Grief counselors and therapists in Gardena, CA

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.

I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a degree in Mind-Body Psychology and am trained in clinical hypnotherapy. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working in digital marketing, which gives me unique insight into the stressors of fast-paced careers, identity development, and the challenge of balancing ambition with well-being.

I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including women navigating heartbreak or life transitions, professionals seeking purpose, and individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, or people-pleasing patterns. I’m passionate about helping people live with more intention and emotional freedom.

Therapy is personal, and I do my best to meet people where they are—with curiosity, compassion, and care. As someone who’s done a lot of personal healing work myself, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help. My goal is to create a space where you can be real, be seen, and make meaningful changes at your own pace.

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.

Let's start wherever you are. Stressed? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Unmotivated? Feel like you're faking it through life? I'm with you. I welcome you to be heard, to let down and rest. I support you in working through past events, discovering your true self, and learning new skills to empower you. I work with individuals in person in my cozy office in Pasadena.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY & PSYCHOANALYSIS

I invite you to say what you would never say in ordinary conversation. I specialize in anxiety, depression, difficult to describe dissatisfaction, work/career difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual problems, imposter syndrome, men's issues, creative blocks, sexual abuse, and relationship issues.

I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adult individuals. I work collaboratively to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, grief, or life transitions, therapy can be a powerful space to gain insight and feel less alone.