Domestic Abuse Therapists in Marina, CA

There are times in life when our paths lead us off course and we find ourselves struggling with serious issues like negativity, depression, worry, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, difficulty with co-workers or unfulfilling marriages. Some of us struggle with unresolved trauma from our past, leaving us feeling distant, disconnected and alone. No matter how difficult your current situation seems, I believe that it is always possible to get back on track and feel better. In my years specializing in domestic violence, eating disorders and trauma related therapy, I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome multiple obstacles.

Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.

Accepting New Patients. When we feel stuck in our situation, it can create feelings of hopelessness. In addition to the many problems that complicate our daily lives such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, patients come to me with complex relationship issues including marital distress, divorce recovery, verbal & emotional abuse, loss of child, parent, or spouse. I approach therapy from a holistic perspective, to address the root problem, not just the symptoms. Like physical therapy, the goal is to get well and end treatment. I offer perspective on your experience, and provide clear, concise directions on meeting your goals.

Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.

Promoting healing & trustworthy engagement for children, youth, their families, adults who come seeking shelter, emotional safety and refuge (see abbeypsychservices.com). Even the youngest demonstrate remarkable strengths with precise, attuned, attention to their levels of awareness, given new experiences to help transform distorted cognitive appraisals of themselves, others, relationships, the world. Working together, we cultivate more accurate appraisals of internal/external experience, shift into clearer, more realistic thinking, enhanced empathy, healthier, more effective coping styles. We co-create new, hopeful, cooperative stories to replace hopeless, repetitive, "traumatic reliving" within the safety of a predictable, nurturing, skillfully maintained therapeutic environment.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin. Creativity, liberation, and transcendence —getting your power back— these are core tenants in my practice. My approach merges reflective space to spark insight, with specific tools and strategies to drive change. I draw from existential philosophy, the arts, and sociocultural narratives, as well as research and assessments to match unique needs with individualized treatments that align identity and purpose with systems.

How can I help you? Was there a crisis, or an unexpected, yet, traumatic event that has happened in your life? Maybe you're just feeling lost, tired, overwhelmed, in-shock, and just in need of some extra support. Maybe it was an ultimatum, "Either we go to therapy, or we're done..." that motivated this decision. So here you are... reading this... are you ready? As your Therapist I will listen, be supportive, and help you deal with the crisis, trauma, and stressors in your life. I provide a warm, inviting, safe, and non-judgmental space where you and your healing are my main focus.

Most mental health providers assist the patient(s) with the process of gaining interpersonal awareness, but do not specialize in both the emotional and physical aspects of intimacy. Alternatively, most intimacy coaches do not specialize in the psychodynamic underpinnings of human attachment and resulting relational dynamics. I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment that allows couples or individuals to address issues, questions, and concerns pertaining to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships.

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience in mental health, specializing in trauma and abuse recovery. My journey began in Brazil, where I grew up in a diverse and challenging environment that shaped my understanding of human pain and resilience. Losing my parents at a young age and witnessing widespread trauma in my community instilled in me the compassion and commitment to helping others heal.

We are here to thrive, not just survive. As a licensed therapist, Shamanic practitioner and former bodyworker, I am here to help the soul searchers, truth seekers, and those on a quest to rediscover their authentic selves towards overall health and healing. I will support you on your journey to shed the layers of fear, shame, trauma and pain. I will help you on your spiritual or self healing journey, providing additional support as you encounter life's challenges. When the walls come down, and the truth of the authentic self begins to emerge, it may be difficult, but we will move through it together. We will identify triggers and blockages, and look into things such as unhealthy attachments, cognitive distortions (negative thoughts) and “less than healthy” belief systems. It doesn’t matter whether they came from trauma in childhood, abuse, unhealthy relationships, grief or loss, I am here to help. By identifying, processing, and releasing that which no longer serves you will allow the true healing to finally begin and set your feet on the path you were meant to walk.

I am a licensed Psychologist with 25 years experience, prepared to help with many of life's challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse & other addictions, as well effective communication in all types of relationships. All of these obstacles can be navigated successfully with the right tools. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies are outcome proven methods of coping with negative & painful emotions. The right skills can teach you how to help yourself.

Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)

I wholeheartedly believe it’s my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, accessing and cultivating the internal and external resources that you already possess. Stress, conflict, and pain are those given aspects of life. I'll support you in healing, reconnecting and making empowering choices to achieve peace and feel more joy on a daily basis. Together, we will create a safe space for vulnerability and strength; both are needed for change. Our sessions will allow you to move through stuck points in your mind, relationships and environment. My approach is empathic, direct, emotionally supportive and solutions focused.