Therapists in Grandview, Glendale, CA

Hi, I'm glad you've found your way here. My name is Allie Kauffmann and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with eating disorders, body image distress, anxiety, and depression. I'm passionate about supporting clients in gaining insight about their emotions and learning how to use these emotions to guide them towards living in alignment with their values to be their most authentic self. If you've ever felt "overly sensitive," overwhelmed by your emotions, or "too much," I'm excited to help you embrace your sensitivity and rich emotional life.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I have been practicing for over a decade. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, cultural identity, relationship issues and life transitions. My therapeutic style is eclectic with an emphasis on cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies and mindfulness. I am also EMDR trained and help clients heal from symptoms and emotional distress resulting from trauma and adverse events. I am bilingual in English and Cantonese and I am sensitive to multicultural issues.

You are running on fumes. As the go-to parent, friend, coworker, or family member, everyone needs you because you’re the fixer. But the internal and external noise and never-ending to-do list has left you fragmented and overwhelmed. The idea of saying “no” feels impossible. And the idea of saying “yes” to one more damn thing fills you with dread and resentment. You feel so much pressure to hold it together, but it’s too much. You want to feel peace, call in ease, and create more balance. How would it feel to set boundaries, prioritize yourself, and break patterns that no longer serve you?

There’s always been this little voice inside you that whispers, “You’re a failure. You’re incompetent. You don’t deserve to be happy.” Logically you know that’s not true, but the critical voices won’t shut up. You take care of everyone – your kids, your partner, people at work- but you never take care of yourself. There’s no joy anymore. It’s exhausting just to get through the day. What’s even more frustrating is that you have so many personal and professional goals but you feel so emotionally paralyzed that you can’t even get started. This then reinforces those awful voices that tell you you’re a failure.

We all get stuck in life, and sometimes we need someone to help us get unstuck. My practice prioritizes your time as well as your safety and comfort, integrating evidence-based practices to address past wounds and heal as quickly as possible. I have helped numerous clients overcome their problems in individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Though I primarily work with clients struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety, I also help clients discuss sensitive topics such as privilege.

Are anxiety and/or depression taking over your life? Are they sapping your energy, disrupting your relationships, and interfering with your work? Do you wake up feeling anxious or panicky, but don't know why? Do you feel a sense of dread when you think about the day ahead? Do you find it difficult to control your crying? Do these feelings interfere with your ability to concentrate at work? Are important people in your life tiring of hearing about your worries or sadness? Do you wish you could calm your body and mind and find some relief and joy?

With 16 years of experience working with children, families, and adults, I bring a deep understanding and practical expertise to my therapy practice. I specialize in addressing the unique stressors faced by the Sandwich Generation, those individuals balancing the demands of caring for aging parents while raising their own children. My extensive background enables me to provide compassionate and effective support, helping clients navigate the complex emotional and logistical challenges they encounter. Whether you're struggling with caregiver burnout, family dynamics, or personal well-being, I'm here to help.

I provide comprehensive assessment services, including conducting bariatric presurgical/preoperative psychological, neuropsychological, and ADHD evaluations with adults. Please note that I am not taking psychotherapy patients at this time. I am accepting new patients for assessment purposes.

Life can be hard and I am here to tell you that it is okay to reach out for help and not be okay some times. Life has many ups and downs and together we will go on a journey to help you navigate any obstacles. I will guide you in achieving your goals and be the best version of yourself.

People often seek therapy because something in their life is causing them pain and discomfort. I often work with individuals who "from the outside" look like they "have it all together," but on the inside, they feel like they are falling apart. When you permit yourself to ask for help to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, you create more room for yourself. You don't have to hold everything so tightly. My therapeutic approach is warm, active ( I won't just sit and stare at you), and collaborative (therapy requires work and personal responsibility).

I really enjoy working with young adults. Most young people are capable of tremendous growth, despite their current state, developmental hurdle, trauma, or identity issues. I have been working specifically with students in their twenties for over 10 years.

I offer client-centered therapy in Eagle Rock and in Old Town Pasadena. Guiding principles are: that one always remains the expert on one's own life, that people have the internal resources to overcome their "stuck-ness," and that a collaborative therapeutic relationship is the key to encouraging positive change and more meaningful living. While I deal with a wide range of client issues, most of my clients are high-functioning or gifted intellectually and/or artistically. I use Rogerian, Experiential Focusing, Gestault, Attachment Theory, and Existential concepts and methods, working with clients to help them maximize their personal freedom and growth.

I focus on finding solutions for clients who are at a point in their lives where they feel stuck, whether it be in relationships, work, or problems of life

Play, with neither a plan or purpose, is the best precondition -- Marie-Louise von Franz. Everyone has a story and sometimes we become stuck in our story because we want to move in a direction that may be different than what is expected. Being stuck may manifest with symptoms of anxiety, depression or other disorders. My approach is to encounter these symptoms with curiosity rather than judgment. The role of therapy is to provide understanding and an empathetic ear with a belief that the activity of therapy will provide insight and healing.

Why do we choose partners who fail to meet some of the important needs in our life, even though initially there was something about them that caused us to deeply love them? Why can't our partner understand what is going on in our world? Why doesn't our partner love us better? We imagine meeting the perfect partner and staying in love with them forever. They would understand us so well and offer the right words and support that we need. Why can't we find that perfect partner? Why is the partner we have so annoying at times?

Sometimes when life throws us a curve ball, or when we are dealing with a more chronic, ongoing challenge, talking to a therapist can help us see our inner strengths and abilities which can help us successfully navigate through these challenging times. Talking to a therapist can also help us push ourselves to reach even greater personal goals.

Are you unable to be honest and genuine in your relationships? Do you stand up for yourself, but drive others away? Are you stuck in patterns of thought and behavior that leave you feeling defeated? Do you feel overwhelmed by changes that seem to be beyond your control? Are you stuck in a career rut that drains your energy and hope? Is a tragic loss keeping you weighed down and unable to live freely and fully? Are you stressed, anxious or depressed without knowing why?

I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, and have been practicing therapy for 10 years. But most importantly, I am a woman striving to live a good and authentic life filled with love, courage, and joy. I am extremely passionate about helping others who wish to do the same.

Enhance Your Life & Find True Happiness Serving Adults, Children, Families and Communities Our Relapse Prevention and Life Transition Program offers: Individual, Couples and Family Therapy, Coaching, Consultations and Counseling, Psychological Evaluations and Testing. We offer continued enrollment for individual/ group training programs: Anger management, conflict resolution, coping skills, shoplifters alternatives, character building, self- awareness, interpersonal skills, parenting classes, social skills building, stress management, relapse prevention, social resistance training We implement model of interventions that are Court Approved and accepted in probation departments, hospitals, substance abuse facilities, government agencies and major corporations.