Therapists in Laguna Niguel, CA

Do you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed? Do have difficulties in relationships? Whatever it is that you are struggling with, I can work with you and help your find inner peace. The Vietnamese Buddhist Monk and teacher of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh, says, if we are anxious, we are living in the future; if we are depressed, we are living in the past. If we live in the present, we can feel peace. If we feel calm and relaxed in the here and now, we can also become more thoughtful and optimistic about the future. We can start building this future with ever step we take and thus make progress immediately. I am a Solution-Focused and Somatic Psychotherapist. I trained at the legendary Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto and in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with the founders of the approach. I graduated with a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I am certified in Analytic Somatic Therapy. Analytic Somatic Therapy is a further development of Bioenergetic Analysis and includes cutting-edge research in trauma and brain research. I am also certified in Systemic Therapy. I look forward to working with you.

Welcome and thank you for visiting my BetterHelp profile! Seeking therapy takes a great deal of courage and I commend you for exploring therapy as a tool for self-exploration and growth. Many people find that building a supportive and collaborative relationship with their therapist contributes to the overall effectiveness and success of therapy. I strive to offer a safe and non-judgmental environment with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work together to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California with over 12 years of clinical experience in both the mental health and addiction fields. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with issues and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, social obstacles, substance abuse, and family conflict. ​I earned my undergraduate degree from University of California San Diego where I majored in Music Humanities and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at University of Southern California and earned my master's degree in Social Work. I have experience providing treatment in a variety of settings, including school-based individual and group therapy services for elementary, middle and high school students, domestic violence shelter services, outpatient substance abuse services, and in-home services for families of children with special needs. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach with a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective and am certified in motivational interviewing (MI) and problem solving therapy (PST). That being said, I recognize that not all therapeutic styles work for every individual. I strive to find a style and approach that best fits each person I work with. I am also a practicing musician and some people find utilizing music to be an effective therapeutic approach. Music provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult expressing themselves in words and can provide a safe outlet for expression of feelings. I find it incredibly fulfilling to help support individuals who are looking to be the best version of themselves and would love to connect with you to start working together! Please read below regarding my current availability for live sessions and messaging and feel free to contact me to set up an appointment that works best with your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you! Live sessions (video, phone, chat): Live sessions are up to 45 minutes and can be held through video, phone, or live chat. I always try to keep my calendar up to date with availability for live sessions. To schedule an appointment, please go to my scheduling tab and you can book the time slot that fits best for you. There are certain weeks where I will have more or less availability, depending on client needs. Feel free to message me to see if additional time slots are available. I will always do my best to accommodate scheduling. ** Please note: live sessions are not required! I offer live sessions for clients that would like to utilize different modalities. However, clients are free to message me through the chatroom feature 24/7. The chatroom is completely confidential and secure. I generally check messages between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and always do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours. However, I do take weekends and holidays off, so please expect slower responses during that time.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of post master level experience, and 17 years of Mental Health and behavioral Counseling with children, couples and family units. I am a passionate advocate and help clients gain access to resources while confronting their personal issues, such as mental illness, addiction, and abuse. “I SEE YOU, DO YOU SEE ME?” - This is my personal reference of engagement to begin the process in helping you by actively listening in a non-judgmental manner, and by being open to your feedback in each session to promote a safe place for us to identify and work through areas of direction for your healing. In building a therapeutic relationship between you and myself is to begin with a warm welcome and thank you to you by allowing this journey of engagement between us. All relationships take risks and I am honored to provide a space for open dialogue between us. I combine many therapeutic modalities to develop your treatment plan by using a strengths-based approach to empower goals tailored to your needs and areas of concern. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidenced-based psychotherapy designed to help people with emotional dyregulation to treat mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance abuse. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve your mental health by focusing on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortion and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems. I use Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing which is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to help people identify their values and skills and knowledge they have to live these values, so they can effectively confront the problems they face in a safe manner. This may also provide space to reflect on historical trauma and family values as it relates to the individual and their goals. My goal is to establish a connection, whereby both the you and I will partner, addressing that each person is an individual and worthy of a safe space to heal.

