• Anxiety is your brain's alarm system. It's there to protect you and help you stay safe. At times, it the alarm may go off even when we are already safe, but our bodies still attend to those symptoms. You might notice your heart racing, your palms sweating, your muscles tensing up, or find that your mind is full with worries and 'what ifs — a traffic jam of thoughts. If you are noticing that anxiety is occurring many days of the week over the course of several weeks, becoming really intense, or has started to get in the way of your daily life — like work, school, or relationships, that's a sign that it may be a good idea to seek help.

  • Depression can sometimes feel like a heavy cloud that hangs over your life, making everything seem gray and less interesting. Some common symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in the things you may have once enjoyed, fatigue, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in appetite, difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering things, feeling worthless or excessively guilty, and sometimes may show up as unexplained aches, pains, or digestive issues. When these symptoms begin to affect your daily life, it is important to seek ways to find your way back to a brighter, more colorful and manageable life. You are not alone.

  • Substance abuse is where an individual compulsively and harmfully consumes drugs or alcohol, even those that are prescribed, leading to severe physical, mental, and social consequences. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse is crucial for timely intervention. Some of the manifestations of substance abuse  include impaired coordination, slurred speech, tremors, sudden weight loss or gain, erratic or impulsive behavior, mood swings, increased secrecy, withdrawal from family and friends, neglecting responsibilities, and/or  engaging in risky activities. It can also show up as significant agitation, depression, and difficulty concentrating. If you have noticed that your use has started to interfere with personal relationships, work or school performance, if previous attempts to quit have resulted in relapse,  or if loved ones are expressing concern it may be time to become open to addressing the underlying issues contributing to substance abuse.

  • Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Whether stemming from a single traumatic event, or prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances, or various polytraumas over time - trauma can have a profound effect on how we see and navigate the world. Oftentimes, trauma shows up as intense emotional reactions such as fear, anger, sadness, or irritability that may seem disproportionate to the current situation. Alternatively, others express trauma through emotional numbness or detachment, feeling as if they have become disconnected from their emotions, often a function of protecting oneself from intrusive and distressing memories. If an individual continues to experience distressing symptoms related to the trauma for an extended period, such as several weeks or months, therapeutic intervention may be necessary. Seeking professional support can be a significant step toward healing and reclaiming one's life after trauma.

  • Coming soon!

Areas of Focus

  • Specializing in therapy for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)-identifying individuals involves a culturally sensitive and affirming approach that recognizes and addresses the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths within this diverse group. After years of experience, including self-identification in this group, we offer expertise informed by personal experience in society alongside professional training and education.

    We recognize the impact of systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma on mental health and are passionate about creating a therapeutic space where individuals feel seen, heard, and validated in their cultural identities.

    In our therapeutic work, we employ a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach. I have expertise in addressing issues such as racial and ethnic identity development, navigating systemic barriers, and addressing mental health concerns within the context of cultural values. We collaborate with our clients to explore their goals, strengths, and challenges while honoring the unique intersections of their identities.

    Beyond the therapy room, we engage in community initiatives, workshops, and advocacy efforts that address systemic issues affecting BIPOC individuals. We are committed to fostering social justice and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society. Our goal is to empower BIPOC individuals to navigate challenges, celebrate their cultural richness, and achieve holistic well-being.

  • Our practice celebrates diversity and the unique human experience. We bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences that individuals within this community may face. My personal journey alongside close family and friends has shaped my empathetic approach, allowing me to connect on a profound level with the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals. We at H+H understand the importance of self-discovery, coming out, transitioning, and finding acceptance, and I am passionate about creating a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and affirmed in their identities. I have worked closely with medical providers who have assisted clients in their transition journeys over the years and have taken a deep interest in professional development to inform our practice so that we can be a trusted team of experts.

  • We offer traditional couples therapy, utilizing the evidenced-based approaches of The Gottman Method and integrate various research-informed family therapy principles.

