Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Gardena, CA

Life is Difficult! Many obstacles and challenges! I've been practicing 25+ years assisting adults (of all ages) and teens (15+) with major life changes, mild/moderate depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment issues, sobriety and its relation to mental health. I also work with high functioning career/work choices - helping students/adult-professionals find Purpose-Vision, and Ambition in their career (Life/Career-Coaching). I employ talk therapy to alleviate symptoms, elevate mood, increase self-awareness and existing strengths. I also help people in recovery to alleviate 'Character Defects' that continue on in sobriety.

I am a recently licensed counseling psychologist with extensive training and experience in psychotherapy, assessment, and psychology research. I have provided individual, couples, and group therapy at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center (now LGBT Center), the Los Angeles VA, the Boston VA, and Enki Health Services. I have enjoyed training and supervising student therapists at the University of West Georgia and the University of Redlands. I also teach psychology at UCLA Extension. In general, I am curious about the the human mind and I am dedicated to help others who are struggling.

All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My POV is through a Neurodiverse lens and incorporates Attachment Theory and C-PTSD with the idea that much of our conflict and distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs that can often be traced back to necessary adaptations needed to survive not only our families of origin but also societal norms and expectations. The gig of being human is hard and de-coding this blueprint can provide a path toward understanding, healing and, fulfillment. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

My hope is to help the client and families reach their goals and to provide them with a safe and non-judgmental place to do that. When working with a client, I will assist in allowing the clients to process their feelings and thoughts in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

I am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and have a strong understanding of deaf culture.

I have many years of experience working with couples, families, adults, young adults, teens, and children.

Finding the right mental health provider is an important step toward healing, and I strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every patient feels heard, respected, and understood. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals.

I have experience caring for patients in both outpatient and correctional mental health settings, treating individuals with a wide range of psychiatric conditions across diverse populations. In my outpatient practice, I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, and other mental health concerns. My background in correctional psychiatry has provided valuable experience working with individuals facing acute psychiatric symptoms, substance withdrawal, crisis situations, and complex mental health needs.

• I believe therapy is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves. It is an opportunity to explore and learn about the mysteries of our inner self. When I am working with a client both of us discover a vast new world that waits to unfold. I studied at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school dedicated to discovering the inner contents of the self and the secrets of the archetypes of our humanity. I believe in working with my clients face to face, together, by sharing a journey in order to learn about the hardships of today while gaining knowledge about past and present experiences. I believe in and encourage my client’s strength and ability to solve their own problems and become the healers of their own wounds. I work as a guide and as a fellow traveler in your journey toward self discovery. With every step we take toward discovery, I work hand in hand with my clients, letting them lead in finding the sources of their suffering and their capability to heal them. Treatment Modalities: Person Centered Therapy, Post Jungian, Family Systems, Trauma Theory, Sex Therapy, and working within the Feminine Principle. I work with LGBTQ community and with all kind of diversity. At Eye Of The Storm counseling I specialize with Adolescents, Adults, Relationships, Individuation, Immigration, Life Changes, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Sexual Issues, Personal Growth and Development, Life Style issues, and Court referrals.

I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.

I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.

Trauma-Informed. I specialize in treating adults with unresolved childhood traumas / C-PTSD. I deeply understand how early life experiences shape present-day struggles—I specialize in helping people heal from those roots, not just manage surface-level symptoms.

I am trained in powerful, evidence-based and experiential modalities like EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Not one-size-fits-all—I tailor treatment to each individual’s nervous system, attachment patterns, and inner world.

Most importantly, I show up as a therapist: I provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where clients can be fully seen, heard, and validated. I understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and I meet clients with compassion, patience, and respect for their pace.

I am committed to helping clients work through inner emotional conflicts so they can move toward a more stable, fulfilling, and connected life—not just symptom relief, but real, lasting transformation.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.