Therapists in San Pedro, CA
![Photo of Pam Ajang, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46a09c32-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I truly value my connection with people, making every effort to understand their needs. As a clinical psychologist, practicing in the South Bay for the past 20+ years, my focus has included comprehensive neuropsychological assessments of children and adults, as well as individual therapy using expressive arts and cognitive behavioral interventions. Whether it is in the context of an evaluation, consultation, or individual therapy, my goal in working together is to discover new ways of overcoming challenges and to bring about a more balanced, mindful way of living.
I truly value my connection with people, making every effort to understand their needs. As a clinical psychologist, practicing in the South Bay for the past 20+ years, my focus has included comprehensive neuropsychological assessments of children and adults, as well as individual therapy using expressive arts and cognitive behavioral interventions. Whether it is in the context of an evaluation, consultation, or individual therapy, my goal in working together is to discover new ways of overcoming challenges and to bring about a more balanced, mindful way of living.
![Photo of David Rose, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/993ea055-e6f8-4214-bd1c-d19b33de8dbd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m an egalitarian, multicultural, LGBTQI, ENM, kink & sex positive, affirming therapist. Ethical principles of social justice, dignity & worth of a person, importance of human relationships, integrity & competence lay at the heart of my values & practice standards. As an Interpersonal therapist I embrace an eclectic use of modalities, such as person centered, cognitive & dialectical behavioral, acceptance commitment, narrative, existential, family systems, with a trauma informed/recovery model approach. I use an ecological & systems perspective to assist in developing a deeper understanding of ourselves & our social environment.
I’m an egalitarian, multicultural, LGBTQI, ENM, kink & sex positive, affirming therapist. Ethical principles of social justice, dignity & worth of a person, importance of human relationships, integrity & competence lay at the heart of my values & practice standards. As an Interpersonal therapist I embrace an eclectic use of modalities, such as person centered, cognitive & dialectical behavioral, acceptance commitment, narrative, existential, family systems, with a trauma informed/recovery model approach. I use an ecological & systems perspective to assist in developing a deeper understanding of ourselves & our social environment.
![Photo of Steven Nelson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74383d81-6a2a-45bd-a03f-14687b6b6f94/2/320x400.jpeg)
I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.
Life issues are part of human nature. At times we may feel or believe that our situations are unique and that theirs no one who can understand. Therefore, this belief system begins to create anxiety, depression and addictive behaviors that can permeate all aspects of our lives. Life then becomes overwhelming and unmanageable. With good therapy, these roadblocks can become a unique cornerstone for positive change and personal wellness.
I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.
Life issues are part of human nature. At times we may feel or believe that our situations are unique and that theirs no one who can understand. Therefore, this belief system begins to create anxiety, depression and addictive behaviors that can permeate all aspects of our lives. Life then becomes overwhelming and unmanageable. With good therapy, these roadblocks can become a unique cornerstone for positive change and personal wellness.
![Photo of Lauren Elizabeth Taus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50719b53-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Elizabeth Taus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90732
Waitlist for new clients
My toolkit includes psychodynamic and insight oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, family systems work, stress management, mindfulness, somatic techniques and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
My toolkit includes psychodynamic and insight oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, family systems work, stress management, mindfulness, somatic techniques and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
![Photo of Cheryl Girdner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56c1c690-6980-4d6f-9934-4ee0ab5a2a70/1/320x400.jpeg)
My therapeutic approach is the use of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists in modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by interrogating and uprooting negative or irrational beliefs.
I am Cheryl Girder, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been in this field for 15 years. My approach to therapy is to assist clients to see themselves and others with a better understanding which will provide a positive outlook on themselves and their surroundings. I am open to working with clients that have personal conflicts, relationship, or family troubles, including working with couples, or conditions such as depression, stress, or anxiety. Those mentioned are what I typically work with and the conditions I'm most comfortable with.
My therapeutic approach is the use of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists in modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by interrogating and uprooting negative or irrational beliefs.
I am Cheryl Girder, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been in this field for 15 years. My approach to therapy is to assist clients to see themselves and others with a better understanding which will provide a positive outlook on themselves and their surroundings. I am open to working with clients that have personal conflicts, relationship, or family troubles, including working with couples, or conditions such as depression, stress, or anxiety. Those mentioned are what I typically work with and the conditions I'm most comfortable with.
