Find a Therapist in Topanga, California.

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.

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.

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)

My clients often find me easy to talk to and say they feel comfortable with me, trusting quickly. This can make the psychotherapeutic process easier and more effective for my clients, especially if they are nervous or don’t know what to expect. Therapy with me can range from just talking casually with each other, leading to insights, increased self awareness, and processing through emotional issues, or it could be more intensive deeper therapy like EMDR.

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.

The issue is not what happened to you, it’s the impact it had and how you are able to deal with it. Psychotherapy helps. It involves our talking together to address the problems you’re having in your life. We’ll see what works, what doesn’t, why not, what you’ve tried, and what other options there may be. We’ll look to understand how the difficulties came to be and what gets in the way of changing them. We’ll see what’s happening in your life now and how old patterns of thinking and behaving may interfere for you. We’ll explore other alternatives. I strongly believe people can change, and I see that happening in my office regularly. You’d be surprised how therapy can change your life.

FRUSTRATED AND STRESSED OUT? Not happy in a relationship? Suffering from anxiety or depression? Unsure where to go from here? Looking for some solution to a complicated issue? I can help! In therapy, you can work through your inner conflicts, feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and move on to clarity, decisiveness, peace and empowerment. I am interested in your journey to a better life. Call me for a free telephone consultation session.

Psychotherapy is not anything to be scared of, or intimidated about. Seeking out a therapist or being in therapy isn't an admission of weakness or some kind of character flaw. Therapy is a collaborative process and a partnership with someone who is trained in and experienced with facilitating personal growth. And in this process, you are in the driver's seat. Our minds and emotions and relationships involve complicated machinery just like our bodies do and in the same way a medical doctor helps you stay physically healthy, Psychotherapy is designed to help you be and stay mentally and socially strong, and continually in a position to take on life's many challenges as your best self.

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.

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.

When providing psychotherapy ("talk therapy"), I offer a safe and compassionate space where you can bring your full self without judgment. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences to uncover patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is to help you gain clarity, heal from past hurts, and develop tools that support lasting change. Through this process, you can strengthen your emotional well-being and move toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.

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.

I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is the most effective treatment for depression and anxiety. There are different subsets of CBT, therefore, depending on the diagnosis and symptoms, I will tailor the treatment to you. For example, many of the anxieties require "exposure" therapy, which will help you confront and cope with your fears in a controlled, safe and effective manner. It's all about coping skills, which is my job to provide to you. Many therapies do not provide this type of treatment, which is why many people still experience panic, phobias or OCD even when they've seen a therapist. It's important to find a therapist who specializes in CBT with exposure.