Find a Therapist in Playa Del Rey, California.

I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with relationship issues, addiction, life transitions, depression and anxiety. I am extensively trained in working with individuals and couples. My background running groups and working at inpatient facilities for addiction provides me with a unique approach to dealing with these issues and a therapeutic setting.

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.

Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for deeper understanding of our selves and how we are in the world. First, psychotherapy offers a space to finally speak about your past and present experiences with someone who is attentively listening. Putting words to these experiences and having these be heard can be incredibly grounding. From there, psychotherapy gives us a chance to be curious about patterns that we repeat again and again in different arenas without being aware. Building an awareness of ourselves helps to increase the sense of peace and satisfaction with life.

I take a strengths based, humanistic, person centered focus toward psychotherapy. This allows us to approach your issues directly based on your experience with the issues you are facing. Beginning with your strengths, we will look at how you have managed the issues so far focusing on what has worked and expand on these options. At times you may be challenged and confronted with difficult yet realistic options for change. I work to provide positive feedback and encourage you to consider new techniques which may be just a little bit outside of your comfort zone. Through discussion in an open, honest, safe and supportive environment, we will work toward your growth toward your goals.

I believe that psychotherapy is a sacred process that allows clients to explore deeply held feelings and beliefs that are impacting their ability to live life as fully and joyfully as possible. I urget clients to explore and challenge feelings and behavior that are holding them back. I also guide clients to generate deep compassion and self love which is the foundating for recovery and healing. Psychotherapy is best done when it is a collaboration between therapist and client, thus making the process tailored to each individuals unique needs and experiences.

Psychotherapy can be a life-transforming experience. While it can help you to identify your problems and figure out ways to cope with them, therapy is much more than just problem-solving and symptom reduction. It can also help you identify and correct destructive patterns of thinking and behaving that may be impeding your growth. The possible benefits of psychotherapy are endless. They include increased self-awareness and self-esteem, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilled life. The foundation of good therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. It is essential that you find someone with whom you feel a comfortable connection. Your therapist should create a safe, accepting, positive environment where you can explore even...(view profile to read more)

I love helping people transform their lives and get the Aha moments that lead to real change. Therapy to me is about making internal changes to the way that we think, as well as, understanding why we feel what we feel. I believe it is the little choices we make that make huge impacts in our daily living. Great therapy transforms your relationships, your confidence at school or work, and your perspective on life.

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.

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.

My approach to psychotherapy is strength-based. I like to encourage you as you face life’s challenges, providing you with the proper tools and highlighting your triumphs along the way. I can help you explore ways to let go of old, self-limiting beliefs. I offer a warm, compassionate presence with dedication to your personal development and healing.

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.

Does therapy really work? Yes, it does! Talk therapy is not only effective, but it helps you build neurons as you stretch your capacity to think and feel. Do you ever feel as if you are doing the same actions over and over and it leads to the same results? I can help you understand the patterns of behavior that in the past may have lead to less than desirable outcomes. Therapy is an incredible tool which enables you to see problems and situations from a different perspective. Finally, therapy is a safe place to talk about the things you may not feel comfortable saying to anyone else. Call me for a free 15 minute consultation.

Struggling with relationship issues, death, work stress, or family difficulties can often lead to problems in other areas of your life. It is not easy to ask for help - however, investing in yourself and reaching out shows a strong desire to heal and grow. In a supportive and safe environment we will take the steps needed for you to reach your full potential and feel strong and present in your life. Talk therapy and the therapeutic process is a collaborative experience to target what is not working your life and make the changes to move towards your best self.