Therapists in Los Angeles County, CA

In my practice, it's all about empathy, respect, and valuing the diverse identities and experiences that make us who we are. My area of specialty and interest is in working with individuals who are neurodivergent, have developmental disabilities, or navigating life after a traumatic brain injury. Together, we create a safe space where you can explore and truly be yourself.

Unfortunately, life is not fair all the time. My goal is to help you navigate your journey and help you feel safe in the process. I work with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and children over 11 years old. I hope to facilitate change through dialogue and support to help define life’s purpose and our choices to achieve the goals, purpose, authenticity, and self-esteem we long for and deserve using Gestalt, interpersonal, and existential theories.

In addition to providing parenting support, I work with individuals encountering a variety of life challenges such as anxiety, relational issues, work stress, loneliness and depression. I also work with couples looking to repair ruptures, rekindle connection, improve communication and/or work on parenting issues. I have a background in meditation and mindfulness. It informs my practice and I often use it as modality to assist clients whether working with anxiety or parenting or other relational issues.

I have been providing empathic evidence-based psychotherapy for over 25 years to clients from different walks of life. Our work together can orient you toward tools and resources which can help you embrace your authentic self, experience greater well-being, and live a more meaningful and prosperous life. By providing a safe therapeutic space, I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and rise above your life challenges.

In my therapeutic practice, I integrate the depths of existential and humanistic therapies with a keen focus on the intricacies of racial issues, identity exploration, and the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. My approach is underpinned by a commitment to understanding and nurturing the complex web of human connections, guided by attachment-based theory. This perspective enables me to support clients in exploring and healing relational patterns that have been shaped by early attachments and life experiences, fostering healthier and more fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

A bit about me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master's in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for 9 years.

I use a variety of practices and therapies, including: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Therapy. My process is always to ask you, the client, what it is you want, what would that look like, and what is in your way. Then we collaborate to get you there!

My goal is always to help you achieve your goals and to support you in your efforts to live the life you want to live. My basic orientation is psychodynamic, but I'm flexible in my approach. I honor the individuality of each person with whom I work. I believe in the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities of change for anyone who desires it.

Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.

I have been in practice for 30 years treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and working with people who want to succeed in life and have resistance to their own success. I am a certified psychoanalyst. I teach graduate school courses in Clinical Psychology something I have been doing for 27 years. I have a very holistic approach to therapy having been trained in psychosynthesis (a spiritual approach) and Modern Psychoanalyis. I love the work I do helping people reach their potential.

The last couple of years have thrown a wrench in the life we once had. The coping skills that worked aren't helping as much. Our ability to socialize and engage in self-care as we knew it has come with some mental resistance or a twinge of anxiety. Now that we are learning to adjust to life during and after the pandemic, the stressful experiences can still feel overwhelming. Regardless of whether you are in crisis or dealing with a persistent concern, you're here because you are ready to feel better. I would like to help you with that.

My office is located in the heart of Claremont. I am walking distance or a bike ride away from the (5C's). I also offer zoom virtual sessions to people living anywhere in California. I specialize in the treatment of adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, adjustment difficulties, chronic pain, sports related issues.

In my work with you, I am invested in establishing a safe, supportive and truthful connection aimed at working through underlying psychological issues that have caused you emotional pain, perpetuated self-defeating behaviors, and trapped you in inauthentic roles. From your commitment to the therapeutic process, you can come to experience deeper intimacy in relationships, increased self-esteem and confidence, and greater joy and pleasure in living.

As a dedicated therapist, I prioritize your emotional well-being, supporting your journey towards healing and growth with compassion and understanding. I am here to create a warm, supportive space where you can process your emotions and uncover your strengths. My person-centered approach empowers you to define your mental health recovery according to your own beliefs and values. Together, we will work to align your life with the vision you set forth.

Do you find difficulties with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship/family problems, and trauma? These emotional disruptions can have a significant impact on our lives. Coping with these events requires various approaches, and I can assist you in recognizing your emotions and identifying possible patterns in your relationships. I can also help you develop resilience and acceptance towards challenging emotions, and support you in setting meaningful goals. I utilize EMDR, CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, & person-centered therapy to reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, foster resilience, and enhance the quality of life.

Therapy For POC (at this time, Vanessa Cantu, LMFT) provides mental health support for people of color. Communities of color are struggling with mental health issues due to everyday life and the stress of life-threatening social issues. BIPOC would benefit most from services provided by a therapist of color who understands and can authentically support their lived experiences.

Evening and weekend availability. Have you ever thought to yourself, “I was supposed to be (or do) X but it didn’t’ happen for me. Now who am I?” Did you have plans for a specific college, a career path, or relationship goals that just didn’t pan out? Do you feel that this block in your path impacts your relationships with others or your ability to feel confident in your future? Let me help you redefine who you are and what your future looks like.

Hi! I'm a Licensed marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)based in California. Because my previous work has been so diverse these past several years, I treat every single client as the expert in their own lives. In each interaction, I tailored my interventions to their specific situation and symptoms. Whether the topics centered around anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I ensured the tools we developed were done collaboratively and in a safe space.

I understand that therapy demands your time, money, and energy and I genuinely value your investment. I believe in maximizing your time in therapy and collaborate with you in clarifying and establishing your goals from the beginning in order to utilize every session to get you one step closer to where you want to be in your life. I consider myself an interactive therapist. I engage with my clients by coaching them to align their thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to understand themselves better and move forward to enjoy the changes they wish to see in their lives.