Depression Therapists in Hermosa Beach, CA

Congratulations on taking an important step toward living a healthier and happier life. I believe everyone has the potential to achieve all they desire but sometimes different situations prevent us from accomplishing our goals. Experiencing many challenges and overcoming obstacles have taught me that life is a complicated yet fascinating adventure and having the right tools along the way could ease the journey. In my practice I provide support and guidance to my clients and help them learn new strategies to overcome hurdles, achieve their goals, and find their paths.

Many years ago a friend introduced me to their love of mountain climbing. Their love was not from the literal act of gearing up to be in nature, but instead the love of reading and watching the life stories of brave people who were called to the mountains. Over the years I've happily consumed books, movies, documentaries, and social media accounts that chronicled what drove people to challenge themselves and find meaning. While I’ve learned from their passionate stories, I was struck by a reoccurring character in most of the stories, and that was the role of the humble "Sherpa". The Sherpa does not seek fame or records, they have

Many people look for something beyond the question, “How does that make you feel?” I hope my sessions can not only act as a sounding board, but also provide a safe space to unload, explore and develop solutions to life’s problems. While my approach to therapy is empathic and compassionate, it is also direct and directive. My goal is to help clients identify the root of potential issues and work collaboratively to construct a solution. It is essential to feel safe and comfortable in your therapeutic journey. The client/therapist relationship, built on mutual trust, is the catalyst needed for change.

When working with clients, I strive to make the therapy experience respectful and genuine. Everyone's journey to personal resilience is unique and there is no one size fits all solution. My approach is flexible and client centered. I often explore childhood attachment issues which can assist the client in achieving sustained emotional growth.

Life often presents difficult obstacles that can stand between who you are and who you want to be. Some obstacles may be unhealthy patterns in your relationships, overwhelming sadness or worry, not feeling good enough, or a loss of direction or purpose in your life.

Do you feel tortured by intrusive thoughts? Is your life ruled by a never-ending series of 'what-if's', each more horrifying than the last? You've been hiding your struggle behind a veil of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and other self-sacrificing behaviors, but it's getting exhausting. You're tired of the rituals, the constant reassurance seeking, and the disconnect you feel from your body and the humans around you. Trying to talk yourself out of a thought spiral only seems to make things worse and you're not sure how to move forward. It doesn't have to be like this! Recovery is within reach.

In 37 years as a practicing clinician, I've developed an ability to quickly ascertain underlying problems that generate unwanted symptoms. I use an eclectic style and a variety of therapies and techniques that meet the needs and preferences of my clients. I work to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters exploration and positive change. I start by processing at the conscious level and then work at the physiological level to facilitate mind-body healing that can stand the test of time. I partner with clients to create a treatment plan that helps them become increasingly self-accepting, hopeful, and empowered.

I work with individuals, couples and teens who are interested in emotional growth and integration. I focus on helping people to understand the whole of their experience, including unwanted or shameful experiences like sadness, grief, anger and fear. I use a depth-focus to help people to understand what is going on in their lives and minds incorporating dreams, past trauma and harmful repetitions. This authentic and engaging process seeks to promote effective life choices, rewarding relationships, maintain healthy boundaries and a sense of agency.

My theoretical orientation is a combination of Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness. What this means is we do spend time looking at our past, but also focus on what's not working in the present and building the skills you need in order to start making changes and to live a more fulfilling life.

My specialities as a therapist are 1) children, adolescents, & their families and 2) student athletes. Many individuals within this population suffer with mood disorders, anxiety, school & sport performance stress, identity crisis, family conflict, and low self-esteem due to familial/societal expectations and competitive culture. As a child, teenager, or parent, managing all these life stressors can take a toll on our mental health. My hope as a therapist is to make clients feel safe to process these struggles, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their social/ family connections around them.

Watching your child struggle is uniquely painful. Your family functions as a system, and as your child continues to face hardships, it impacts each member in different ways. While one child suffers, siblings feel overlooked, caregivers are consumed with worry, and the parental unit struggles to attend to one another. The good news is, you have every resource needed to bring the family system back into functionality. Here, the family is the solution. Our work will uncover the strengths that already exist within your child and family unit, while providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to capitalize on those strengths.

Dwell in the possibility of what your life can be...It is my belief that you can create anything you want for yourself or your life. This may seem overwhelming, scary & exciting all at the same time, but it is possible! I provide a safe space where we can explore the patterns in your life & the situations that stop you. We all get stuck sometimes, usually by a combination of ourselves & our circumstances. In order to see more clearly we need help to step back & put our life into perspective. I can provide that help.

Life transitions exist in all parts of our lives and those changes, whether good or bad, can be challenging to navigate. I specialize in working with couples, families & individuals seeking Counseling and/or Mediation during various stages of their relationships. I also specialize in Sex Addiction Betrayal Trauma and Infidelity. I work with the partners of a sex addicts. Partners of sex addicts find their lives have been turned upside down. Life as they knew it has vanished. I can help to navigate through this new ground and prepare for disclosure if that is desired by the partner.

You used to be happy and engaged in life until something changed..life is not what it used to be. Your relationship/s are struggling.You don’t enjoy the activities you once did. You have difficulty concentrating/focusing on important things. You ruminate and it keeps you awake at night. You used to make plans with family/friends now you isolate. You feel sad/alone/angry. Your resentment keeps building…you feel unheard. You want to feel happy and reengage in life . Do things that fulfill you. Make plans with loved ones…repair relationships. You want to be in control of your life and Get back to a life that feels good.

What an upside down world we live in right now! If you're reading this, you've been greatly impacted either by the life-changing pandemic or traumatic relational experiences that have left you wondering which direction to choose moving forward. Are you challenging yourself at the very core with questions like, "Who am I, really? & "What do I want/need from this lifetime, really?"

It is my belief that within each person lies the potential for growth, resilience, and positive change. I’m committed to navigating life’s many challenges with you. I strive to cultivate a warm and accepting environment, where children, adolescents, adults, and couples can feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences without judgment. This environment is foundational to our work together.

I work with motivated clients who find themselves feeling "stuck", stressed, and fatigued and are looking for a way out of destructive or unhelpful cycles. I value a depth-approach to therapy that identifies patterns in your life that are no longer serving you so that you may feel more free and confident. Starting therapy can be daunting and can come with many taboos, but alongside a skilled therapist, you will find the resolution and clarity you've been looking for. I bring a grounded presence that will allow you to safely explore areas of your life you may have not looked at before to have you feeling more in control of your life.

My therapy style is warm, intuitive, and direct. I am known for a more holistic, integrative approach that considers mind, body, heart, and spirit. Western research-based interventions often create a foundation for treatment, which is then blended with Eastern traditions such as yoga, mindfulness, and philosophy. My experiences as a yogi, dancer, world traveler, artist, and poet lend creativity and range to my extensive clinical expertise. I emphasize authenticity, vulnerability, responsibility, and self-compassion.

My ideal client is someone who is ready to embrace change and embark on a journey of healing. Typically, she may be grappling with challenges related to trauma, anxiety, stress, navigating her Latina identity, or navigating stressful life transitions. Together, we can navigate these complexities and work towards a path of empowerment and growth.