Sexual Abuse Therapists in Playa Vista, CA

Photo of Cristina Wood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristina Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
(310) 359-9382 View (310) 359-9382
Photo of Rachel Thomasian, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
(818) 396-8465 View (818) 396-8465
Photo of Katie Corrigan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Corrigan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I will help you learn how to be more connected - in your relationships, at work and with yourself. We'll work together to empower you with the tools you need to challenge what isn't working and start building a life you love. I will help you understand how your past may be influencing your present and how to enhance your capacity for intimacy. I value authenticity, optimism and truth. My approach is warm, but always direct and honest. I am trained in EMDR, Mindfulness-Based CBT and the Trauma Resiliency Model and regularly integrate these techniques into my practice.
I will help you learn how to be more connected - in your relationships, at work and with yourself. We'll work together to empower you with the tools you need to challenge what isn't working and start building a life you love. I will help you understand how your past may be influencing your present and how to enhance your capacity for intimacy. I value authenticity, optimism and truth. My approach is warm, but always direct and honest. I am trained in EMDR, Mindfulness-Based CBT and the Trauma Resiliency Model and regularly integrate these techniques into my practice.
(424) 277-2598 View (424) 277-2598
Photo of Monique Avedian, PhD, Psychologist
Monique Avedian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
What you resist, persists....This is one of life's biggest lessons: learning how to coexist with and manage emotions rather than fight or run away from them. Any attempt at avoiding the less desirable emotions via alcohol, drugs, food, or sex will be met with more problems (addiction). So what if you did the opposite? What if you allowed yourself to feel, to fully sit with the pain and discomfort? What might happen? A new beginning. It would mean moving forward with an understanding that all emotions are fleeting, and that you've finally learned to embrace what is.
What you resist, persists....This is one of life's biggest lessons: learning how to coexist with and manage emotions rather than fight or run away from them. Any attempt at avoiding the less desirable emotions via alcohol, drugs, food, or sex will be met with more problems (addiction). So what if you did the opposite? What if you allowed yourself to feel, to fully sit with the pain and discomfort? What might happen? A new beginning. It would mean moving forward with an understanding that all emotions are fleeting, and that you've finally learned to embrace what is.
(323) 284-7023 View (323) 284-7023
Photo of Leanne R. Miller, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leanne R. Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Do you find yourself struggling to make decisions? Perhaps you feel like you keep repeating the same mistakes, or you may just desire some form of relief from your thoughts and/or feelings? Life can be complicated and sometimes working with a therapist can help. Hi! My name is Dr. Leanne Miller and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. My goal is to meet the client where they are at emotionally in order to build a strong, trusting relationship in a safe and judgment free environment.
Do you find yourself struggling to make decisions? Perhaps you feel like you keep repeating the same mistakes, or you may just desire some form of relief from your thoughts and/or feelings? Life can be complicated and sometimes working with a therapist can help. Hi! My name is Dr. Leanne Miller and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. My goal is to meet the client where they are at emotionally in order to build a strong, trusting relationship in a safe and judgment free environment.
(424) 264-2203 View (424) 264-2203
Photo of Marcela Rondani, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marcela Rondani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
(310) 933-3406 View (310) 933-3406
Photo of Jessica Oifer Stelle, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Oifer Stelle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Are you struggling with ongoing stress, a past trauma or a life challenge that has left you feeling overwhelmed and depleted? Has fear, sadness or chronic pain made it difficult to keep up with day-to-day life? It's not unusual to experience periods of time when life's challenges feel too overwhelming or too painful to navigate on your own. I help clients identify, explore and address the sources of their pain. I work with them to identify and resolve past issues, break patterns, and develop the personal awareness and emotional strength they need to reach their goals.
Are you struggling with ongoing stress, a past trauma or a life challenge that has left you feeling overwhelmed and depleted? Has fear, sadness or chronic pain made it difficult to keep up with day-to-day life? It's not unusual to experience periods of time when life's challenges feel too overwhelming or too painful to navigate on your own. I help clients identify, explore and address the sources of their pain. I work with them to identify and resolve past issues, break patterns, and develop the personal awareness and emotional strength they need to reach their goals.
(818) 581-2356 View (818) 581-2356
Photo of Chaka McAlpin, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chaka McAlpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
(310) 773-5057 View (310) 773-5057
Photo of Laura Markgraf, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Markgraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
(310) 935-4709 View (310) 935-4709
Photo of Noel Joy Plourde, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noel Joy Plourde
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have over 30 years of experience in helping people of all ages with a variety of presenting problems, including depression, anxiety, severe and chronic mental illnesses, etc. I have extensive experience in work with trauma, addictions, and adults from dysfunctional families. I also work with people who have chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, and in accepting losses of all kinds. I welcome children, adolescents, adults and families to experience the benefits of therapy.
