Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Manhattan Beach, CA

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.

My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where I walk alongside you rather than ahead of you. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, substance use, chronic pain, and life transitions. My background in clinical psychology, along with board certification in biofeedback and neurofeedback, allows me to integrate both psychological and physiological approaches to healing. Most importantly, I deeply respect the uniqueness of your lived experience and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered.