Grief counselors and therapists in Gardena, CA

When I was a kid, I often got in trouble for being too loud with asking questions and calling adults out on things that didn’t seem fair to me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an advocate of some kind. A career in social work, then, made total sense to me when I discovered the field as an undergraduate at San Jose State.

Two more degrees and a license later, I still carry the spirit of that little girl, fighting for the underserved. I have a long history of diagnosing and treating adults with severe and chronic mental illness. I take my work very seriously and it’s important to me to help my clients heal, grow, and thrive.

My clients seek my services as a way to recuperate from lifetimes of overworking themselves into worthiness. I guide them toward unlearning the things that taught them they weren’t enough. I give them the tools they need to create wellness and wholeness in a way that’s unique to who they are.

Through my private practice and my brand, Therapy is a Lifestyle, I want to help you see yourself in new ways - without the lens of your trauma. I specialize in anxiety disorders, EMDR, and other trauma-informed approaches to help you do that.

Let’s take the journey toward your recovery, together. Being here is your first step!

I work with adults navigating trauma, burnout, identity, and the particular exhaustion of being a sensitive person in a fast-changing world. My work goes beyond talk therapy to build a flexible nervous system, helping to regulate it, reduce symptoms of trauma, and build resilience.

Many of the people I work with are doing everything right on paper. They are the ones who keep showing up, holding it together, being the person everyone else leans on. And they are exhausted in a way that is hard to explain to the people around them. They worry they are making the wrong choices or that everyone else has it together.

As a psychotherapist that have been in practice for 12 years, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step!

Dr. Bacher is a holistic, trauma-informed psychologist with over 15 years experience working at many of the top residential treatment centers in the U.S. and Europe. He specializes in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship issues, and addiction. Dr. Bacher completed his undergraduate work in Psychology at Georgetown University, and his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. His dissertation research focused on Positive Psychology--specifically meaning making--and how to cultivate positive strengths in individuals.

It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.

Growing up in California, Colorado and Tennessee concocted a Midwestern warmth with an open-mindedness and appreciation of our differences. These experiences gave me a curiosity for how humans develop in their environments and with their unique histories, leading me to pursue psychology.

I studied Political Science at Vanderbilt University before a seven year tenure in the corporate world. I am grateful for this experience as it has added depth and perspective to my work with clients. In 2014 I began my counseling psychology degree at The Wright Institute in Berkeley and then completed my training in San Francisco. My training journey encompassed internships at community mental health clinics, elementary and high schools, group therapy practices, and social service sites where I received intensive supervision in a variety of modalities. I regularly attend trainings and consult with colleagues to hone my craft and provide the best possible care.

As a licensed therapist with both an MSW and a PhD in clinical practice and research, I bring a depth of academic knowledge and real-world experience to my work with individuals and couples. My approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

I specialize in helping people navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional resilience, and self-exploration. Whether you're seeking personal growth or looking to strengthen your connection with a partner, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space where meaningful insight and change can emerge.