![Photo of Ashley Kretzschmar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acbb59f6-b0c1-4f1f-b548-e359c9766b45/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Kretzschmar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731
My major therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral, DBT, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused therapy.
Welcome! I help my clients find hope and purpose, resolve current emotional struggles, and create an abundant, thriving life. Anxiety, depression, marital distress and disconnection; worries, confusion, exhaustion, hopelessness...these are a few of the concerns that bring clients into my office. Together, we can understand these problems and find solutions to create a life of joy and meaning. My training has been in mood disorders, marital therapy, substance use and codependency, and trauma. I love helping clients reach their goals - great mental health, successful relationships, healthy boundaries, you name it!
My major therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral, DBT, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused therapy.
Welcome! I help my clients find hope and purpose, resolve current emotional struggles, and create an abundant, thriving life. Anxiety, depression, marital distress and disconnection; worries, confusion, exhaustion, hopelessness...these are a few of the concerns that bring clients into my office. Together, we can understand these problems and find solutions to create a life of joy and meaning. My training has been in mood disorders, marital therapy, substance use and codependency, and trauma. I love helping clients reach their goals - great mental health, successful relationships, healthy boundaries, you name it!
![Photo of Lorraine Rose Iocolano - Windfall Family Therapy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9252f49-6b66-4a56-9994-e0d92cb62ecd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can happen at any moment and it’s at those precise moments in life that often lead one to experience a state of confusion, feel as if one is losing all sense of control in their life, have an inability to cope, or even lose any sight of hope that things can or will improve. It's in these times of turmoil that one can only do their best to manage the unexpected. Should it involve a loss, depression or anxiety, relationship or behavioral issues, or more complex mental health issues, I would love to provide a unique experience for you to process and address the issues that may be causing you to feel stuck or troubled in life.
Life can happen at any moment and it’s at those precise moments in life that often lead one to experience a state of confusion, feel as if one is losing all sense of control in their life, have an inability to cope, or even lose any sight of hope that things can or will improve. It's in these times of turmoil that one can only do their best to manage the unexpected. Should it involve a loss, depression or anxiety, relationship or behavioral issues, or more complex mental health issues, I would love to provide a unique experience for you to process and address the issues that may be causing you to feel stuck or troubled in life.
![Photo of Bruce Scott Riley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a580901-6c0b-40b9-bd40-e851c0ea72b2/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have spent over 20 years working with individuals, couples, small groups, and large groups on concepts that build intimacy, communication skills, conflict resolution, forgiveness, and reconciliation. My greatest quality is that I am a great listener. My compassionate approach allows my clients to trust me and provides me opportunities to assist them in finding solutions to some of life's most challenging issues.
I have spent over 20 years working with individuals, couples, small groups, and large groups on concepts that build intimacy, communication skills, conflict resolution, forgiveness, and reconciliation. My greatest quality is that I am a great listener. My compassionate approach allows my clients to trust me and provides me opportunities to assist them in finding solutions to some of life's most challenging issues.
![Photo of Frederick MacHado, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fde86369-1714-4586-bdf1-7c014988f345/1/320x400.png)
My experience includes couples therapy and treating individuals with anxiety, depression, obsession-compulsion, phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and addictions, such as gambling and sex. Furthermore, because of my experience in the ministry field, I also do well in counseling on religious issues, grievances, loss crises, and other unresolved issues.
My experience includes couples therapy and treating individuals with anxiety, depression, obsession-compulsion, phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and addictions, such as gambling and sex. Furthermore, because of my experience in the ministry field, I also do well in counseling on religious issues, grievances, loss crises, and other unresolved issues.
![Photo of Monica Garnett, LCPC, LAADC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca65fe4d-bc88-4825-a9ba-89e9d696c570/2/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Garnett
Counselor, LCPC, LAADC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90732 (Online Only)
I am a mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience helping individuals with various mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger management, and alcohol/drug addiction. I offer counseling services including individual sessions, couples or family sessions, group counseling, and life coaching. At this time, I accept virtual clients.
I am a mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience helping individuals with various mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger management, and alcohol/drug addiction. I offer counseling services including individual sessions, couples or family sessions, group counseling, and life coaching. At this time, I accept virtual clients.
