Therapists serving clients in Azusa, CA

I have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 30 years with a wide range of counseling experiences. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Existential Philosophy from the University of California, USC, in 1989. My dissertation is housed at the USC Doheny Library and is available online. My Master's Degree was earned at Loyola Marymount in Counseling Psychology and Education. At the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA, is where I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Near Eastern Studies. Upon being licensed in 1987, I entered private practice in counseling psychology. For three years, I was a Ph.D. Psychology Intern at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. There I worked with medical traumas, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cancer patients and their families, chronic illness, loss of identity, loss of limb, emotional and physical and sexual abuse, sexual orientation and transgender issues, anxieties, stress, panic disorders and depression. Besides the above categories, I also focus on marital relations, relationship counseling, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, infidelity, infertility, workplace and business psychology, relationship development, self-development, personal issues, separations and divorce, parenting, adolescent issues, grief and loss issues as well as dating and co-habitation issues. My training and philosophy is focused on existential-humanistic and client-centered psychology. I specialize in listening and discovering what is needed and desired by the client and then doing my utmost to help the client get what they need and want. Where applicable, I help clients see more options to their own behaviors and choices as well as to discover deeper ways to understand their relationship challenges. I strive to help clients consider, evaluated, and experience alternative life and communication choices to potentially replace previous harmful choices. I greatly enjoy helping a client discover new personal strengths that can overcome and overpower previous challenges and that were mainly seen as impossible. My goal is to successfully help clients experience and achieve healthy skills that ideally lead towards personal insights and emotional growth, a deeper grasp of realistic happiness, and an opportunity to mature into a stronger sense of life empowerment. In addition, where applicable, my ideal is to nurture hope and perhaps to rebuild hope where hope has been neglected, forgotten, abused, or destroyed.

I earned my BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and my MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, San Diego. I have been counseling individuals, couples, families, and children for over 20 years in private practice, non-profit community organizations, hospitals, clinics, and schools. Having worked in a variety of diverse settings, I’ve gained valuable training and experience from many perspectives and incorporate this knowledge into guiding resolution for each unique client’s challenges. Specializing in Brief Solution Focused Therapy, I’m often able to help resolve client issues in relatively few sessions by setting clear, well defined outcomes and implementing strategic interventions designed for efficient and lasting change.

Hello my name is Mary Kay and I am honored that you have taken the opportunity to seek online counseling through BetterHelp. We all sometimes need to seek guidance from another as we navigate through a traumatic life event, difficult life transition, or when we just feel "in a funk"/need an extra boost, inspiration, and/or motivation. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW) in both California and New York States. I have over 25 years experience in the field of counseling and mental health. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work Clinical Counseling from Columbia University in New York. From a very young age, I have always had a gift for healing, listening, soothing and comforting others which I been able to channel into a life long career. My areas of specialties include treating: trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, healthy and positive parenting issues, PTSD, relational intimacy/couples issues, career guidance, and motivational coaching, among others. My approach to counseling and style within the sessions is based on Strength Based, Cognitive-Behavioral , mixed with Psycho-dynamic techniques. What this means, is that I am a neutral objective nonjudgmental "witness", of whom motivates, listens, validates, soothes, and encourage you on your life path. Most therapists do not "tell a client what to do". Instead I will help you to come up with the answers, choices and decisions from within yourself. I have a warm, kind and empathic counseling approach focused on getting to know your story, helping you to stabilize emotions, self-soothe, and challenge unhelpful core beliefs and cognitive distortions.

I know it can be overwhelming to take early steps toward the changes you want in life. Coping with our struggles already takes a huge amount of energy. Choosing a therapist is a big step. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where I can use my professional tools while we work on mental, emotional, and relationship issues. I will provide transparency throughout the process, so you are informed and know what to expect. I am a culturally competent Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of counseling experience. I received my Master of Science in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University. I am currently licensed to practice in California and Wisconsin. My areas of greatest expertise are addiction treatment and grief counseling. However, I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, low self-esteem, and personality disorders. I also have had experience working with pre and postnatal issues, including parenting challenges. I consider myself to be primarily a humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapist. However, treatment should be adapted to an individual’s needs and what works best for them. We can work together to figure out what treatment looks like for you. I look forward to meeting you and starting your therapy!

