therapy

I provide individual and couples therapy to adults (age 18+).

We can meet in person (Los Alamitos) or using telehealth (Zoom).

Typically, I meet with clients weekly. We will collaborate together to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific goals and needs. The length of treatment will vary based upon those goals. Due to the type of therapy work I do, clients who have seen the most success are ones who can commit to weekly sessions and are motivated to do long-term, insight based work.

therapeutic orientation

Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment, Mindfulness

what is psychodynamic therapy?

I will paraphrase 7 important features of psychodynamic therapy, as noted by Shedler (2010).

1) We will focus on helping you label, identify, understand, and feel the full range of emotions.

2) We will explore ways that you try to avoid emotions or thoughts that cause distress. As you build more coping skills, you will be able to tolerate more of your emotions and thoughts. This will help you live life more fully.

3) We will notice and label patterns in your thoughts, relationships, and experiences. Often once we acknowledge patterns, we will be able to help you find ways to get un-stuck from them.

4) We will discuss how those patterns arose in your life by talking about your past experiences. It’s important to get to the root of a wound in order to fully heal the wound. Often those wounds occurred in the past.

5) We focus on your attachment to others and how you function in relationships.

6) We will also discuss how the therapy relationship is impacting you.

7) We will explore whatever dreams and fantasies you may have. There can be rich meaning in your dreams, fears, or random thoughts that come to mind!

common issues addressed

  • Mood Issues (depression, anxiety)

  • Coping Skills

  • Relationship Issues (peer relationships, codependency, communication difficulties)

  • Family and Parenting Issues

  • Marital and Premarital Issues

  • Race and Ethnicity Issues (particularly communities who are second-generation, POC, TCKs, MKs)

  • Spirituality and Faith Concerns

  • Grief and loss

  • Life Transitions

  • Self Esteem

  • Stress

  • Trauma

  • Sexual and gender identity