Emotionally Focused Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Our team of skilled and compassionate therapists is located in Santa Monica, CA, offering in-person and virtual sessions. We specialize in working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Our typical client faces challenges such as; anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, academic struggles and complex family dynamics. We assist clients in developing a variety of skills including; emotion regulation, social skills, communication, self-esteem, confidence and boundary setting. Our team also supports people of all ages facing chronic/serious illnesses, caregiving and grief, loss and bereavement.

I am accepting new patients via Telemedicine as the need for mental health support is stronger today than ever. My style is grounded in empathy, listening, and compassion, with a dash of humor central to building a trusting alliance. I work with adults and couples; my doctoral project focused on treating violent couples in highly conflictual relationships in a conjoint setting examining the role of aggression and masochism in relationships. Another area of my expertise is working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and addiction-related predicaments.

Are you struggling with sexual trauma, a history of childhood abuse, extreme forms of abuse, cult abuse, LGBTQI related issues or needing a therapist whose focus in on empowering you in your life? If so, I am the therapist for you! Feminist Therapist, Board Certified Expert in Treatment of Trauma/PTSD. If life is throwing you a curve ball, let me see if either I or one of the therapists who work with me can help! Special focus in tx sexual trauma & victims of violent crimes. Help with gay/lesbian & transgendered issues. Call me, I can help!

A flower begins as a humble seed nestled in darkness, its growth unseen, yet transforming. Navigating the twists and turns of life can be slow and taxing. We find ourselves adrift in a sea of should's and should-nots, unsure of how to act, feel, love, or simply be. Society often imposes its expectations upon us, creating a disconnection from our true selves and from others. These pressures can lead to a relentless pursuit of perfection that leaves us feeling inadequate and exhausted. Together, we can foster a strong sense of self-compassion, appreciate the genuine beauty of your personal growth, and letting it unfold naturally.

Life can be challenging and overwhelming. You are not alone if you are longing to feel deeper satisfaction with yourself and your relationships. Life feels very different when you feel confident, empowered, and fulfilled. I will help you uncover paths to attain or reconnect you with these parts of yourself. I have helped many women and men transform their feelings of shame, disappointment, and desperation into self-confidence, happiness and hope. After working with me you will be able to make better choices in all areas of your life, including love, work and family relationships.

I am a licensed psychotherapist working with clients to address relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and life transitions. What is showing up as discontent, depression or anxiety can be transformed by understanding where these symptoms originated.

Welcome! I am a bilingual psychotherapist/ psychoanalyst, committed to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and effective therapeutic services to diverse populations. Life at times presents us with struggles and setbacks, but sometimes the same problems will keep on recurring unless you make a change. Therapy can help you find the underlying causes of why you feel the way you do and finally move towards relief. My therapy style offers a safe, warm and compassionate environment while encouraging my clients to recognize their strengths and weaknesses within themselves.

In short, I love my work. I get to help individuals grow and become more of who they are. As they are better able to cope with obstacles such as stress, anxiety, and depression, I watch them find greater fulfillment in their relationships, career/academics, and overall wellbeing. In my practice I treat a breadth of concerns ranging from psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, eating disorders) to relationship issues, family issues, low self confidence, trauma, and grief.

I work together with clients to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Together we identify behavioral patterns of critical and judgmental thinking that leads to self sabotaging behaviors. We untangle behaviors that are yours and ones that were projected on to you, by exploring the family of origins dynamics. This will help in all relationships. I have been practicing for over 35 years and have helped clients completely transform their experience, I have worked with anxiety and depression, abuse, trauma, loss and grief. Th goal is to love and accept yourself.

As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.

Have you noticed that it's in the places you are supposed to be most relaxed (meditation, vacation, weekends, sleep) that your mind feels louder than ever? It might feel like the idea of letting your thoughts go is meant for “normal” people and that does not include you. Maybe you stand guard to keep yourself from your worst case, as if your attention to your thoughts keeps you from descending into unimaginable fear. All the advice you get from those closest to you feels so out of touch with the agony of daily doubts around the things that matter most. I can help you sift through the noise and regain your confidence in yourself.

Therapy is a brave step often taken out of necessity and hope. Whether you are thinking of therapy as a way to resolve conflict, address emotional pain, or come to terms with behavior patterns you wish to change, you will discover that this work we do together will allow you to begin to explore who you truly are, embarking on the journey of self-discovery.

My work is about helping you change your automatic patterns that keep you stuck and suffering. The story of your life that may have caused you pain & isn’t serving you anymore. Creating awareness will lead to creating change, a shift you from the way you used to deal w/ whatever challenges you are facing in the present: depression, anxiety, grief & relationship. By changing your beliefs, you will recalibrate. I’m passionate about empowering individuals in their journey to better their life quality into a life they deserve. I’m an Integrative Coach. I'm certified in Past Life Regression Therapy (PLR) from Dr. Brian Weiss.

Are you struggling emotionally from a divorce or other challenging life transitions? Are you feeling like life just isn’t working for you? Whether you are experiencing deep loss, sadness, or other intrusive feelings, please know that therapy can help. It is my passion to assist people in working through the difficult times in their lives. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I worked for 16 years in Family Law & Mediation assisting clients through the divorce process. I offer individual psychotherapy, divorce support & recovery counseling, couples counseling, and divorce support groups. I would be honored to work with you.

I understand that seeking therapy may be a very difficult process, however what you can gain from the process is limitless. If you are feeling stuck and interested in making some changes in your life or just need some support right now, this may be a good time to give therapy a try. It's very important to feel safe and connected to your therapist and I encourage you to shop around for the "best-fit." I welcome you to contact me in order to determine whether we would be a good match.

I truly believe everyone deserves to have someone that they can easily talk to and that is in their corner. I provide a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment that allows for all my clients to grow. My approach is empathetic, client centered, and attachment based. I truly love helping people develop new skills and insights, work through their traumas, and feel empowered and hopeful as they have met their goals.

My background is in Health Psychology and I bring a Mind-Body perspective to my work. With any change comes growing pains, which is why I specialize in working with professionals navigating important life transitions including career decisions, romantic relationships, friendships, and adjustment to parenthood. Often individuals present questions on how they can feel more fulfilled or satisfied in life. Or how to grow in confidence, or become more grounded in oneself. Many look to find better ways to find meaning and fulfillment in our Modern, Technology-Focused culture.

I have joy, passion, and success working with minority, biracial, and 1st generation/immigrants who experience challenges adjusting to blended families and new/blended cultures. I help my clients identify reasonable solutions to current challenges and we collaborate to create coping skills that build resilience and allow you to thrive. My clients appreciate the gentle, warm, and supportive work we do together. They enjoy being seen, heard, and challenged to deepen self-awareness and overcome sadness, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Struggling to find meaning or feeling lost? You’re not alone, and I’m here to help! As your therapist, I’ll create a non-judgmental, warm, and nurturing environment where you can embark on a journey of self-exploration toward greater self-awareness, growth, and healing. It’s important to me that you look forward to our therapy sessions and leave with a sense of clarity and confidence in the positive changes you’re making. You deserve to live a meaningful and peaceful life, and I want to empower you and help you get there.