I have over 30 years of experience in helping people of all ages with a variety of presenting problems, including depression, anxiety, severe and chronic mental illnesses, etc. I have extensive experience in work with trauma, addictions, and adults from dysfunctional families. I also work with people who have chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, and in accepting losses of all kinds. I welcome children, adolescents, adults and families to experience the benefits of therapy.
(424) 254-5532 View (424) 254-5532
Photo of Veronica Cisneros, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Veronica Cisneros
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
High-achieving women often face the challenge of balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling marriage and effective parenting. You need strategies to manage stress, stop endless arguments, prioritize your goals, and feel validated. You deserve to thrive at work, at home, and in your personal life, without sacrificing your dreams and energy. As a mother of three with over 24 years of marriage and 10 plus years of experience, owner of Outside The Norm Counseling, and host of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I am dedicated to helping you build a lasting legacy for your family.
High-achieving women often face the challenge of balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling marriage and effective parenting. You need strategies to manage stress, stop endless arguments, prioritize your goals, and feel validated. You deserve to thrive at work, at home, and in your personal life, without sacrificing your dreams and energy. As a mother of three with over 24 years of marriage and 10 plus years of experience, owner of Outside The Norm Counseling, and host of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I am dedicated to helping you build a lasting legacy for your family.
(909) 402-3341 View (909) 402-3341
Photo of Silvia D Valdez-Mistry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Silvia D Valdez-Mistry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Offering online therapy for prenatal and postpartum women in CA. You thought being a mother would be the happiest time of your life, but you are having some difficulty adjusting to your new role. Trying to conceive, being an expectant mother, or recently giving birth has left you struggling with worries, doubts, sadness, and even guilt. Finding a balance between motherhood, your relationships, and your professional life seems impossible as you’re constantly adjusting to change. You may be finding that problems or issues you’ve faced before are re-surfacing during this life transition. This is common but seldom talked about.
Offering online therapy for prenatal and postpartum women in CA. You thought being a mother would be the happiest time of your life, but you are having some difficulty adjusting to your new role. Trying to conceive, being an expectant mother, or recently giving birth has left you struggling with worries, doubts, sadness, and even guilt. Finding a balance between motherhood, your relationships, and your professional life seems impossible as you’re constantly adjusting to change. You may be finding that problems or issues you’ve faced before are re-surfacing during this life transition. This is common but seldom talked about.
(424) 484-1292 View (424) 484-1292
Photo of Samantha Lin Lewis, MA, LPCC
Samantha Lin Lewis
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person has the innate capacity to heal, grow, and access inner resources to change. My role as your therapist is to create a safe space for your healing and change to unfold, and to help you address barriers that prevent you from living life fully. I have witnessed that when we experience growth and healing, we are able to engage in life more authentically, experiencing more joy and less suffering.
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person has the innate capacity to heal, grow, and access inner resources to change. My role as your therapist is to create a safe space for your healing and change to unfold, and to help you address barriers that prevent you from living life fully. I have witnessed that when we experience growth and healing, we are able to engage in life more authentically, experiencing more joy and less suffering.
(424) 532-8743 View (424) 532-8743
Photo of Regina Abayev, JD, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Regina Abayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? Struggling with life, work, parenting, or relationships? Maybe you're going through a big transition or noticed that your old coping strategies aren't working anymore. You don't have to struggle alone. Let’s work together to figure things out.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? Struggling with life, work, parenting, or relationships? Maybe you're going through a big transition or noticed that your old coping strategies aren't working anymore. You don't have to struggle alone. Let’s work together to figure things out.
(424) 500-0998 View (424) 500-0998
Photo of Amanda Pantaleón, LMFT, MA, BS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Pantaleón
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Hi, my name's Amanda Pantaleón and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy, primarily in non-profit and community-based mental health. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling in Marriage & Family Therapy and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, boundaries and relationship issues, communication issues, parenting problems, and general life stressors and events. I also have substantial experience supporting people in their healing journeys who have suffered trauma and abuse.
Hi, my name's Amanda Pantaleón and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy, primarily in non-profit and community-based mental health. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling in Marriage & Family Therapy and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, boundaries and relationship issues, communication issues, parenting problems, and general life stressors and events. I also have substantial experience supporting people in their healing journeys who have suffered trauma and abuse.
(707) 348-5860 View (707) 348-5860

