Grief counselors and therapists in Panorama City, CA

Hello and welcome to my psychotherapy practice. My name is Matthew and I have been practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Francisco and Los Angeles for over twenty years. I honor diversity and inclusion and provide a curious, non-judgmental space for reflection, healing and transformation. As a therapist, I bring a mix of pragmatic feedback and practical skills development to empower my clients to grow and change. As an Attachment-Focused EMDR therapist, I support clients with PTSD and interpersonal trauma to heal and become more present. I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and I serve individuals, couples, families, youth, and the LGBTQ community.

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.

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

You know those moments of feeling truly authentic with another person, when you are real, not hiding, and seen with eyes of love and non judgement? It can be a rare moment. As a therapist what I love most is the authentic and honest connection with my clients. I have loved connecting with others since childhood. This led me on a path of becoming a high school teacher, a social worker, to opening my own therapy private practice.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Brown University. Since 2008, I’ve maintained a private therapy practice in Los Angeles, working with adults, teens, and parents, and facilitating support groups for families and youth, and leading educational workshops for parents.

My professional training includes certification as an Insight Mindfulness Teacher, completion of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and specialized programs in family and adolescent psychology through organizations such as Spirit Rock, The Gottman Institute, and the Maple Counseling Center. I have also worked as a Special Education teacher in LAUSD.

I continue to learn and evolve through my wonderful clients and the myriad of life experiences they bring into the room.

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.

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.

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.