Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA covered by Aetna

Hi, I'm Magda. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree from Antioch University Los Angeles. I'm a culturally sensitive Latina therapist who is passionate about helping people better understand themselves and the challenges they're facing. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or feeling stuck in life, we'll work together to uncover patterns, build insight, and strengthen your confidence. I believe meaningful change can happen when you feel truly seen and understood.

When working with clients, I strive to make the therapy experience respectful and genuine. Everyone's journey to personal resilience is unique and there is no one size fits all solution. My approach is flexible and client centered. I often explore childhood attachment issues which can assist the client in achieving sustained emotional growth.

I partner with clients to support healing, growth, and positive transformation. I offer an intimate space that’s grounded in empathy and curiosity. But I'm also real, direct, and sometimes a little playful. Therapy with me isn’t stiff or clinical; it's human, heartfelt, and intuitive. I’ve helped clients reframe and navigate anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, depression, and shame, offering relief from painful symptoms and limiting beliefs. I’m EMDR trained and bring over 25 years of yoga and meditation practice into the room with us.

I’m a California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and have a certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). Before I was a therapist, I worked as a preschool teacher. I was drawn to clinical work because of the struggles that I observed in the families of the children in my classrooms. During my clinical training, I worked primarily with couples, teens, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Though I love working with children, I am passionate about my work with adults because healthy, supported, and self-compassionate adults are the key to health for future generations.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, and I have experience working in community mental health, school settings and private practice. I am especially passionate about supporting women as they navigate personal, relational, and cultural challenges. My goal is to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.

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!

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.

Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.

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.

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.

Shana Bujake is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. She specializes in working with individuals who are recovering from narcissistic abuse, navigating life transitions, or struggling with relationship challenges and self-worth.

With a strong background in trauma-informed care, she provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, gain clarity, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Her work is deeply rooted in helping clients build resilience and create meaningful change in their lives.

Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I’m a warm and compassionate therapist with several years of experience working in mental health. I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and work with people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply. I take a collaborative approach, tailoring our sessions to your unique needs and goals. My priority is creating a space where you feel supported, seen, and safe to explore whatever comes up.