Find a Therapist in Topanga, CA

Can your life really change for the better? Can you finally feel more like yourself? My clients come to therapy with questions, hopes, and doubts—and discover that meaningful change is possible. I help them explore what’s beneath the surface, understand patterns, and create practical tools for growth. My clients describe me as warm and engaging - it's no secret I love my career! I especially enjoy working with individuals navigating transitions, therapy first-timers, therapists in training or practice, those ready to release lifelong emotional baggage, and couples seeking better communication, less conflict, and deeper intimacy. My clients get my undivided attention as they share about their current challenges, disappointments, heartbreaks, and places where they feel stuck. Together, we uncover the obstacles and plan their next steps toward breakthrough. Along the journey, I offer practical, proactive ways to improve your current situation and find joy in life again! If you’re wondering, “Could things really be different for me?”—I’d love to help you explore that question. I’m also pleased to accept Aetna and several other insurance plans, making it easier to take that first step toward the support you deserve.

I provide an environment that through support and understanding will motivate significant and positive change in your life. Through honest feedback and discussion, you will acquire the tools necessary to achieve a more positive and fulfilling way of relating to the world around you. There are times in all of our lives when we experience challenges and transitions. While these challenges can be stressful and overwhelming, I believe they also present an opportunity for personal growth and change.

Do you find yourself completely exhausted at the end of each day from the effort it takes to go through the motions? Maybe you spend so much time focused on internal worries or past experiences that you feel disconnected from those around you or like life is passing you by. The clients I work with share these struggles. Despite being hard-working, successful, and invested in their relationships, they often feel as though their efforts are never enough. They just don't feel like themselves. Whether you've been feeling this way for a while or noticed a recent shift, you deserve to feel like yourself again. Feeling sure of yourself and confident in what you have to offer is not out of your reach. Together we can explore how your past experiences may be impacting your view of yourself, emotional experiences, and current relationships. We can work together to help you enrich your life and experience growth, healing, and overall well-being. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. In order to fit the unique needs of each client, I use an integrative and multicultural framework to build a collaborative relationship that honors each client's unique and diverse identities, values their strengths, and fosters personal insight, & empowerment. Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation today!

Depression, anxiety, building better relationships, boundary setting. Anger Management classes for adults interested in learning better coping skills. Pet Loss Support for pet lovers dealing with the loss or anticipated loss of their pet. Individuals struggling with codependency issues. Individuals struggling with another's self absorbed behavior. Assessments and Referrals available by appointment.

My focus is to identify and address the issues that contribute to your current personal concerns. I utilize Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and individuals. These are widely regarded, effective therapy models for processing through difficult situations, and have proven helpful in resolving past and present struggles. Counseling often brings a fresh perspective to a problem, increases motivation to change, and inspires hope. My scope of therapy addresses situational concerns, relationship problems and difficult childhood experiences. I also work with First Responders who have residual effects from specific call outs, long term effects of being in the first responder service, and job fatigueburn out.

I specialize in relationships and heartbreak issues of all kinds. I offer support and teach clients coping skills for trauma, grief, anxiety and depression. I place a strong emphasis on unleashing positive energy and highlighting strengths to help clients succeed in their relationships and lives. I offer a safe space where clients can explore challenging emotions and understand negative patterns that may undermine their success and happiness. I work with my clients to help them release negative habits and nurture positive change to bring forth greater joy and satisfaction in life. Other areas of expertise include support for veterans, divorcees, first responders, and other survivors of trauma.

I specialize in taking couples from conflict to connection, tailored to the needs of the individual couple. My patients tell me that I come across as a warm, rather humorous individual who uses a practical approach in therapy. I believe in first helping couples decide if they want to work on the relationship or not. (Called discernment). If so, I devote all my energy to helping couples move forward by learning new skills to communicate and feel connected. I also teach couples conflict resolution skills so you can disagree without being disagreeable- that is, communicate with respect and empathy. I strongly encourage "homework" between sessions designed to strengthen skills, develop common interests (if needed), and to learn to enjoy each other again.

I believe that emotional insights are the cornerstone of therapeutic change and growth. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide my clients with a safe space to navigate their journey toward health, happiness, and healing. My clients range from teens to seniors, encompassing individuals, families, and couples from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and demographic backgrounds. Now in my 60’s, I bring a wealth of wisdom and a lifetime of experience to my practice. I have faced numerous challenges, including divorce, anxiety, substance abuse, cancer survival, family dysfunction, financial instability, encounters with the justice system, childhood abuse, traumatic events, job loss, parenting struggles, and the deaths of loved ones. These life crises have shaped me, and through my own therapeutic journey, I have found healing. Now, as a therapist, I am dedicated to helping others heal and "pay it forward." Having been a client myself, I understand that trust is a primary concern for new clients. My clients appreciate that I can relate to their experiences, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on empathy and understanding. My practice addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, relationship conflicts, past trauma, grief, loneliness, life crises, shame, infidelity, self-esteem, aging, body image issues, parenting problems, and divorce. I approach my work with mindfulness, flexibility, humor, compassion, cheerfulness, empathy, and professionalism. I customize my approach to meet your needs and goals and look forward to helping you on your journey to health, happiness, and healing. Contact me and let's see if we are a good fit!

Are you struggling with sex addiction, infidelity, or betrayal? I specialize in helping individuals and couples heal from these challenges. Life can be full of difficult situations; sometimes it feels like we're facing them alone. Betrayal, deception, struggles with compulsive sexual behavior - these are not easy roads to travel. Finding support and healing can feel like an uphill battle. I create a safe and nurturing environment where you can openly share your concerns and fears without judgment. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have the experience and expertise to help guide you through these difficult times. With a focus on trauma-informed care, healing from betrayal, and exploring and gaining confidence in your strength, I offer a safe and healthy environment to find the solutions that work for you. I create a non-judgmental and supportive therapy setting, so you don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, you can overcome your problems and navigate life's most challenging situations.

Life brings challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. We struggle with stress, relationships, family, work, and even with ourselves. Sometimes these struggles feel especially lonely. You may hesitate to share what you are going through because you do not want to burden others, or because you fear others may not understand. Therapy can be a place where you do not have to carry those struggles alone. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, I want to help you feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Whether you come as an individual, a couple, or a family, my goal is to offer insight, support, and practical tools to help you navigate life’s stressors, and build healthier ways of coping and connecting.