I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in California since 2001. I have extensive experience in helping people who have chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia. I am interested in the role that nutrition and diet play in health and have certifications in this area (though I am not a dietitian or nutritionist). I enjoy working with individuals and groups. While many people think of CBT and being matter-of-fact and rooted only in the present, it is much more than that, allowing for exploration of past issues in a safe environment while working on present concerns and issues. It does often include homework, and I do give homework assignments. My many years of experience have taught me that I make a living from others' misfortunates, accidents, and tragedies. This realization makes me caring and compassionate. All too often, those with chronic pain and chronic medical conditions feel that they are not believed when they report their physical problems and pain levels. My goal is to provide a safe, caring , and accepting environment for people to discuss their concerns. I have recently developed an interest in also providing help to people who have been traumatized by paranormal experiences.

I was born and raised in the greater Fresno area and attended CSU-Fresno for my undergraduate work in Criminology and Master’s in Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy. My clinical orientation is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Client Center, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focus Therapeutic Modalities. I have extensive training and experience in working with people struggling with the criminal justice system (in and out of the legal system), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression disorders, as well, as with people seeking relief from addictive behaviors. I have worked for over 23 years in public service/various community mental health delivery systems. I thoroughly value meeting and forming therapeutic relationships with new patients and assisting the patient discover their ability to lead a life they want to live. I honor the time spent in session, as it is a time were hearts bare the pain, minds seek the “why?”, and bodies reflect the joy or sorrow of their memories. The time spent in session is a time where healing can start, and a new view of life can occur; with the collaborative efforts of the patient and therapist. Mental Health services helped me, when I went through many struggles as an adult and now, I can share the gift that was handed to me in session, to those patients I now have the privilege to assist. Thank you for seeking assistance and starting the process of healing and hope. Roles and Responsibilities Whether, I am working with people in the criminal justice system or the mental health field, I have held the belief that, “Do unto others as you want done unto you”. How would I like to be treated, if I sought services and or found myself in trouble with the law? I would like to be treated fairly, as a human being and not just a number. I have made every effort to ensure I treat whomever I meet in a professional and ethical manner. My role and responsibilities as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) are to provide the patient with the utmost professional care possible, for it is nothing less than what I would expect. I am Fluent in English and Spanish. Family and Friends I have been married for 21 years and my wife and I have been blessed with 8 children (6 boys and 2 girls) age ranges from 27 to 2 years old. I am a grandfather of 3 beautiful children. I am an active member of our local church and enjoy the ministry work I have been given to accomplish. Hobbies and interests I enjoy taking evening walks (weather permitting) with our large family, and time spent with my wife and children. Our children’s recreational and school sports take up much of our free time for now. We also like going to the coast and mountains to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Let’s be real. Everyone has problems, and no life is devoid of problems. Perhaps this will be your time to figure it out. What can be done to reduce the quantity of your troubles.? I am here to support, bear witness to, & empower you to do just that. How, you may ask? Let’s start with my age. 60 years old. You may be shocked that I actually told you my age, but I think of it a positive observation. I have been through many valleys and stood on mountaintops. I have raised a family. I have been divorced. I have been heartbroken. I have felt extreme joy. Just like you, I am an individual seeking to understand, and teach individuals the basic tenets of healing. I combine a variety of well researched, and clinically proven therapies such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, person centered psychotherapy, somatic psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Attachment Theory. If you like we may discuss each, and then formulate a plan forward. However, if you are confident that you know the way forward, yet really could use someone who will listen and not offer instruction/recommendations, then I am still here for you. My education consists of : BA / Addiction studies; MA /Psychology; MA /Somatic Psychology; Ph.D. / Philosophy & Depth Psychology & chemical dependency counselor. I am licensed in the state of TX and CA as an MFT, and in TX as an LCDC. Lastly, I am a certified Ketamine integration coach. If you have received Ketamine therapy and have NOT had the opportunity to integrate your experience, I will assist you in that growth process. I have experience in helping clients overcome the impact of stress and anxiety. I also assist people in discovering what can be done about their addiction, unproductive coping mechanisms, trauma, abuse, and difficulties connecting deeply with those you love. Lastly, my healing philosophy is that Jesus Christ is the healer. He uses people, so this is why I became a psychotherapist. I have no greater privilege, than witnessing firsthand, how God heals people. The first step is the hardest, because it involves showing up in a space that is unknown. Take the chance. Do it for yourself and see what happens.

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself.

I am licensed in California and Vermont with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.