? Would you like to feel good about your life and relationships? I use empirical research and science across multiple disciplines to show clients just like you how you can get real-world, tangible, time-tested, and long-lasting, results that lead to optimal mental and relational health. Mental and relational health is not just a reduction in symptoms and problems. Instead, they are increases in self-control and empowerment, as well as acceptance, freedom, kindness, compassion, safety, and understanding - for yourself and others.

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.

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.

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.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and opening up to someone new can be awkward. That's completely normal! But here's the good news: therapy doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all experience filled with judgment. I create a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself freely within a therapeutic environment. My approach is all about you. I don't believe in a cookie-cutter therapy plan. Instead, I use a variety of techniques to create a personalized roadmap that addresses your specific needs and goals. This might include exploring the root of your struggles, learning tools to manage negative thoughts, or even techniques that connect your mind and body.

My approach to psychotherapy involves a comprehensive evaluation to examine the specific needs of the client. Several modalities are utilized for treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy. Therapy generally involves not only examining how our past experiences have informed our sense of self and well being, but understanding how to move forward effectively by developing healthy coping strategies. I treat individuals, couples, families in an outpatient setting. I treat both adolescents and adults.

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!

I am a psychodynamic trained therapist. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of depth psychology and is similar to psychoanalysis. It is also known as insight-oriented therapy and focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals are for a client to become self-aware and understand the influence of their past on their present behaviors. The psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on a person's thoughts and beliefs, and how they influence a person's emotions and actions. As a client, you will learn how to identify distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns, recognize and change inaccurate beliefs, relate to others in more positive ways, and change behaviors accordingly. CBT's ability to help change a person's thinking to be more adaptive, effective, and healthy, while helping them change unhealthy behavior patterns, will lead to the alleviation of symptoms and an improved quality of life.

Are problems from your past creating issues for you today? Do you need help learning more constructive ways to deal with life's challenges? Do you feel stuck in the same unhealthy patterns, and can't find your way out of them? If this sounds like you, I'd like to help. I am committed to creating a place where you feel safe to heal, and uncover emotional wounds and memories, so that you don't continue with self-defeating, maladaptive behaviors.

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.

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.

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.

As a psychotherapist, it is my belief that by entering therapy, a client is entering a journey of self exploration that leads to personal growth and fulfillment. I believe it takes courage and strength for an individual to accept the challenges in their lives and take steps toward health and happiness. I am a directive therapist who educates, teaches, and instill insight for my clients that enhances their relationship within themselves and with others. I guide clients in obtaining insight as to sources that hinder their potential for happiness as well as provide coping mechanisms and tools clients can utilize to manage their emotional challenges.

Psychotherapy offers an individually tailored approach to clients' lives, families, relationships. Client(s) and therapist can decide together what approaches may be most helpful. Therapy can also involve referrals to other professionals and/or activities that can support our work. Most importantly, psychotherapy offers a safe haven within which to explore what difficulties clients experience and within which to have opportunities to grow in mindfulness, self-care, relationship skills, boundary-setting, emotional healing etc.

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.

I like to ask good questions rather than solutions. I am a professional collaborator. When it comes to anxiety and trauma, there are practical tools I use to help clients relieve their nervous system. I use deep brain-based work called brainspotting. In my talk therapy, I like to use the foundation of narrative therapy to help clients feel dignified and learn to use their values to help carry them forward. Its the best of both worlds using a processing technique and another technique that requires thinking. I use all areas of the brain.