Adults Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

Our life experiences can lead us to question our identity and purpose in the world we live in. This can lead us to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Do you want to improve how you face challenges, function in your relationships, and face overwhelming feelings? I place heavy importance on addressing trauma. Trauma disintegrates the parts that make up your whole self, which can leave aspects of who you are hidden from your awareness. Left unaddressed, anxiety and depression can worsen, which can rob you of the necessary connection that all human beings need to thrive. I aim to help you process unresolved trauma.

Buddha's quote "The mind is everything. What you think you become", has always been at the center of my beliefs, both personally and professionally. Therefore, I view therapy as a tool that enables us to transcend beyond our previously adopted and perhaps less effective ways of coping with life's challenges, and begin to relearn new ways of dealing with challenges as they arise. This will in turn open up many new windows to self-awareness, ultimately bringing about personal growth and satisfaction both internally and within the context of our relationships, allowing us to live happier more fulfilled lives.

Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.

I consider myself an empathetic clinician, mindfully present, and actively engaging. I am enthusiastic about helping people make and sustain changes in their lives. Being person-oriented, I do not tend to pathologize others, but rather collaborate with them towards their intended goal in therapy. I consider myself comfortable as well as passionate about working with adults of all circumstances including a variety of ethnic, gender, age, and socio-economic backgrounds. I believe therapy can benefit all so I approach my encounter with others with respect and unconditional regard during its process.

I provide depth therapy for adults navigating complex issues and relationships. I hold graduate degrees from Cambridge and Northwestern with clinical expertise in: ADHD, addiction, anxiety, chronic illness, depression, grief, marriage/dating, men's issues, self-esteem, and trauma processing. I have a special passion for working with LGBTQ folks and men. In our therapy, I stand right beside you and together we take on life challenges and grow your personal edges. You don't have to go it alone.

My experience as a therapist has taken me to diverse settings and introduced me to many different people, from small children to older adults. Along the way, I have learned that no one approach to therapy will work for everyone. Instead, I strive to establish a strong relationship with my clients by meeting them where they are. Together, we explore the unique challenges that brought them to therapy. Together, we zero in on desired therapeutic goals and lay out a fresh path toward positive change.

As we face uncertainty in our lives now more than ever, it is essential that we learn tools to help us capture internal peace, despite external circumstances. I recognize the true power that curiosity and a listening ear can have in honoring our life experiences while tapping into our inner strengths and resources. I assist children, adolescents, and young adults in navigating life transitions, stress, depression and anxiety from an atmosphere of compassion and acceptance. I guide parents in finding a deeper understanding of their child’s behavior - allowing them to truly “see” their child while helping them cope with big feelings.

I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 8 years of experience in the mental health field, feeling grateful for being part of so many journeys and helping find happiness, peace, and clear paths. I have experience providing therapy for those going through depression, anxiety, life transitions, adjustments, stress, burnout, anger, family and/work related conflict, among other difficulties. I also provide therapy for those who simply just want to process daily life difficulties. I have also worked with a variety of different populations, children, teens, adults, service members, veterans.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I strive to enhance each individuals sense of self-worth and be a support in developing healthy methods to effectively cope with challenging situations and/or triggers. My approach to treatment is always client-centered. I value the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, and see the therapeutic relationship as a key component to outcome. This begins with providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which each individual can explore their fears, obstacles, strengths and hopes. I have experience and enjoy working with all age groups, including advanced training in working with adolescents and young adults.

Navigating your 20s and 30s can often feel anxiety-provoking, overwhelming, and lonely. It’s understandable that juggling relationships, work, family, and a social life may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, and burnt out. I work with young adults who are navigating this challenging phase of life and are looking to improve their important relationships, reduce levels of stress, and heal from past painful experiences. Working together collaboratively, we will focus on helping you understand what you need in relationships, identify how to best take care of yourself through your stressors, and live in alignment with your key values.

Do you find yourself going through the motions yet feeling completely checked out? On the outside do you act as if you have all the answers, but on the inside feel like chaos is brewing? This is called a 'functional freeze mode' or burnout described as excessive worry and a lack of desire to do things you once enjoyed. You are able to complete daily tasks yet feel numb and disconnected. As a parent myself, I am all too familiar with the challenges that come with balancing career, marriage and family life. I specialize in working with adults who tend to check out or look for “the quick fix” when facing the stressors of life.

My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.

Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.

Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.

Thank you for visiting my profile, I am so glad you are here! I welcome clients of all ages – kids, teens, parents, families, couples, and adults – who are brave enough to seek support and who are committed to their well-being. Whether you are dealing with relationship conflicts, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, loss, trauma and/or life transitions big or small, I am grounded in the belief that everyone can flourish to their fullest potential, and everyone has the power to rewrite their own story.

As a clinical psychologist, I help individuals who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and loss. I teach my clients to practice what I call "the reverse golden rule": treat yourself as you would treat others! We are often so critical of ourselves, while with a friend we would be kind, supportive, compassionate. My 20+ years of experience have given me the tools to work using an eclectic approach that I tailor to each client. I offer a comfortable, safe environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, where you can feel heard, understood, and validated.

Change is constant in life. Let's work together to take control and create the life you imagine. My focus is to meet you where you are and provide collaborative support. My interventions are tailored to your unique situation and personal needs.

Dr. Ashley Ribeiro earned her BA in Psychology from UCSB and went on to complete her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at CLU. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the CARD Assessment Center and her two year post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA in the Center for Autism Research & Treatment. She has held positions in both clinical and research settings. Dr. Ribeiro worked at UCLA as a postdoctoral scholar and clinical instructor for a pioneering NIH funded autism biomarkers study. She currently has her own private practice in Ventura County and is also an adjunct professor in both graduate and undergraduate programs at CLU.

I appreciate very much that you are taking the time to read my page today! I take my job very seriously and thoughtfully and have the utmost respect for your desire to find some help for yourself or a loved one. I think that your story is important. Both professionally and personally, I know that feeling Depressed or Anxious or a combination of both can really effect our lives. Though I work with all ages, I tend to see Teens and Young Adults as well as Couples and Families in addressing issues resulting from these conditions.