![Photo of Jose David Gutierrez - Seven Seas Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48a6ab43-e38e-4e04-bfcf-c6c46d7cd08f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Seven Seas Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731 (Online Only)
Jose Gutierrez is an indigenous (Maya Lenca), male of color in tune with the intersections of his life that provide him lived experiences relatable to the distinctive subtleties of a person. Jose describes his culture as being grounded in social justice, communal learning, caretaking of the land, and the personal spiritual/philosophical understanding of how one's actions impact the next seven generations. With this knowledge he initiated Seven Seas Therapy. Jose has been in the field since 2016, he interacts with a Person-Centered approach and modality to support, guide, and assist clients in a culturally sensitive way.
Jose Gutierrez is an indigenous (Maya Lenca), male of color in tune with the intersections of his life that provide him lived experiences relatable to the distinctive subtleties of a person. Jose describes his culture as being grounded in social justice, communal learning, caretaking of the land, and the personal spiritual/philosophical understanding of how one's actions impact the next seven generations. With this knowledge he initiated Seven Seas Therapy. Jose has been in the field since 2016, he interacts with a Person-Centered approach and modality to support, guide, and assist clients in a culturally sensitive way.
![Photo of Stephen David Taus II - Coastwise Counseling Center, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4767c5a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Coastwise Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90732
Coastwise Counseling Center works with and helps those who are looking to overcome depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship problems.
Coastwise Counseling Center works with and helps those who are looking to overcome depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship problems.
![Photo of Carol Seixas, PsyD, LCSW, OTRL, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41d5de4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Seixas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, OTRL
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731
Hello and welcome. I have over 40 years of experience working in the health field and have provided services in a wide range of mental health settings. The patient/client populations I have had the opportunity to help run the full gamut of mental health needs from the serious mentally ill to the person/family who have never needed to see a therapist until "now". I additionally provide support for the system/family new to mental health with education, skills and linking to resources.
Hello and welcome. I have over 40 years of experience working in the health field and have provided services in a wide range of mental health settings. The patient/client populations I have had the opportunity to help run the full gamut of mental health needs from the serious mentally ill to the person/family who have never needed to see a therapist until "now". I additionally provide support for the system/family new to mental health with education, skills and linking to resources.
![Photo of Cynthia Popelka, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc0e9b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy work is a process of self discovery that's both fulfilling and challenging. As a psychotherapist, my commitment is to provide you with a safe and creative context for an ongoing collaboration. Together, with compassion, persistence and humor, we'll work to identify and uncover self-sabotaging behaviors: the conditioned ways of being and outmoded ways of thinking that often manifest as confusion, self-doubt, fear, anger or anxiety.
Therapy work is a process of self discovery that's both fulfilling and challenging. As a psychotherapist, my commitment is to provide you with a safe and creative context for an ongoing collaboration. Together, with compassion, persistence and humor, we'll work to identify and uncover self-sabotaging behaviors: the conditioned ways of being and outmoded ways of thinking that often manifest as confusion, self-doubt, fear, anger or anxiety.
![Photo of Robin Linda Dieda, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eabcbf8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked for many years with individuals and families who have faced major challenges. Extra support during stressful times can have practical benefits, and can even create opportunities for growth. You will benefit from this investment for the rest of your life. The theme of my practice is Growth through Life Transitions.
I have worked for many years with individuals and families who have faced major challenges. Extra support during stressful times can have practical benefits, and can even create opportunities for growth. You will benefit from this investment for the rest of your life. The theme of my practice is Growth through Life Transitions.
I work primarily with adults and teens, either individually or in family sessions. Most recently, I've focused on addiction treatment , trauma and the issues underlying addiction--depression, anxiety and poor communication patterns. I use EMDR to treat trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. EMDR in combination with mindfulness practices provides relief for past trauma in a relatively short number of sessions.
I work primarily with adults and teens, either individually or in family sessions. Most recently, I've focused on addiction treatment , trauma and the issues underlying addiction--depression, anxiety and poor communication patterns. I use EMDR to treat trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. EMDR in combination with mindfulness practices provides relief for past trauma in a relatively short number of sessions.
![Photo of Gregory Allen, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdb83eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gregory Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90731
I understand that life can be difficult and at times and even overwhelming. My goal is to be a genuine support to you and help you learn new ways to cope through your struggles. I have extensive experience in helping people who are facing difficult experiences. I believe you have the ability to make your life better, to grow as a person and to overcome your current struggles.
I understand that life can be difficult and at times and even overwhelming. My goal is to be a genuine support to you and help you learn new ways to cope through your struggles. I have extensive experience in helping people who are facing difficult experiences. I believe you have the ability to make your life better, to grow as a person and to overcome your current struggles.
