South Bay Therapists
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Life is full of experiences that help shape and define who we are. Most of us try to deal with these experiences in a way that allows us to better ourselves and those we care for. Sometimes we are faced with challenges and additional support is helpful.
It can be frightening and overwhelming to seek support and we admire your courage in taking this positive, first step. Finding the right therapist and building a trusting relationship is critical to your success. Whether you want to address a specific concern or to improve your general well-being, we can help.
We each work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. We are dedicated to using our expertise to provide you with a safe environment, free of judgment, where you will learn the tools necessary to reach your goals.
We encourage you to look through the information we have provided to learn more about us and the services we provide. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
We are often asked, “What exactly is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)?” Per the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), Marriage and Family Therapists are defined as the following:
“relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of a comprehensive…examination and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.”
Serving the South Bay Communities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Rolling Hills, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
Education/Training
Education:
•California State University Long Beach, Masters of Science in Counseling with an Option in Marriage and Family Therapy 2004
License:
•Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 50017)
Bio
I became a licensed marriage and family therapist because of my genuine desire to help others work through problems that sometimes feel too difficult to face alone. I know from personal experience that additional support during difficult times can be critical. My childhood included a bitter divorce and lengthy custody dispute. Luckily at some key points during these life events I had the extra support of an amazing therapist, which helped me to adapt and move forward in a healthy way.
I earned my Master's of Science in Counseling with an Option in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University at Long Beach. My 3,000 internship hours were comprised of providing adult, adolescent, child, couples, and family therapy for various non-profit organizations.
When working with individuals, I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Both of these approaches hold that emotions and behaviors are controlled by thoughts. I use this premise to help you develop the tools needed to improve your mood, daily functioning, and relationships.
I approach Couples and Family Therapy with a variety of techniques borrowed from several therapeutic models, including Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Structural Therapy, and Bowenian Therapy. Typical areas of focus are communication skills, parenting techniques, identifying and focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship, and breaking negative patterns of behavior.
I look forward to collaborating with my clients on reaching their goals for therapy and on alleviating the distress that brought them to my office.
Memberships
Professional Memberships:
•California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
•Psychology Today
Other Languages
None
Payments Accepted
Cash and Check
Hours:By appointment 7 days/week including evenings and weekends
Cost/Session
$125 per 50 minute session
License:MFC50017
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Adolescents
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Men's Issues
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Play Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Premarital Counseling
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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