Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

I received my B.A. in Psychology from U.C., Berkeley & my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I hold a Certification in Dual Diagnosis from U.C., Los Angeles & am skilled in counseling clients dealing with addictions as well as emotional challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, grief & loss). I am proficient in treating persons & families dealing with divorce, separation, custody and court issues. I have provided supervision to Marriage & Family Therapy Trainees and Interns. In-home psychotherapy available, upon request. A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) provided upon request.

Clients who benefit from my help appreciate a therapist who is warm, nurturing and supportive in his approach and at the same time confronts the difficult issues that bring people to seek my assistance. I am an experienced clinician, and I draw upon a variety of techniques ranging from talk therapy to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. My clients feel I help them with life issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

I believe that every individual is a whole and healthy being. Trauma that occurs in childhood or later in life creates a block that makes one feel less than whole and far from healthy. Because of this, anxiety, depression, addictions to substances, food, and other destructive behaviors become a way of coping. My goal is to help my clients restore the feeling of wholeness and well-being by providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which they can work through difficult issues and restore their true selves. I see it everyday...

I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, and individuals who need a supportive space as they navigate the challenges in life, work, and relationships. I bring a compassionate perspective to healing that honors the mind and body connection. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a path toward healing that is unique to your needs. I am devoted to holding a safe space for your experience where we can explore and process old narratives and behavior patterns that are no longer working and create new meaning that will move your life forward.

I provide a supportive and collaborative approach to therapy. I believe it is important to teach clients strategies to use throughout their life, so that when they leave therapy, clients feel more confident to cope with future difficulties in a positive way. Learning skills along with self exploration can lead to progress in a shorter amount of time. Clients of all ages can benefit from this approach.

One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, our approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". we strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. We specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with current life challenges and ready to heal from their traumatic experiences or a difficult past. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can feel heard, achieve personal growth and happiness, find solutions, and see results. You can have the opportunity to process your painful memories and trauma, gain awareness of your patterns of thinking that no longer benefit you. You can gain a more positive out look on life to decrease your current distress and feel less stuck.

For many, the most heartbreaking part of trauma or past hurts is that love and compassion is needed the most but is often the hardest to let in. I tend to work with highly sensitive people, creatives, healers of all kinds, empaths, and spiritual seekers. I can help with anxiety, depression, negative self-talk, self-destructiveness, shame, numbness, PTSD, C-PTSD, and relationship distress. Were you abused, assaulted, neglected, or put down? Do you feel overwhelmed? Is it hard to find your voice? Feeling bad about yourself? Uncomfortable in your skin? All of this can shift. "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." -Rumi

I believe that every person is unique and has their own story. I feel honored that I have been selected to share their story and to be a part of their healing journey. With compassion, kindness, non-judgment, and support, I help my clients make sense of their major life events so they take the next steps in their lives. It is a great privilege to see my clients gain insight into their lives, manage their difficulties more effectively, make positive changes, increase awareness, and improve themselves. I look forward to meeting you and participating in your healing experience.

My goal is to help people connect with themselves and others in meaningful and satisfying ways. Connection with the self allows acceptance and enjoyment of life without fear, suspicion, self-judgment, etc., which can prevent us from living life to its fullest. Connection with others allows us to "double our joy and divide our grief." Addressing issues such as depression, self-esteem, or anger can enhance our abilities to know ourselves and be fully present with others. I use an eclectic therapeutic style so that the work can be tailored to fit each client in each session.

Whether you are facing an immediate life stressor or looking for intentional ways to manage your life, talking with a culturally sensitive and experienced clinician can help you in your journey. I have worked with individuals and families for over 30 years in various capacities and bring expertise in the areas of anxiety and relationship conflict in couples and families. The ways in which I support clients is holistic, individually designed and stems from Humanistic and Mindfulness based approaches. I look forward to supporting your healing, growth and overall wellness.

With all life's pressures sometimes we put our own needs aside. This can manifest itself anywhere from burn out to anxiety and depression. My goals as a therapist are to provide a safe and supportive environment in order to help improve and nurture healthier relationships for my clients. I will work with you to discover, and uncover, the things that get in your way personally and/or professionally and help you gain a better understanding and acceptance of yourself.

Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (Lic. 123395) it is my job to be a collaborative partner in exploring your past while inviting you to step into your future with a new set of eyes. Depending on what you are looking for we will explore the footsteps that were laid before you in order to set the foundation for what is next. I predominately work with couples and individuals. I am a tele-health provider and have worked at various therapy groups, practices, hospitals and treatment centers. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University Masters Clinical Psychology Program.

Life can be filled with stress, challenges, and anxiety, and sometimes we need help navigating through it all. As a Licensed Psychologist, my passion is to walk through the challenges of life with my patients. I provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for individuals to process through their struggles and gain insight as they grow to reach their mental health goals. I engage with each individual to build strong rapport while identifying their root issues and working together to improve their well-being.

Do you feel that life is running you over? Do you have a hard time managing? I work with people who experience various levels of difficulties, whether the situations are related to addiction, depression, relationships, career issues, or trauma. Psychotherapy can help you face these challenges with support rather than feeling alone. Reaching out to a therapist can be the first step toward revising old, dysfunctional habits, reorganizing your thinking and building more successful paths in your life.

Have you tried to overcome obstacles and barriers to a healthy, happy life? Are you at a place where you want to be healthy and thrive in your life? Have you considered reaching out to someone else for help but struggle with being vulnerable and asking for help? You have taken the first step in recognizing that working through life’s challenges alone is not necessary. I have experience helping others through adjustment periods and struggles that often overwhelm and can at times debilitate and create stress, anxiety, depression and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

No one is born with a playbook for life, but you have the power to write your own. Some people I work with recognize that they feel anxious, depressed, possibly reliving trauma, or are generally unfulfilled, while others are not sure why they are unhappy, nervous, not enjoying life. I’m here to help you get more out of life. More love, more joy, more peace. Change isn’t always easy. I offer a space where you can explore your emotions, fears, anger, and experience new-found hope, plus get real solutions, and thrive!

Hi there, I'm Catherine! I am an LMFT with experience treating severe mental health disorders, and adolescents dealing with a wide variety of trauma, domestic violence, sex trafficking, addiction, and parenting practices. No matter what the experience is, I work from a trauma-informed care approach which provides an environment of understanding, compassion, and a non-judgmental experience. I often practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, depending on what is needed for the client. I also integrate Attachment Theory into many of my sessions.