Grief counselors and therapists in Torrance, CA

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!

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.

My own trauma healing has opened my heart to helping others. I would love to discuss whatever is on your mind and propose a plan of action!

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.

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I am deeply committed to fostering a space of trust and openness where clients can explore their life challenges and grow. With over 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I specialize in helping people navigate relational issues, life transitions, overwhelming anxiety, and persistent depression.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 3 decades of experience treating a wide array of populations and presenting issues. My practice today consists of adults and couples. I choose my treatment approach for each client based on their needs and expectations. In addition to my clinical practice, I am a Master Lecturer at the University of Southern California in the Marriage and Family Therapy program.

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.

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.