Psychodynamic Therapists in Fountain Valley, CA

My view of the human condition stems from a Zen concept of "suffering" and "transience of life." I believe that suffering is an inescapable human condition and yet a basis for growth. We all go through the phrases where we feel lost, helpless, or defeated by life challenges erroneously believing suffering will never end. In these moments, therapy can help. As a therapist, I regard my role as a guide in your life journey just like the Sherpas for climbers in the Himalayas. The goal of therapy is to get mobilized, explore the meaning and purpose of your life, and eventually get back on track to pursue what you truly value in life.

My name is Dr. Alejandra Mora-Sanchez, I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California, working with individuals across the state through telehealth. I am a Hispanic female and provide therapy services fluently in both Spanish and English. I have experience working with individuals and couples dealing with depression, trauma, personal growth challenges, and relationship issues. I work with various treatment modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Emotionally Focused, in order to fit each client's needs.

I work with the issues of depression, anxiety, family conflict, family dynamics, and Christian counseling. I work with clients on the root causes of problems towards internal transformation rather than simply eliminating or reducing their current symptoms.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience who specializes in treating teens and adults in inpatient and in outpatient clinical settings. My work is based on the belief that people want to be happy, effective, and successful in their lives and that they have within themselves the resources and skills necessary to achieve these goals. I believe that psychotherapy can help individuals most effectively use their resources and strengths to increase self-understanding, to improve decision-making, to solve problems, and to create the paths to the lives they want.

My theoretical approach pulls from Cognitive Behavioral Theory and many successful techniques (humanistic, strategic, psychodynamic, and solution focused), which allows me to personally tailor your therapy session based upon your unique needs in an eclectic and integrated approach to therapy. Therapist flexibility is a valuable tool in helping my clients gain a balanced perspective on the life issues they are facing. I view therapy as a collaborative, sharing experience and seek to help my clients feel safe, comfortable, and truly understood.

Everyone has an inner critic that is demanding, judgmental, and critical of the self. Some have harsher inner critics than others; however, my goal is for my clients to experience less criticism and more curiosity and self-compassion. Self-criticism is debilitating. It can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, cutting, substance abuse, infidelity and the list goes on. As I work with my clients to develop more self-awareness and self-understanding, they begin to develop more self-compassion and their symptoms begin to dissipate.

Taking the first steps towards healing our inner wounds is a journey that does not have to be made alone. Therapy is a space for your to be seen, heard, and foster a sense of security. With a client centered approach, I am here to walk side by side you, with a goal of making you feel empowered to make the positive changes you want to make for your life. By navigating our past experiences, we uncover patterns, messages, and beliefs we internalize that holds us back in our present moments. Gaining awareness of our past, and making new meaning, we are able to create new experiences for our future.

I understand that choosing a therapist can be difficult. You want someone you can talk to and be completely open and honest with them, without any fear of judgment. Sometimes in life there are obstacles that may seem overwhelming, and I believe we all have the ability to change, to perceive these challenges as opportunities to grow, make healthier choices, build stronger relationships, and become your best possible self. Together, we can work through these challenges, begin the healing process, and move forward with a renewed sense of self, confidence, and hope for the future.

I tend to view people as complex, and that our difficulties are intertwined with our relationships, culture, and lifestyle, past and present. I have advanced training in psychoanalysis and mentalization based treatment, working with adults coping with complex trauma and personality disorder diagnoses. Additionally, I work with athletes and professionals having problems with performance, doubt, and creativity. Ultimately, my efforts are aimed at cultivating a meaningful, trustworthy, and collaborative relationship meant to help individuals reflect on and understand where they have been, where they are, and where they want to go.

I have had the pleasure of working with all age groups for over 30 years. Need help with your kids? Parenting education and training are important issues in my practice. In general, important goals in therapy include learning how to make the best decisions for oneself in day-to-day life and in developing basic problem solving strategies. Often, significant change can be made simply through the process of education and awareness, offered in a caring and compassionate environment. I use EFT in my practice to maximize symptom relief and minimize the need for extended time in therapy.

Physical illness affects your emotional and mental health. As a Psychologist and an RN, I can help manage the stress of cancer, cardiac and autoimmune diseases, diabetes. Whether you have just received a new diagnosis or are weary of struggling with an ongoing illness, I give you tools to ease the process and make you feel more capable of taking charge of your life. We can work on the loss and grief over what feels like a body that has betrayed you.

When life becomes harder than we anticipate, finding support shouldn't feel like a dating task. That's why I'm here to join you in finding direction and hope. I help students/young adults wrestling with the anxiety that comes with life transitions. I support working professionals in managing stress and burnout. I provide a space for women to explore their worries and develop healthier relationships. As a multi-ethnic woman, I understand the tension of balancing one's identity and needs with their roles and responsibilities. I also value incorporating one's faith into exploring inner-conflicts and find self-compassion.

Are you stressed out by your circumstances. You are not alone as an EMDR Christian Therapist I'll help you in your journey to make sense of the confusion, hurt, and pain in your life. I specialize in those struggling with trauma, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, anger, anxiety and depression. I provide Individual therapy for adults in person or via telehealth. I believe healing starts with genuine compassion, to listen & support the pain of others. sufficit unum lumen intenebris means a single light suffices in the darkness, therapy can bring light to your darkened world.

Some of our greatest needs as human beings are to feel heard and understood. This is something that we all deserve, but unfortunately do not always experience. Therapy allows this to happen in a safe and nonjudgmental way. My number one priority is for the people I work with to feel safe and supported. I meet my clients where they are, and follow their lead so that they leave our sessions feeling like their most immediate needs and concerns were addressed.

I'm Ariel, a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of counseling experience. I have helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, mania, obsessions, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, loss, grief, conflict, work-life balance, injustice, violence, inattention, hyperactivity, substance use, parent-child disputes, LGBTQIA issues, and more. I take an eclectic approach incorporating client-centered, family systems, dynamic, behavioral, mindfulness, and cognitive modalities. I entered this profession to help guide people through the complex systems in this world and am willing to work with any human who wants to heal.

I am a trauma-informed therapist who is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Seeking Safety. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, incorporating components from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, in order to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.

My name is Amy Bender, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I'm here to help you find hope and guide you into a place of peace. I help those struggling with anxiety/stress, relationship issues, and/or their spirituality. A lot of times, relational problems or feeling lost within our spirituality can cause a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. I take the time to listen and understand you in order to get to the root of the problem. I give you tools so that you can start to feel better within the first few sessions. I will help you build your ability to cope with difficult emotions or situations, decreasing overall anxiety.

I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.

Founded in 2008, Orange Coast Psychological Associates consists of a highly trained multidisciplinary group of independently practicing Clinical Psychologists; each of who bring a unique level of skill, expertise and clinical experience. We provide a range of psychological services and assessment to children, adolescents and adults.