    We also offer the evidenced-based Prepare-Enrich model, which is a premier assessment tool that helps to foster insights for healthy relationships for those whom are dating, engaged/pre-marital, or married. This program aims to deepen your bond as a couple with a personalized snapshot of your relationship.We provide each partner with the ability to each take an assessment, and then offer follow-up sessions for the couple that collectively looks at your relationships strengths, and offers skill-building-exercises customized to focus on the specific areas identified as potential pain points in the relationship and ways to strengthen, align, and prepare for the road ahead.

  • Growing up as a woman and navigating the complexities of gender expectations, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths that women face. My personal journey has cultivated a strong sense of empathy and a commitment to supporting the empowerment and well-being of women. I recognize the importance of addressing issues such as societal expectations, self-esteem, relationships, and the impact of gender dynamics on mental health. My personal experiences have fueled my passion for creating a therapeutic space where women feel heard, validated, and empowered to navigate their individual paths.

    At H+H, we stay informed about current research and evidence-based practices in women's mental health to provide the highest quality care to our clients. We can offer a feminist and client-centered approach, recognizing and respecting the diverse experiences and identities of women. We have expertise in addressing issues such as reproductive health, body image, life transitions, relationship dynamics, and work-related stressors.

    We collaborate with our clients to explore their goals, strengths, and challenges within the context of their unique lived experiences.

    We prioritize the exploration of women's narratives, emphasizing resilience and empowerment. We address the intersections of identity, acknowledging that women come from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Growing up in a family with a strong military background, I developed a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans.

    With a background in clinical psychology and specialized training in veteran mental health, I have had the privilege of working within the Veteran's Administration (VA) system. My professional journey includes roles in VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized veteran mental health programs. I stay updated on evidence-based practices and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and tailored care to veterans.

    Participating in the VA system allowed me to contribute to the broader mission of supporting veterans' mental health. I have collaborated with fellow healthcare professionals to advocate for policies that enhance mental health services for veterans and address systemic issues impacting their well-being.

    I have expertise in addressing issues such as combat-related trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. My approach emphasizes cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique experiences of service members.

  • We offer Certified Employee Assistance Professionals (CEAPs) to provide brief psychotherapy services for employers who offer Employer Assistance Programs to their teams. These services typically include employer-paid, short-term services for grief, anger management, work productivity, anxiety, or low-grade depression.

    Patients who require longer-term services may elect to exhaust their EAP benefit and then move over to their individual health plan (if we are paneled) or cash-pay to extend services.

    We also offer Certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services to Department of Transportation employers.

Specialties

Treatment Modalities

  • (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

    If you're considering therapy to address trauma, anxiety, or other distressing experiences, you may have come across Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a therapeutic approach. EMDR is a specialized and evidence-based form of therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from past traumatic events. Here's a brief overview of EMDR to help you better understand how it can support your journey to healing:

    EMDR is a structured therapy that focuses on helping individuals reprocess distressing memories. It was developed in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related issues. It focuses on desensitizing you to distressing memories and reducing their emotional charge through the use of bilateral stimulation, which which can involve following the therapist's hand movements with your eyes, tapping, or listening to auditory tones. This bilateral stimulation helps facilitate the reprocessing of memories. Reprocessing those memories will involve connecting the traumatic memory with more adaptive and less distressing beliefs and emotions to provide an improved sense of overall well-being. 

  • Mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches encompass a variety of therapeutic techniques that integrate mindfulness practices into traditional psychotherapy methods. These approaches aim to help individuals cultivate awareness, presence, and non-judgmental attention to their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. The integration of mindfulness techniques into psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial for clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

    Key components of mindfulness-based psychotherapy include:

    Mindfulness Meditation:

    Clients are guided through meditation practices that focus on breath awareness, body scans, or mindful movement. This helps individuals develop a heightened sense of present-moment awareness and observe their thoughts without attachment or judgment.

    Mindful Awareness:

    Therapists encourage clients to pay attention to their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. The goal is to foster a non-reactive awareness, allowing individuals to respond to situations more skillfully.

  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an in-depth therapeutic approach that explores the unconscious mind and aims to understand how past experiences influence present thoughts and behaviors.

