Addiction Therapists in Torrance, CA
Elise Ricks-James
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CATC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
Addiction is painful disorder which effects all major areas of a persons life and families are destroyed by it.
My primary focus is the individual, family or couple who are unhappy with the relationships in their lives; helping them uncover the dynamics of those relationships, find your solution, closure, journey and ultimately, their path to accepting themselves. These dynamics can manifest themselves in addiction, alcohol, abuse, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, developmental and challenges of transitioning to different life stages. I help empower people, from women with long term sobriety facing life stage issues to parents struggling with teens. I honor the trust and faith placed on me and am committed to assisting you to THRIVE.
Addiction is painful disorder which effects all major areas of a persons life and families are destroyed by it.
My primary focus is the individual, family or couple who are unhappy with the relationships in their lives; helping them uncover the dynamics of those relationships, find your solution, closure, journey and ultimately, their path to accepting themselves. These dynamics can manifest themselves in addiction, alcohol, abuse, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, developmental and challenges of transitioning to different life stages. I help empower people, from women with long term sobriety facing life stage issues to parents struggling with teens. I honor the trust and faith placed on me and am committed to assisting you to THRIVE.
I am a recognized expert in the area of substance abuse and addiction, and the effect on families as well.
Having been in practice in the South Bay since 1976, I bring a great deal of experience in helping people with problems related to personal or family drug or alcohol use, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and marital issues. My work with addiction includes problems related to gambling, sex, and food. At present, in addition to my practice, I am the Director of Behavioral Health at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and the Executive Director and Supervising Psychologist for the Torrance Memorial Thelma McMillen Recovery Center
I am a recognized expert in the area of substance abuse and addiction, and the effect on families as well.
Having been in practice in the South Bay since 1976, I bring a great deal of experience in helping people with problems related to personal or family drug or alcohol use, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and marital issues. My work with addiction includes problems related to gambling, sex, and food. At present, in addition to my practice, I am the Director of Behavioral Health at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and the Executive Director and Supervising Psychologist for the Torrance Memorial Thelma McMillen Recovery Center
As a Certified EMDR and Sex Addiction Therapist, I work with individuals and couples.
Sometimes, when faced with many of life's challenges, we can find it difficult to reach out. Often fear or shame get in the way of asking for help. But there is hope. Working with a therapist, you can begin to feel validated and discover that you are not alone. Do you have a fear of abandonment or fear of intimacy? One or the other can mean you're either a Love Addict or Love Avoidant. I can teach you how to love yourself instead of looking for it in someone else, and bring down your walls and be relational.
As a Certified EMDR and Sex Addiction Therapist, I work with individuals and couples.
Sometimes, when faced with many of life's challenges, we can find it difficult to reach out. Often fear or shame get in the way of asking for help. But there is hope. Working with a therapist, you can begin to feel validated and discover that you are not alone. Do you have a fear of abandonment or fear of intimacy? One or the other can mean you're either a Love Addict or Love Avoidant. I can teach you how to love yourself instead of looking for it in someone else, and bring down your walls and be relational.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
Lorrie LaVallee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505 (Online Only)
Life can be challenging and complicated. Choosing a therapist does not have to be. I believe that building a genuine, open, and honest therapeutic relationship with my client is the best way to connect. Together, we will work to explore areas of your life that are challenging in order to set you on a path of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose. My experience in the field of addiction has given me the opportunity to work individuals suffering from anxiety, trauma, depression and relationship issues.
Life can be challenging and complicated. Choosing a therapist does not have to be. I believe that building a genuine, open, and honest therapeutic relationship with my client is the best way to connect. Together, we will work to explore areas of your life that are challenging in order to set you on a path of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose. My experience in the field of addiction has given me the opportunity to work individuals suffering from anxiety, trauma, depression and relationship issues.
Barbara Mignosi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Are parts of your life not working? Tired of doing this alone? I can help and use integrative methods of body, mind and spirit to address the whole person. If you are struggling with issues of stress management, self-esteem, difficult relationships, issues of substance abuse or co-dependency, I have professional and personal experience in these areas. Each person is unique so I utilize an eclectic approach to teach individuals how to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We will spend the needed time understanding your situation so we can proceed with open minds and hearts. This is a positive first step.
Are parts of your life not working? Tired of doing this alone? I can help and use integrative methods of body, mind and spirit to address the whole person. If you are struggling with issues of stress management, self-esteem, difficult relationships, issues of substance abuse or co-dependency, I have professional and personal experience in these areas. Each person is unique so I utilize an eclectic approach to teach individuals how to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We will spend the needed time understanding your situation so we can proceed with open minds and hearts. This is a positive first step.
Vonique Schmidt
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
My background includes extensive experience in working with men, addiction, trauma, anger, grief and anxiety.