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amanda Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90013  (Online Only)
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider. My background is a combination of trauma and community-based mental health and I work with clients with an array of diverse backgrounds. My work with clients involves finding out how to address the concerns that stop you from living a fulfilling life. Finding answers to question such as: How can we move from surviving to thriving, becoming the best version of what we want for ourselves? Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I spent seven years in crisis work, working with individuals experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider. My background is a combination of trauma and community-based mental health and I work with clients with an array of diverse backgrounds. My work with clients involves finding out how to address the concerns that stop you from living a fulfilling life. Finding answers to question such as: How can we move from surviving to thriving, becoming the best version of what we want for ourselves? Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I spent seven years in crisis work, working with individuals experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.
(661) 449-9284 View (661) 449-9284
Photo of Patricia Ann Prickett, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patricia Ann Prickett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026  (Online Only)
I have extensive training in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse/ assault and combat veterans and have also served as an expert witness.
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process, which occurs in a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. My work with individuals is psychodynamic and insight-oriented, based on the idea that our sense of self is organized around the primary love relationships of early life, and that "mapping" these emotional experiences allows more freedom from self defeating behaviors and promotes the development of new choices. Integration and and processing early relationships can help one move towards a more conscious life in which you accept your past and are able to move towards a future of your own making.
I have extensive training in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse/ assault and combat veterans and have also served as an expert witness.
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process, which occurs in a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. My work with individuals is psychodynamic and insight-oriented, based on the idea that our sense of self is organized around the primary love relationships of early life, and that "mapping" these emotional experiences allows more freedom from self defeating behaviors and promotes the development of new choices. Integration and and processing early relationships can help one move towards a more conscious life in which you accept your past and are able to move towards a future of your own making.
(213) 344-3506 View (213) 344-3506
Photo of Elizabeth Muñoz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Muñoz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
My passion is helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, domestic violence, low self-esteem and lacking motivation, social skills, and coping skills.
Hi, I am an experienced Bilingual Spanish/Bi Cultural LCSW Psychotherapist raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California USC. I have been practicing for 12 years.
My passion is helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, domestic violence, low self-esteem and lacking motivation, social skills, and coping skills.
Hi, I am an experienced Bilingual Spanish/Bi Cultural LCSW Psychotherapist raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California USC. I have been practicing for 12 years.
(562) 573-9451 View (562) 573-9451
Photo of Leigh Ann Greenfield, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leigh Ann Greenfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90012  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to eating disorders, trauma, and general mental health, I have some specialization in working with Dissociative Disorders and survivors of trafficking and extended childhood sexual abuse.
I specialize in treating C-PTSD and eating disorders, but also work with clients seeking healing from depression, anxiety, and general mental health concerns. Whether your trauma is a "Big T" or "Little T" trauma, I believe all our nervous systems need healing and restoration after experiences that leave us confused, unsafe, or disconnected. Whatever you are going through, you'll find a nonjudgmental, supportive space in our work.
In addition to eating disorders, trauma, and general mental health, I have some specialization in working with Dissociative Disorders and survivors of trafficking and extended childhood sexual abuse.
I specialize in treating C-PTSD and eating disorders, but also work with clients seeking healing from depression, anxiety, and general mental health concerns. Whether your trauma is a "Big T" or "Little T" trauma, I believe all our nervous systems need healing and restoration after experiences that leave us confused, unsafe, or disconnected. Whatever you are going through, you'll find a nonjudgmental, supportive space in our work.
(323) 677-2921 View (323) 677-2921
Photo of Rhonda Okonkwo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rhonda Okonkwo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
I am a survivor who works with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual trauma and/or sex trafficking.
Hey there, I’m Rhonda Stephanie! Do you have trouble managing anxiety and feelings of depression? Do you need assistance in processing a very difficult situation that you experienced?
I am a survivor who works with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual trauma and/or sex trafficking.
Hey there, I’m Rhonda Stephanie! Do you have trouble managing anxiety and feelings of depression? Do you need assistance in processing a very difficult situation that you experienced?
(562) 685-9187 View (562) 685-9187

See more therapy options for Playa Vista

Sexual Abuse Therapists

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.