    Understanding the Unconscious:

    Psychodynamic psychotherapy delves into the unconscious mind, examining thoughts and feelings that may not be readily apparent to individuals. The therapist and client work together to uncover hidden patterns, conflicts, and emotions that may be contributing to current challenges.

    Therapists in psychodynamic psychotherapy often explore early childhood experiences and relationships, as these are believed to shape personality and behavior. Understanding the impact of past events can provide insight into current struggles and help clients make connections between their history and present concerns. Clients gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, allowing them to make more conscious and informed choices.

    Clients considering psychodynamic psychotherapy should be prepared for a commitment to self-exploration and an openness to examining the influence of the past on the present. It is advisable to consult with a qualified psychodynamic therapist to discuss individual needs and goals for therapy.

  • For couples considering therapy, the PREPARE-ENRICH model is a valuable approach to help you understand and enhance your relationship. Here's a concise overview of who it's designed for and how it can help.

    Assessment and Planning the Road Ahead:

    PREPARE-ENRICH is a well-established and evidence-based model for couples therapy and relationship enhancement. It's designed to help couples explore and strengthen their relationship, whether you're dating, engaged, or married. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment that helps identify your relationship's strengths and areas that may need improvement. This assessment provides a customized report that becomes the foundation for therapy. Based on the assessment results, your therapist provides feedback on your relationship dynamics, highlighting areas of concern and areas of strength. You'll engage in exercises and activities aimed at developing specific relationship skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection. The therapist will work with you to provide practical tools that you can use in your daily life to nurture and strengthen your relationship. If you're seeking to enhance your relationship, improve communication, and build a more satisfying partnership, the PREPARE-ENRICH model could be a great choice. It's suitable for couples at various stages of their relationship.Your relationship's well-being is a worthwhile endeavor.

    At Health+ Healing we can provide you with two options:

    1. A customized assessment report and single feedback session, or

    2. A customized assessment report plus therapy package

  • For couples considering therapy, the Gottman Method is an approach that can help you understand and improve your relationship. Here's a concise overview:

    The Gottman Method is a well-respected approach to couples therapy, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It's grounded in decades of research on what makes relationships work and helps couples build strong, lasting bonds. Your Gottman therapist will assess your relationship dynamics and identify areas that need improvement. The method emphasizes emotional connection and intimacy, helping couples nurture positive interactions and understand each other's needs.

    You'll receive exercises and activities to practice outside of therapy, strengthening your relationship in your day-to-day life. You'll gain valuable skills that can be applied immediately to enhance your communication and connection.The duration of therapy varies, but many couples find positive changes in their relationship within a few sessions. The Gottman Method offers a research-backed approach to enriching your relationship. If you and your partner are seeking to enhance your connection, consider discussing the Gottman Method with a trained therapist who can provide more information and guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative and goal-oriented psychotherapeutic approach designed to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence toward change. It is particularly effective in addressing behaviors that may be hindering personal growth or contributing to health issues. Clients considering Motivational Interviewing can expect a client-centered and collaborative therapeutic experience that focuses on fostering internal motivation for positive change.

    Foundational Principles:

    The therapist works with the client to explore and strengthen their intrinsic motivation for change.

    MI recognizes that individuals often experience ambivalence about making changes in their lives. Therapists guide clients in exploring the pros and cons of change, allowing them to better understand their own motivations.

    MI involves collaborative goal setting, where therapists and clients work together to identify and prioritize specific, achievable goals. Goals are based on the client's values and aspirations, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is goal-oriented and seeks to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress.

    Core Principles:

    CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and changing negative thought patterns can lead to changes in emotions and behaviors.

    CBT involves identifying and challenging automatic negative thoughts that contribute to distress. Goals may focus on changing thought patterns, modifying behaviors, or developing coping strategies. While acknowledging the impact of past experiences, CBT primarily focuses on the present and future.

    CBT is often a relatively short-term therapy compared to some other approaches. The structured nature of the therapy allows for focused and efficient progress.

