Behavioral Issues Therapists in Laguna Beach, CA

Life can be full of challenges and life changing events. Some of these events and challenges can result in intense emotional distress. If you or a loved one are struggling with sadness, anxiety, stress management, loss & grief, or trauma, I would like to work with you in a mutual effort to address your distress and healing. Over the past 24 years I have been working with children, teens, adults and families to sort through emotions, build strategies & skills, and find solutions to manage the emotional struggles.

I help heal emotional pain and relationship distress. I bring a warm approach to therapy, informed by life experiences in Europe and Asia. I became a therapist after having discovered the meaning of fatherhood. I taught the practice of psychotherapy to graduate students and am supervising therapists in training. I use tools that help regulate the nervous system as needed. Where I find myself at home is with helping the development of self-awareness with tenderness toward our underlying humanity, for this brings self-love, vibrancy, empowerment, intimacy, and meaning.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a beautiful home office located in Laguna Beach. I work with individuals, couples and families to help identify and process your experiences, build healthy communication, and restore respect and trust in your relationships. I truly believe that change is possible, therapy an opportunity, and that everyone can reach their true potential.

My extensive work with trauma, grief, and loss has earned worldwide attention spanning across four decades. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and International Certified Life Coach, I work with individuals, families, and groups to transform mental and emotional challenges into experiences of thriving health and well-being. My early career defining work began in the 80’s alongside John Bradshaw and focused on addiction, recovery, and codependency. Together with a team of cutting-edge psychotherapists, I developed groundbreaking techniques for understanding trauma: when it starts, how it affects the brain, and how to heal.

When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.

As a current Registered Nurse of 19 years, a former US Coast Guard boarding officer of 6 years, a Registered Addiction Counselor, and a current Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I have learned how to approach issues of anger, loss, addiction, abuse, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and other types of pain. Through a client-centered and collaborative approach that supports all aspects of one’s life, such as the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual bodies, I offer a safe space where freedom from the story of pain can be addressed and overcome. Allow awareness, confidence, and authenticity to guide you to Freedom.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 plus years as a counselor, author, consultant and therapist. My expertise is working with women to address self esteem, depression, anxiety, toxic relationship dynamics and creating healthy boundaries, assertiveness, self confidence, finding one’s purpose and achieving life goals.

Do you feel out of balance in your life? Having conflicts with important relationships; anxiety about the future; regrets about the past? Feeling as though life is passing you by and the joy you once felt isn't there anymore? Let me help you restore balance and happiness in your life and relationships. I am an experienced, skilled licensed counselor and psychology educator and want to help you regain your life, and live it to the fullest. If you are looking for a better life, or just want to resolve a problem that has you stumped, I can help.

Are you feeling worried, self-critical or unable to do the things you want to most? Do you wish you could feel better and supported? Non-judgmental, understanding, effective and supportive care can help deal with life transitions or issues to help you be the best you.

Life can be challenging. Maybe you're struggling with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or finding purpose. What would a better life look like? Let's work towards it together. I believe that change can happen, especially when we're not fighting alone. Let me meet you where you're at today. We do not have to be defined by our negative experiences or past traumas. We have the power to make positive changes in our lives. Let's identify unwanted patterns, triggers, and behaviors and transform them into positive change. We can do it together with a vibrant perspective, strong tools, and the promise and hope for a beautiful future.

VIDEO and/or PHONE, Saturday and Evening Sessions available- Having anxiety, stress, depression, work/career issues? Major life changes, relationship or family issues? Addiction (drugs, alcohol, internet/phone addiction, codependency, sex/love addiction, etc.), ADHD, chronic pain/health issues, or just life stressors? I can help. I have been doing counseling professionally for over 20 years and have seen my clients make significant and consistent progress no matter how difficult the challenges are that they face. I offer support, compassion, valuable experience and a healthy relationship where a person can heal and grow.

I ask that you are ready to make a commitment, to yourself, first. I consider this the first step of the journey - I am here ready to make the commitment alongside you. Think of it as the beginning of falling in love with yourself...your relationships, and ultimately your life. If you are reading this I hope you answer the call, to yourself...it is the beginning of the type of change you have dreamt of, meeting your best self, meeting your soul.

It seems that whenever, and in whatever ways we are suffering, we have become stuck in a pattern that reflects a limited sense of ourselves, having lost track of who we are meant to be. Through use of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, together we find ways to create a greater sense of wholeness and inner freedom.

If you're reading this, you or someone you love are in some level of distress. I'm glad you're here. Keep reading. People generally do the best they can with what they know. Sometimes in life, we need additional support in order to work on areas that are beyond us- either because we've experienced trauma, tried everything we know, or we're too entangled. Sadly, many people wait so long to seek help that things are extremely overwhelming by the time they call. The good news is, you're here now and things can get better. I offer a free initial consultation, so please feel free to call and speak with me.

Are you troubled by past trauma and overwhelmed at the thought of getting help? Dealing with trauma is incredibly difficult but fortunately you don't have to do it alone. At Harmony Heals we specialize in bringing about a sense of resolution and giving clients the power to forge their own destiny. Our entire office is focused on getting you the help that you need and guiding you on your personal journey to growth and mental well-being.

Are you tired of "being sick and tired"? Do you need to break unhealthy habits? It is time to take control. Deal with the issues that cause you to feel depressed, anxious, angry and stuck in unhealthy relationships. Stop blaming others, beating yourself up and sabotaging yourself. Stop feeling guilty and recalling mistakes you have made. Love yourself and be the best person you can be. Improve your self-confidence, your self -esteem and your relationships. It is time for you to decide " What do you want to do with your life"? You can be transformed and re-newed.

Life can be challenging, and sometimes we can feel inadequate in dealing with life struggles that come our way. Sometimes we feel like we've tried everything, but for some reason we still feel stuck despite our best efforts. Although there are times in our lives when we feel great, there are also times in our lives when we feel hopeless, anxious, depressed, or even lost. Sometimes, we can pinpoint why we feel this way, and other times, these feelings seem to just come upon us for no apparent reason. Both can make life incredibly difficult.

I am an individual, marital, family and child therapist who currently works with a wide range of patients. My specialties include addressing issues of grief and loss, relationship concerns, parent/child issues, depression, abuse, substances/alcohol dependence, family transitions and issues related to aging. My approach is to encourage a healing relationship in a trusting environment where personal and family growth can occur.

Want happiness and inner calm? Want a better quality of life? I'm highly effective at working with clients toward reaching their therapeutic goals. I specialize in helping adults,adolescents,couples and families with depression, anxiety or relational conflict in their lives. In the past I've worked with at risk teens and their families through the PRYDE (Pepperdine Resource Youth Diversional Education) program and the Capistrano School District. I have a master's degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, doctorate in applied clinical psychology from Chicago School of Professional Psychology & OB/GYN nurse practitioner degree from NYU.