I am a marriage and family therapist and I have been licensed in California with almost 30 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Program Manager, Regional Director and Executive Director of various clinical and community based programs. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals and families of all ages, in many different environments including private practice, schools, clinics, field work, etc. I am experienced in working with multiple issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias and OCD, self-esteem and confidence issues, trauma/PTSD, homelessness, severe mental illness and more. I believe strongly that each person has unique strengths that can be discovered and magnified to achieve one's own path to happiness and wellness . My approach to therapy is empathetic and supportive, but I understand that the client and their needs direct the therapy work itself. I view my role as one of providing structure, guidance, and motivation as it is needed. I encourage my clients to be vocal about their needs and what they hope to get out of therapy. I am accepting and supportive of all people, and I honor diversity. I often utilize CBT techniques to challenge and change negative thinking patterns, and encourage and assist people to find their own strengths and talents that will be critical along the journey to wellness. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the single most important ingredient to transformational healing and growth. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. As your partner in this process, you can count on me to be fully engaged, meet you where you are, and affirm your worth every step of the way. The therapeutic process should be intriguing, empowering, and rewarding throughout the journey. I look forward to working with you! I am a Solution-Focused Therapist who incorporates a variety of Psychodynamic and Evidenced-Based therapies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Mindfulness. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Bipolar disorder Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Read more... Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 30

In my long career as a parent, a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a school counselor and a psychologist, I have learned the following truths: We are all on our path, always striving to heal ourselves. Emotion is the language of the body, communication to our soul. We can recognize where we need to go, by following our enthusiasm. It is okay to ask for what you need and receive help and encouragement. We learn and heal best through play, making mistakes, and trying again. All situations can be turned therapeutic. You may feel you have lost your way, or that your feelings and emotions are running away with you. You may not know what to do with yourself, or with your child. You may have lost your enthusiasm for life, or don’t know how to ask for what you need. Or maybe you are so afraid of making a mistake. I understand, I have been there, too. And you can find your enthusiasm as well, as a human being, as a parent, as child, a partner, a friend or a co-worker. I can help you find the building blocks you need to build your better life. Let’s talk and play this out together.

Welcome to Betterhelp. I am pleased you are taking this time in your life to seek self care and support. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor in both nonprofit and public school settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life transition and career challenges. My primary objective in therapy is to develop a trusting and warm connection. Once that foundation of trust and respect is established, the likelihood and potential for you to overcome your barriers toward stability and well-being is high. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and psychodynamic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” M. Angelou Hi, I'm Penny! This quote has been posted in my office for decades, and guides the way I wish to practice therapy. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. I am passionate about supporting clients experiencing anxiety or depression who are willing to work towards their wellness. My faith and personal journey with healing drives my desire to serve others. As a survivor, I understand how we feel when we don’t address our traumas, how we isolate ourselves, how our feelings of disconnection can get in the way of feeling fully present. I know with guidance, support and compassion, we can integrate our parts into wholeness again. I believe that as humans we can change and grow. Through conscious awareness, we hold the power to interrupt automatic thought patterns. By shifting our thoughts and rewriting our narratives, we can be more in control of our feelings and take steps toward lasting change. If you could use a supportive partner in your healing, I am ready to join you.

Allow connection. Whatever's going on, we can discover what's real. I am a clinical therapist, providing treatment for bipolar moods alongside anxiety and depression during end of life circumstances. My primary goal is establishing resiliency through a trusting relationship. I strive towards stability in living in the community, better understanding ourselves in relationships, and relieving troubling circumstances. Together we can clarify what's happening, look for the ease, and find new ways for you to feel honestly alive. I use my experience from PHP/IOP/Inpatient hospitalization programs and a collection of interpersonal processes including cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and integrative/holistic. I try to maintain the right balance of support and challenge. I listen for both what is said and not said and bring attention to emerging feelings, connections, and insights. Although successful therapy can be uncomfortable, painful, and even funny, trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship are essential to enable and promote change. Let's start!

Hi! My name is Paige and I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I identify as a Black Female and I have experience in helping civilian and Veteran clients with trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I hope to be able to work together to create a safe space that allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings, without judgement. I also hope to be able to teach some coping skills that will allow you to continue managing those thoughts and emotions after our work together is complete.