![Photo of Julie Payne - Peninsula Center for Children and Families, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b44b50-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peninsula Center for Children and Families
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90731
As a group of professional therapists, we come together to offer therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. We work with a wide range of ages (children, teens, & adults) dealing with various challenges and dilemmas. We believe in tapping into the natural strengths of each us, working together, and developing ways that can help us enjoy life and each other more fully. Researchers have found that the relationship between therapist and client accounts for a significant part of change.
As a group of professional therapists, we come together to offer therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. We work with a wide range of ages (children, teens, & adults) dealing with various challenges and dilemmas. We believe in tapping into the natural strengths of each us, working together, and developing ways that can help us enjoy life and each other more fully. Researchers have found that the relationship between therapist and client accounts for a significant part of change.
![Photo of Robyn Murakami Kim, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd9e029-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Robyn Murakami Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90733
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, a melting pot of cultures and family values. I completed my Master of Science degree in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) from California State University, Long Beach while training as a therapist with Shields for Families' School-Based Mental Health Program. I also have extensive experience working with community-based outreach programs. My upbringing and community-based involvement has informed my therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Areas of special interest include play & art therapy, sand tray, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, pre-marriage counseling, and multicultural counseling.
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, a melting pot of cultures and family values. I completed my Master of Science degree in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) from California State University, Long Beach while training as a therapist with Shields for Families' School-Based Mental Health Program. I also have extensive experience working with community-based outreach programs. My upbringing and community-based involvement has informed my therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Areas of special interest include play & art therapy, sand tray, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, pre-marriage counseling, and multicultural counseling.
![Photo of Morgan Mizell, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c9bff2f-0598-47b0-8d67-16b2ec574c00/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe you are doing the best you can. I also know that a lifetime of numerous external factors have a way of shifting and molding your perspective and abilities. Upon this realization, however it manifests, is when it becomes an excellent time to reach out and draw in help from someone who is unbiased, nonjudgmental, understands human nature, and has done their own inner work. That's where I come in. I believe that psychotherapy acts as a path towards self-discovery. When you truly understand your own patterns, motivations, and wounds, you have a divine offer to evolve into the healthiest version of yourself.
I believe you are doing the best you can. I also know that a lifetime of numerous external factors have a way of shifting and molding your perspective and abilities. Upon this realization, however it manifests, is when it becomes an excellent time to reach out and draw in help from someone who is unbiased, nonjudgmental, understands human nature, and has done their own inner work. That's where I come in. I believe that psychotherapy acts as a path towards self-discovery. When you truly understand your own patterns, motivations, and wounds, you have a divine offer to evolve into the healthiest version of yourself.
See more therapy options for San Pedro
Behavioral Issues Therapists
What happens in therapy for behavioral issues?
No matter the type of therapy, individuals form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is often therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Individuals learn to identify situations that are especially troublesome for them and acquire new patterns of thinking and behaving. In therapy for ADHD, one of the most common behavior issues for children, individuals learn how to improve frustration tolerance, control impulsivity, manage attentional focus, and gain skills of self-organisation.
What therapy types help with behavioral issues?
Many types of therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Perhaps best-known and most widely tested is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), in which individuals learn new behavioral strategies and curb reactivity to frustrating or distressing situations that trigger disruptive behaviour. Anger, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control problems are commonly addressed in CBT. Family therapy or parent management training is often helpful to reduce parent-child conflict and behavioral difficulties at home.
How long does therapy last for behavioral issues?
Among popular approaches to treating behavioral concerns, CBT is considered a short-term therapy intended to be administered in 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Parent training in behavior management, often used when the underlying cause of behavior issues is ADHD in children under 12, usually occurs in weekly sessions for 8 to 16 weeks. When behavioral issues stem from persistent aggression or defiance, therapy may last for months, and usually targets both children and their parents.
How effective is therapy for behavior issues?
Studies show that therapy for behavior issues in children is highly effective and may prevent the development of antisocial behavior later in life. Family intervention—parent management training or family therapy, both of which involve parents and children together—is considered most effective, notably for children under age 12 who persistently engage in aggressive, defiant, rule-breaking or other disruptive behavior. Whether provided alone or in combination with medication, CBT is highly effective in helping people regulate their emotions, and for people with ADHD, it addresses impulsiveness, hyperactivity and attentional focus.