Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

I believe in the strength and courage of anyone seeking therapy and facing their struggles head-on. I value warmth, insight, authenticity, empathy, open-mindedness, and humor. I do my best to live these values, and you'll see them in session with me. I base my approach upon each individual client's needs and goals. I consider myself an insightful, active collaborator; however, your sessions are always YOUR time. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space, support, information, tools, and coping strategies to use on the way to your goals.

Here are a few more of my beliefs:

* Growth occurs in the mending of ruptures and mistakes -- not in perfection.
* Mind and body are inextricably connected. What affects one affects the other. When you nurture one, you nurture the other.
* "Nerves" can be your worst enemies or your best friends -- it's all in how you use them.
* A "good relationship" doesn't mean you never argue. It means that you argue fairly, safely, and with respect.
* Your past will often predict your future -- but it doesn't have to. You can break dysfunctional patterns and cycles, even if they've spanned generations in your family.
* Telling your story can be a powerful first step toward healing, growth, and change.
* It can be difficult to do this alone. Coming to therapy doesn't mean you're broken -- it means you're brave.
* Therapy doesn't always need to be a somber experience. Sometimes you've just got to laugh.

I am also a Beginning III-level practitioner in Somatic Experiencing, a body-awareness-based model for healing trauma. I often integrate SE interventions and/or mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques into psychotherapy for those who might benefit.

 

More Info About My Practice

I am registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (IMF #62674). I'm supervised in Atwater Village by Stacy-Colleen Nameth, LCSW (LCS # 20894), and in Sherman Oaks by Ken Newelt, LMFT (MFC #41098).

NOW OFFERING SPECIALIZED SERVICES FOR ACTORS/ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONALS:

BLOCKS TO BOOKING: THE SIX-WEEK ACTORS' SERIES - Your blocks are unique to you, but they may include audition/performance anxiety, personal or professional identity, differences between how you see yourself and how they see you, day-job stress, rejection, procrastination, motivation, self-esteem, feeling good enough, relationship stress, creative frustration, or old wounds getting in the way of current performance. In 6 one-on-one sessions (50 minutes each), we'll create and implement an individualized plan to propel you toward your goals.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Coaching

Ages I Work With

• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Elders

Languages I Speak

• English

Groups I Work With

Anyone facing depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress, or the other issues listed to the right. Creative people (actors, writers, dancers, artists, entertainment industry professionals). Teens and young adults. Couples (pre-marital or pre-commitment counseling, relationship or marriage counseling, parenting and transitions). Children. Families. Those struggling with body image issues (including eating and exercise disorders, low body-esteem/self-esteem, body dysmorphia). Caregivers. Perfectionists.

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Body-Mind Psychotherapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT
• Creative Art Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Feminist Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Mindfulness Based Approaches
• Narrative Therapy
• Object Relations
• Person Centered / Rogerian
• Play Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing
• Somatic Psychotherapy

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Identity Issues
• Attachment
• Reproduction
• Abuse: Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
• Trauma
• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Addictions & Compulsions
• Life Changes
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Emotion Management
• Social Skills & Problems
• Depression & Mood
• Family Problems
• Health & Body
• Childhood & Adolescence
• Relationships & Marriage
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Sexuality
• Self-Harm & Suicide
• Spirituality