Therapists in Long Beach, CA

When I moved to California to accept the job of my dreams I experienced a significant JOLT! Nearly everything in my life changed - I lost a lot of my support system, I lost some of my self, I lost my ability to tap into my strengths and positives in my life. Fortunately I was guided to an excellent therapist who encouraged me to invest in people and activities that brought joy. The most important lesson I learned was to talk less and DO more! I re-connected with nature and began painting - and I still love to paint after 18 years. What is your story? What do you fear? What strengths can you count on? I was fortunate to train with professionals who are at the top of our field. I've mastered Family Systems Theory, Problem-solving, Divorce Mediation, Solution Focus and Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Resilience and Mindfulness. If you would like to know more about evidence-based therapies I'm glad to share the research and my thoughts about what is effective. However, after many years sitting with people who are experiencing anxiety from change, confusion about growth, grief or loss I believe that the alliance between therapist and client is the number one factor for success and change. So, we can borrow or practice anything from these excellent therapies I listed - for example, using mindfulness or distress tolerance skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy - but I will always honor our alliance and insure that you feel heard and that you are my partner in directing therapy. A bit more about me - I am a Lesbian. I have three grown children and a wife who is African American. I don't claim to have mastered all the diversity in my life. That is a life-long journey. I feel graced by these layers of respect, forgiveness, open-heartedness and curiosity in relationships. I would not change any discomfort for what I have shared. So, I am excited to work with anyone who is willing to increase transparency and to let go of what is not working. My experience may be an asset, but I assure you that the best I can offer is to see each of you with fresh eyes. You are the strongest ingredient in growing your life.

I am warm, down-to-earth, intuitive, and often humorous in my approach. My work is highly relational, and is informed by the use of mindfulness, attachment theory, parts work, as well Depth Psychology. I focus not only on the obvious symptoms, but also existential issues and the unconscious. Taking each client’s unique experiences and needs into account, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, providing a deeply non-judgmental, spacious, yet practical therapeutic container. I have two MA degrees: one in East-West Psych and one in Counseling Psych.

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional social work experience, primarily in healthcare. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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 with 10 years of professional work experience as a clinician. I have a system for clients wanting to stop being so easily angered. 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 am licensed in California and New Mexico with over 12 years of professional social work experience (5 years in the clinical setting). I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues specifically around family acceptance and coming out. I also work with the general population on general family-related conflicts, boundary-setting, self-esteem, and self-empowerment. While I am an ally to gender diverse communities, I do not specialize in gender dysphoria and or writing letters for gender affirming surgery. Although I am a supporter for the cause, I feel that medical communities should not have authority in decisions related to how one's body, rather I believe that the individual themselves should have that autonomy. I think that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize you for this.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a Christian, I acknowledge the importance of individual faith as a important reference point in each individuals lives. When requested, I find it helpful to use Scripture and other Biblical principles to help clients identify important value systems to bring them greater strength, joy, and peace in their lives.

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!