Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Manhattan Beach, CA

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.

I provide individual therapy to adults and teens. I practice therapy from a place of empathy, nonjudgment, warmth and humor. I believe that each person holds wisdom and unique gifts and talents and that my role, as your therapist, is to reflect the light within you. I have been providing therapy for 20 years and worked in community mental health, as a clinical supervisor, for 14 years before fulfilling my dream of opening my full-time private practice in 2023.

My expertise is in child and adolescent anxiety reduction, OCD, autism and ADHD. My goal is to provide education to kids and their parents about anxiety and related and co-occurring conditions. I also frequently treat phobias, separation anxiety, emotion regulation issues, school refusal, learning disabilities, trauma, giftedness and 2e.

I am also experienced in helping adults and children navigate issues related to divorce including coparenting, custody planning, divorce navigation from considering separation (discernment) through divorce mediation/proceedings to post judgment. I also have expertise in helping adults navigate post separation abuse, domestic violence and coercive control.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps individuals and couples navigate life’s more difficult and complex experiences. I specialize in supporting patients in understanding how past experiences impact present-day challenges, so they can move toward a more fulfilling, authentic, and connected life.

I love doing this work! I consider it a great privilege to walk alongside my clients, to partner with them, support them in their journey, and witness their growth.

Growing up in an underserved Latin community, I have always been drawn to helping others. Many of us are shaped by our experiences and aren't fully aware of how these experiences show up in our everyday lives and relationships. I enjoy studying the importance of understanding ourselves and how we relate to others. My current focus and training are on attachment and trauma-informed approaches. I have been trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, ACT and more trauma based approaches.

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 veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.