Are you interested in direct feedback and skills that you can bring home and do something with? Do you need to be called out every once in a while? If you need more interaction than someone who nods knowingly and repeats everything you say back to you, I am a good fit for you. I don't believe therapy should be a mystical process. Therapy is a tool that is designed to help you navigate the murky waters, feel connected to all of your emotions, and help challenge behaviors that may have once served you and no longer do.
My background includes extensive experience in working with men, addiction, trauma, anger, grief and anxiety.
Are you interested in direct feedback and skills that you can bring home and do something with? Do you need to be called out every once in a while? If you need more interaction than someone who nods knowingly and repeats everything you say back to you, I am a good fit for you. I don't believe therapy should be a mystical process. Therapy is a tool that is designed to help you navigate the murky waters, feel connected to all of your emotions, and help challenge behaviors that may have once served you and no longer do.
I believe in providing a supportive and empowering environment in which my clients can feel heard, safe, and confident that their needs are being met. The best therapists combine competent techniques with genuine empathy and connection to help you achieve the goals and outcome you desire. I work primarily with individuals or couples struggling with traumatic backgrounds, anxiety or depression, addiction, relationship problems, and personality disorders. I strive to ensure that the interaction I have with my clients is always honest, sincere, and compassionate yet effective.
I believe in providing a supportive and empowering environment in which my clients can feel heard, safe, and confident that their needs are being met. The best therapists combine competent techniques with genuine empathy and connection to help you achieve the goals and outcome you desire. I work primarily with individuals or couples struggling with traumatic backgrounds, anxiety or depression, addiction, relationship problems, and personality disorders. I strive to ensure that the interaction I have with my clients is always honest, sincere, and compassionate yet effective.
I also offer affordable workshops about parenting teens, communication skills, healthy boundaries, substance abuse, codependence.
I join my clients in their journey to seek happiness and peace by offering a healing relationship and experience as a mental health professional. I listen to what a client's strengths and challenges are to achieving the life they want. I design treatment ideas to specifically address each person. I have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dual diagnosis and bipolar disorder, parenting, divorce, and many other issues. I help clients by providing techniques, tools, conversation and support and not to feel alone on the path to wellness.
I also offer affordable workshops about parenting teens, communication skills, healthy boundaries, substance abuse, codependence.
I join my clients in their journey to seek happiness and peace by offering a healing relationship and experience as a mental health professional. I listen to what a client's strengths and challenges are to achieving the life they want. I design treatment ideas to specifically address each person. I have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dual diagnosis and bipolar disorder, parenting, divorce, and many other issues. I help clients by providing techniques, tools, conversation and support and not to feel alone on the path to wellness.
Certified Therapist in EMDR, Domestic Violence Counselor, SAP Professional, Addiction and 12-Step Programs, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life and having recurring nightmares, flashbacks and panic attacks? Feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges? Have you experienced domestic violence in your home and feel alone and hopeless? Has your self-esteem and self-worth been affected by negative and self-defeating patterns and you're feeling frustrated? I provide a safe and trusting environment for adults and couples who need a competent and compassionate therapist that can help you improve the quality of your life.
Certified Therapist in EMDR, Domestic Violence Counselor, SAP Professional, Addiction and 12-Step Programs, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life and having recurring nightmares, flashbacks and panic attacks? Feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges? Have you experienced domestic violence in your home and feel alone and hopeless? Has your self-esteem and self-worth been affected by negative and self-defeating patterns and you're feeling frustrated? I provide a safe and trusting environment for adults and couples who need a competent and compassionate therapist that can help you improve the quality of your life.
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Derek Scott Hoxby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CADC-II, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
I have a specialization working with couples, families and individuals; as well as substance abuse/chemical dependency and addiction treatment (porn, sex & gambling). In many cases the depressed and anxious client is self medicating in some way to alter underlying feelings of depression, anxiety and intimacy/attachment issues. I use Somatic Experiencing, a very effective treatment for trauma/PTSD symptoms, helping the body and mind regulate itself. Clients in relationships with loved ones addicted or abusing substances can benefit from therapy to learn how to take care of themselves so as to limit the toxicity of the proximity
I have a specialization working with couples, families and individuals; as well as substance abuse/chemical dependency and addiction treatment (porn, sex & gambling). In many cases the depressed and anxious client is self medicating in some way to alter underlying feelings of depression, anxiety and intimacy/attachment issues. I use Somatic Experiencing, a very effective treatment for trauma/PTSD symptoms, helping the body and mind regulate itself. Clients in relationships with loved ones addicted or abusing substances can benefit from therapy to learn how to take care of themselves so as to limit the toxicity of the proximity
Kelsi Elizabeth Dahn
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505 (Online Only)
Tired of waking up staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
Tired of waking up staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
Monica Bezzi Demas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, RAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
I am skilled with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, ADHD, parent-child relationship and high functioning autism.
I have a passion for what I do and I believe that all human beings share similar traits that allow us to understand and empathize with one another. I see my role as a facilitator in this process and believe that everyone has the strength and ability within themselves to grow, change, and heal. I walk my clients through the path of transformation, explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and provide them with new tools necessary to take control of their lives.
I am skilled with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, ADHD, parent-child relationship and high functioning autism.
I have a passion for what I do and I believe that all human beings share similar traits that allow us to understand and empathize with one another. I see my role as a facilitator in this process and believe that everyone has the strength and ability within themselves to grow, change, and heal. I walk my clients through the path of transformation, explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and provide them with new tools necessary to take control of their lives.
Shannon McHenry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505 (Online Only)
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
I have had various training in Seeking Safety which focuses on trauma and substance use, trauma focused CBT, Multidimensional family therapy which focus on working with adolescent issues and their parents, as well as triple p positive parenting.
Making the decision to come to therapy can be overwhelming and scary, however it can also be one the best decisions you make for yourself. As a therapist, I approach my patients with the understanding that this step can be uncomfortable. I provide a warm, empathetic, and open environment for you to feel comfortable and begin your healing work. I have a variety of experience that ranges from working with individuals (both adolescents and adults), families, couples, and groups.
I have had various training in Seeking Safety which focuses on trauma and substance use, trauma focused CBT, Multidimensional family therapy which focus on working with adolescent issues and their parents, as well as triple p positive parenting.
Making the decision to come to therapy can be overwhelming and scary, however it can also be one the best decisions you make for yourself. As a therapist, I approach my patients with the understanding that this step can be uncomfortable. I provide a warm, empathetic, and open environment for you to feel comfortable and begin your healing work. I have a variety of experience that ranges from working with individuals (both adolescents and adults), families, couples, and groups.
Scott Thomas Singer
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC-II, ICADC
Not Verified Not Verified
Torrance, CA 90501
Are you or someone you know struggling in their relationship with alcohol or substances? Is it time to make a significant change but not sure how to begin? As a Veteran of the US ARMY, I have seen the impact of how damaging untreated mental health disorders can be to individuals and their loved ones over time. I believe that every person deserves access to professional care of the highest standards. I’m highly trained in addiction and mental health intervention. Long and short-term case management options are available as well.
Are you or someone you know struggling in their relationship with alcohol or substances? Is it time to make a significant change but not sure how to begin? As a Veteran of the US ARMY, I have seen the impact of how damaging untreated mental health disorders can be to individuals and their loved ones over time. I believe that every person deserves access to professional care of the highest standards. I’m highly trained in addiction and mental health intervention. Long and short-term case management options are available as well.
I am skilled at dealing with the intersection of addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Are you struggling with issues around anxiety, deep emotional pain, or trauma? Are you coping with relationship issues? Are you questioning what is the purpose of your life, your mission, and how to make choices in alignment with that on a daily basis? These areas and more can be explored in psychotherapy. I practice from a place of core solutions that are inherent within your situation already. Hope and possibilities are for you. I believe in every individual's innate ability to recover and heal, and my role is to offer guidance along the way!
I am skilled at dealing with the intersection of addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Are you struggling with issues around anxiety, deep emotional pain, or trauma? Are you coping with relationship issues? Are you questioning what is the purpose of your life, your mission, and how to make choices in alignment with that on a daily basis? These areas and more can be explored in psychotherapy. I practice from a place of core solutions that are inherent within your situation already. Hope and possibilities are for you. I believe in every individual's innate ability to recover and heal, and my role is to offer guidance along the way!
Jeffrey Ly | Porn Addiction Relationship
LPHA, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503 (Online Only)
Pornography addiction can significantly impact your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal struggles in your life and committed relationships that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media is hard to quit even with all your willpower and promise to quit for the sake of your relationship.
Pornography addiction can significantly impact your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal struggles in your life and committed relationships that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media is hard to quit even with all your willpower and promise to quit for the sake of your relationship.
Mena Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Waitlist for new clients
Because of my experience treating addiction, trauma, and mood disorders, I place a high value on providing honest, compassionate feedback, while providing accountability.
Usually we don't seek help unless we feel we are in some kind of crisis. With that in mind, I am sorry you are here... And yet, welcome. Welcome to the opportunity you are facing to make this hard time turn into strength, competence, satisfaction, peace and connection with yourself and others. Ideally, that is what good therapy does. You might not have the hope that can happen just yet, but I do. It is my belief that everything good is worth working toward. As a therapist, I will work with you collaboratively toward the goals you prioritize.
Because of my experience treating addiction, trauma, and mood disorders, I place a high value on providing honest, compassionate feedback, while providing accountability.
Usually we don't seek help unless we feel we are in some kind of crisis. With that in mind, I am sorry you are here... And yet, welcome. Welcome to the opportunity you are facing to make this hard time turn into strength, competence, satisfaction, peace and connection with yourself and others. Ideally, that is what good therapy does. You might not have the hope that can happen just yet, but I do. It is my belief that everything good is worth working toward. As a therapist, I will work with you collaboratively toward the goals you prioritize.
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Addiction Therapists
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.