Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in La Crescenta, CA

Rui is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental and attachment trauma, dissociative disorders and reactions to other stressful events in teens and adults. Rui is a certified somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, as well as Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Rui's approach is holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice.

When someone says, "get over it" -- well, if it was that easy, you'd already have done that, right? It's not always that easy, getting past that stuck spot, especially when criticism & judgment add insult to injury. What I love to do more than anything in my life is, help people get past those upsetting memories, & make solid, lasting changes, and move forward, in freedom. Sometimes, that means helping to identify a subtle, indecipherable trauma. Sometimes that means, tackling unspeakably horrific violence you survived. Sometimes that means, working together with the two of you together for communication skills. Because -

I practice from both a relational and an attachment based framework. It’s widely known that the main driver of successful outcome in psychotherapy is the quality of the relationship between the patient and the clinician. It is also acknowledged that the majority of mental health issues are either caused, maintained, or intensified by unhealthy relationships. For these reasons, I place a great deal of emphasis upon our relationship as a foundation for implementing any clinical interventions.

I approach therapy with authenticity, depth, and compassion. Everyone is unique, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Although the symptoms may look similar for a group of people, the diverse background, circumstances, and perspectives of those individuals are likely to require different treatment approaches. I attentively, non-judgmentally, and respectfully collaborate with each client to examine the root cause of certain behavior and thought processes. By exploring their unconscious thoughts and feelings, I am able to facilitate awareness of established relationship patterns and the impact on their day-to-day interactions

I am the founder & clinical director of ADAPT Therapy Centers, Inc. (c.1987). My specialties include a treatment of mood disorders (depression, anxiety/panic, bi-polar disorder) & addiciton. Throughout my 30 year career, I have run hundreds of psychodrama, multi-family, & cognitive therapy groups at various SoCal hospitals . I have been a professor in the Psychology Dept. at Mount Saint Mary's College & a member of the Board of Directors for the National Council of Alcoholism & Drug Addiction, Los Angeles Chapter. I have also served as Clinical Director at The Pasadena Recovery Center & co-hosted "Shrink Wrap" on KCSN-FM.

I specialize in working with children and adolescent, adults and families. Whether you're looking for support or guidance through a particularly difficult time, or you're open to a real change in your life, together, we can work to achieve dreams, and meet your goals. I believe in uniqueness of each individual needs and therefore the treatment I provide is tailored to unique individual needs. My goal is accompanying each client in working through barriers to expressing their true self, finding self-acceptance, happiness and peace.

There are many reasons why you might be seeking help at this time, and it is an act of strength and bravery to take this step. Together we can work together to foster healthy coping, connect to your feelings, align the heart with the mind, create vision and clarity, and discover inherent confidence, wisdom and worthiness. If you find yourself struggling with having vision and clarity, grief and loss, have been engaging in unhealthy behaviors and are having difficulty making the changes you desire, or you or a loved one are struggling with a chronic illness, we can work together to address your needs.

The psychotherapeutic relationship is a place for you to experience being accepted, and deeply understood. Good therapy helps foster healthier relationships, life fulfillment, and self-acceptance. I have been in practice as both a Psychologist and Marriage Family Therapist for 25 years, and have extensive clinical experience, using many modalities and treating diverse populations. I am also a trained hypnotherapist. One of my specialties is working with people who are highly sensitive, intuitive, and creative. If this describes you, then you know the unique challenges of being a sensitive person living in a high-stimulus world.

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? Are you struggling with how to "return to normal" since 2020? I specialize in trauma informed therapy for adults, adolescents and families. Trauma-informed care recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior, emotions & physical well-being, while prioritizing a safe therapeutic environment. I have extensive experience with CPTSD, PTSD, medical trauma, chronic pain and phobias. I aim to understand the unique needs of each person, while emphasizing empowerment and personal choice. Living with my own health challenges has helped to shape my understanding and approach.

Sometimes, as much as we try, it’s hard to make the changes we need to improve the quality of our life. If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, excessive worry, depression or bipolar disorder, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or having trouble navigating the stress of life and want to make some changes, I am here to help.

The decision to begin therapy is a courageous one. You may be coming to therapy because of a variety of reasons such as emotional distress, relationship issues, challenging life transitions, or feeling alone in navigating personal struggles. I believe the most important element of effective psychotherapy is the genuine relationship between the patient and therapist. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can feel free to express your thoughts and feelings. Our goal together will be to work toward alleviating the stress, struggle or pain you may be going through.