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to treat individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT focuses on helping clients understand and change the impact of traumatic events on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    Core Principles:

    CPT is rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles, emphasizing the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapy aims to identify and challenge maladaptive beliefs and thoughts related to the traumatic experience. CPT helps clients gain a deeper understanding of how trauma has affected their thoughts and perceptions of themselves, others, and the world.

    Exploring the impact of trauma allows clients to make sense of their experiences and work towards resolution.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT is particularly effective in treating individuals with emotion regulation difficulties.

    Four Modules of DBT:

    Mindfulness: Clients learn to cultivate non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. Mindfulness skills help enhance self-awareness and reduce reactivity.

    Distress Tolerance: Clients acquire skills to tolerate and cope with distressing situations without resorting to impulsive or harmful behaviors. This module focuses on crisis survival strategies.

    Emotion Regulation: This module helps clients identify and regulate intense emotions effectively. Skills are taught to enhance emotional awareness, reduce vulnerability to emotional triggers, and manage emotional responses.

    Interpersonal Effectiveness: Clients learn effective communication and relationship skills to navigate interpersonal challenges. This includes setting boundaries, asserting needs, and maintaining self-respect in relationships.

    The therapeutic relationship is central in DBT. Therapists work collaboratively with clients, balancing acceptance and encouragement for change. Clients considering DBT can expect a comprehensive and skills-based therapeutic experience that addresses emotional dysregulation and maladaptive behaviors.

  • Culturally Responsive Psychotherapy is an approach that recognizes and respects the diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences of clients. It emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, competence, and inclusivity in the therapeutic process.

    Core Principles:

    Therapists in culturally responsive psychotherapy acknowledge the impact of culture on a client's identity, values, beliefs, and mental health. This recognition is essential for understanding how cultural factors may contribute to or shape a client's presenting concerns. The therapy setting is intentionally inclusive, creating a safe and affirming space for clients of diverse backgrounds.

    Therapists actively work to eliminate biases and create an environment where clients feel understood and respected. Therapists practice cultural humility, which involves self-reflection, openness to learning, and a willingness to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client.

    Therapists consider the intersectionality of a client's identity, recognizing that individuals may belong to multiple marginalized or privileged groups. This understanding contributes to a more nuanced and holistic approach to therapy.

    Clients considering culturally responsive psychotherapy can expect a personalized and culturally sensitive approach that honors their unique identity and experiences. It is advisable to seek out therapists who demonstrate cultural competence and are committed to creating an inclusive therapeutic environment. Clients are encouraged to openly communicate their cultural preferences and expectations to ensure that the therapy aligns with their needs and values.

  • LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy is an approach that is explicitly supportive and affirming of the diverse experiences, identities, and challenges faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. It recognizes the unique mental health considerations that LGBTQ+ individuals may encounter and strives to create a safe and affirming therapeutic environment.

    Core Principles:

    LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy actively affirms and validates diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

    Therapists create a space where clients feel acknowledged and respected for their authentic selves. LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy recognizes the intersectionality of identities, considering factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, and socioeconomic status.

    The therapy also addresses LGBTQ+ specific issues, including coming out, discrimination, stigma, and navigating relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

    Therapists approach sexual and gender diversity affirmatively, recognizing that there is no single "normal" or "right" way to express one's identity.Therapists help clients develop coping strategies and resilience in the face of societal challenges. Recognizing the potential for LGBTQ+ individuals to experience trauma related to societal discrimination, therapists incorporate trauma-informed care principles.

    Open communication with the therapist about specific needs and goals is encouraged to ensure a positive and affirming therapeutic relationship.

  • A Certified Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) will evaluate employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and make recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare, and in some cases, a clearance to return back to work.

Medication Evaluation & Medication Management

We partner closely with medical professionals for both psychiatric and general physical evaluations. These professionals can provide you with medication evaluation services, and depending on your needs, can also manage your medications. These services are available both via telehealth and local on-site services within the Los Angeles area. We will collaborate around your care to ensure that we are on the same page about your care!