Many of the problems that bring people to therapy are the result of using defense mechanisms to avoid facing uncomfortable emotions and conflicts. I help patients identify the defense mechanisms that they are using and overcome them so that they can lead better lives. This process is known as intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP), and there is a strong body of research to support its efficacy. I also use standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, and common sense to help my clients solve their problems and improve their lives. If you're interested in a different way of looking at or approaching your problems....Call me! :-) To learn more about my approach to therapy, please visit my website (link under my pic) or call me :-)

Healing unfolds when the connection between mind, body, and spirit is gently supported and understood. Rooted in a relational, trauma-informed approach, I offer a compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and accepted at your own pace. I welcome people of all identities and backgrounds and proudly affirm the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we'll explore how personal experiences, generational trauma, culture, and societal influences shape your relationships, beliefs, and sense of self, creating space for greater healing, connection, and inner harmony. I offer therapy that supports the nervous system in healing from overwhelm and past experiences that may feel present in your daily life. Using approaches like EMDR, parts work, attachment-focused therapy, and the Structural Dissociation Model, we gently explore survival responses, fostering greater integration and creating new ways of experiencing yourself. This work helps you cultivate greater self-awareness, connect with your inner world, and develop a deeper sense of safety within yourself. I can support you in releasing long-held protective patterns, strengthening self-trust, and living with greater ease and choice. If you're ready to reconnect with your inner wisdom, I would be honored to walk with you!

At New Beginnings Christian Counseling, we are committed to facilitating healing, renewal, and restoration in your relationships, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. Life can be overwhelming, and many people struggle with negative or intrusive thoughts that impact their emotions, relationships, and sense of purpose. As Christian therapists, we believe lasting change happens when we learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns, replace lies with truth, and align our minds with God’s Word. Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), we help clients recognize and challenge distorted thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes so they can improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and experience lasting growth. We serve teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families in both English and Spanish. We offer in-person sessions in Yorba Linda, California, as well as telehealth services throughout California. Our clinicians provide support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, life transitions, and stress management. We also offer specialized services, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), couples counseling, parenting support, care for new moms, men’s support for technology and gaming addiction, and counseling for first responders. Our desire is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can experience healing, discover hope, and move toward the restoration God has for your life.

My approach is very interactive. I believe that open communication between client and therapist is number one. I believe that in order to be an effective therapist there needs to be communication and feedback from all parties involved. I believe in utilizing techniques that empower the clients instead of enabling them. This I have found to be paramount to their success. Although my area of speciality is with children and families, I have extensive experience working with adults and couples I am a short term results oriented therapist who believes in the fact that most clients are the most motivated and achieve the greatest success within the first 6 months or less of counseling. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am sorry for what you are going through, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you andor your family during this difficult time.

Dr. Nightingale has been practicing for over 30 years. You may listen to her counseling philosophy on SoundCloud.com. She uses a Brief Therapy model to help clients with depression, anxiety and relationship concerns. She is one of the few therapists licensed both as a Psychologist (PhD level) and as a Marriage, Family, Child Therapist (Masters level). Her self-help books are available on Amazon. She is the past-director of psychiatric hospital and chemical dependency programs. You may read her blog articles here on many therapy issues. Her conference lectures focus on relationship communication, conflict resolution and parenting. She's known for her humor, compassion and dedication to helping clients attain practical solutions in a supportive environment. She uses homework assignments to facilitate progress between therapy sessions for clients who want to get the most out of their treatment. To remain enthusiastic in her field and to bring clients the most up-to-date treatment methods, she invests extensive hours annually in continuing education and specialized training. Her self help books can be found on Amazon. It takes courage to start therapy and begin the changes that will lead to a better life. Dr. Nightingale respects how difficult the first few steps can be. Searching the internet and reading these bios is a good start. The next step is to call and ask any questions you may have, and then schedule an appointment. Therapy can provide practical, straightforward tools that you may then use to make positive changes. You deserve the support of a caring and experienced professional as you face the things you'd like to improve about your life. If you feel stuck, please reach out to a licensed therapist. You deserve a new start.

We’re here with same-day appointments, with in-office and online options in California. Our Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) support people of all ages, with a wide range of concerns, and from all backgrounds. We offer compassionate, ethical care for individual adults, teens, and children, as well as couples and families. We can support you on your healing journey today. Some of the areas we help with include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting, behavior changes, past or current trauma, relationship issues, and more.

I believe therapy should be a safe space where someone in need of help can express themselves without being judged. Eliminating behaviors and beliefs that no longer serve you can help you grow. I use a range of approaches tailored to your needs, assisting you to develop skills and tools that nurture your growth. I use a blend of humanistic and cognitive approaches in therapy, focusing on creating a supportive, empathetic space while helping you develop practical tools for change. A key goal of treatment is to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that can negatively impact your emotions and mood, allowing for healthier perspectives and more balanced emotional well-being. (Mi lengua materna es el español para los que prefieran comunicarse asi).

Relationship problems? There is still hope! When your relationship isn't going well it can impact your whole life! Are you arguing a lot? Not feeling like your partner understands you? Couples therapy can really help! More harmony and tranquility could be yours! Let's find better ways to relate to each other. Let me help you find your way back to that loving place again... I am conveniently located in Center Stone Plaza at the corner of Barranca Parkway and Culver Drive in Irvine. I also offer telehealth for clients who prefer that. Call me today at (562) 477-2530 for a complimentary confidential phone consultation and let's get started.

Working with an individual or family member is a sacred trust that I take very seriously. After working positively with children, teens, adults, and families for over 25 years, I find that most all problems can be solved and most all mental health challenges can be improved. You just need to be willing to look at things from a different perspective and be willing to change the way you may be approaching the situation. I see these challenges like climbing a mountain on a road bike. Initially, it is steep and as you peddle it is easy to want to give up, but if you have someone who has been there before guiding and encouraging you not to give up, you then borrow their hope and faith for a while and you keep pedaling and finally, you make it. I say this as I have ridden across the United States twice (over 3000 miles on a road bike) to raise money for those less fortunate during a race called "Race Across America." I practice what I preach and I believe with consistent support anyone can make it to the summit and reach their goal. I hope to have the privilege to come alongside you - my journey is to help others with their journey.

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.

Let’s talk and better understand your needs and the issues as we prioritize where we need to begin. I have been a licensed psychotherapist in 3 states for over 35 years, and am interested in you, curious about your life experiences, and continue to learn from you! I use a combination of therapeutic approaches, including Expressive, Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I do not prescribe medication. I am easy to talk to, nonjudgmental and able to share some relevant personal and professional experiences to allow you “to know” the person you’re sharing your most personal life challenges with. I have a sense of humor, and share this as well!

My approach is warm, empathic, and interactive, and I tailor sessions to meet your unique therapy needs. Together, we will explore your personal values so you can make choices that feel authentic—rather than fear-based—and create a more meaningful, fulfilling life. I specialize in: • Anxiety therapy (generalized anxiety, panic, stress management) • Life transitions (divorce, dating, premarital counseling, marriage, career shifts, parenting changes) • Depression and relationship issues I believe that healthy relationships with others begin with building a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself. My goal is to help you reduce anxiety, gain insight, and move toward lasting change.