Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

While enlisted in the Army and while most of my experiences during that time were positive, some were very hard and resulted in (service connected) PTSD. The culture of the Army at the time - thankfully it is improving but not as quickly as it should - was to act like nothing happened, drink water, drive on, take 800mg of Ibuprofen and call it a day. That didn't work for me and when I sought help through my chain of command and even mental health professionals, I was met with a less than empathetic response. For several years I struggled to piece my life back together and to figure out what I was going to do with myself. I committed to my own process of healing and when it came time to create a new meaning for what I'd gone through, I decided that I wanted to work with others who have also survived trauma and to make sure that I wasn't meeting them with the same dismissive attitude that I got. What keeps me going and motivated is the understanding that it isn't my job to "fix" anyone. You're not broken and you don't need to exile yourself to the island of misfit toys because you might feel that way. It's just my job to hold space for people to do their own healing. I choose to believe that when someone shares their "stuff" with me and allows me to hold that space, that they are giving me access to their most closely guarded treasures. I get the honor of walking with my clients on their path towards creating a life worth showing up in. Sometimes it's rough, sometimes it's beautiful, most times it's both.

I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. I am an Army veteran and am passionate about providing trauma therapy for military, veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders. I offer Extended EMDR sessions (not covered by insurance), EMDR Intensives (not covered by insurance) and EMDRIA Consultation for clinicians seeking Certification. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2016, earning a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. I have worked in a variety of settings from community mental health, crisis response, to group practices.

I’ve been working with people for as long as I can remember. This work is a part of my bones! Even at a young age, many people, teens and adults, turned to me as a person who would listen and be supportive. It has always brought me great joy to make sure people feel heard, validated, and supported—especially during times of great struggle. My training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and personal experience allow me to help you reach the life you deserve.

Hi, I’m Chief. I help adults like you who are struggling with the after-effects of a traumatic experience or experiences. ***EMDR Certified

I have always been over-aware of sadness and pain in the world. I felt compassion for people who were struggling with feeling different, unaccepted and unloved. I didn’t want to ignore disturbing situations and the way I felt when I saw this. I just wanted to help in any way that I could. As a therapist I now have the skills and training to help people in difficult situations who want to move past their suffering. I see their strengths and help them find their own solutions. I want to support my clients' paths to living their best lives. 

Are you ready to make some changes? I’m a therapist with 25+ years of experience. I help clients with anxiety and trauma develop new skills and insights to feel calmer, confident and in control. If you are struggling with feeling fearful, nervous, overwhelmed, irritable and physically ill, I can help. Therapy can provide you with the tools to be your authentic self, improve relationships and just feel better.  I’m Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II). I would love to speak with you about any questions you have and what you’d like to accomplish in therapy. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we’d work well together. Let’s chat today. 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to people’s inner worlds — to understanding what’s beneath the surface of their success, their strength, their stories. I’ve always felt a natural pull to connect, to hold space, and to offer others the kind of understanding I believe we’re all quietly craving. But for years, I was also chasing — achievement, structure, doing everything “right.” I knew how to perform, how to show up, how to give. What I didn’t yet know was how to be with myself — with my discomfort, my uncertainty, my truth. It wasn’t until I turned that attention inward that everything began to shift. I started to understand the patterns that were running in the background of my life — the ways I had internalized pressure, perfectionism, and self-doubt. The more I explored, the more I began to experience a kind of peace I hadn’t even realized I was missing. That inner clarity didn’t make life perfect — but it made it feel more real. More spacious. More mine. Now, I support others in doing that same deep, life-changing work. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning, and externally “put together,” yet internally feel stuck, numb, or disconnected. They’ve mastered the art of managing life — but they’re ready to move beyond coping, into something deeper: real self-understanding, grounded confidence, and emotional freedom. And that’s where the real transformation begins. Not by fixing what’s broken — but by reconnecting with what’s been buried, silenced, or forgotten. That’s the work I’m honored to do every day.

You’ve spent years holding it all together, but inside, something feels off. Maybe it looks like high-functioning anxiety, low motivation, or feeling emotionally flat. Maybe it’s a quiet sense of “something is missing,” even though life appears full. Maybe you're in the midst of a life transition — a shift in identity, purpose, relationships, or stage of life — and you're not sure who you are anymore. You’ve tried to think your way through it. You’ve read the books, stayed busy, pushed forward. But deep down, you know this requires something different—something more profound. If you resonate with any of this, you’re not alone. I specialize in working with adults who are ready to slow down and explore the inner landscape that often gets ignored — the parts of ourselves that don’t show up on the surface, but shape everything underneath. My clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and deeply tired of staying stuck. They’re often navigating: A midlife crisis or major life transition Menopause or identity shifts related to aging Low self-worth, shame, or chronic people-pleasing Overthinking and high internal pressure Feeling disconnected from their joy, purpose, or body A sense of numbness, loss, or emotional confusion Many have spent years succeeding on the outside while feeling disconnected or unfulfilled inside. They don’t want band-aid solutions — they want real, lasting change. My approach is depth-oriented, relational, and insight-driven. I don’t believe in quick fixes. Therapy with me is about gently peeling back the layers — roles, expectations, early attachment patterns — to reconnect with the core of who you are. My work is rooted in: Attachment-Based Therapy – to help you understand how early relationships shape emotional patterns Depth Psychology – for uncovering unconscious beliefs and internal narratives EMDR Therapy – to process trauma and create new emotional pathways Psychodynamic Therapy & Mindfulness – to integrate past and present with awareness and compassion Together, we create a space where you can be deeply seen and gently challenged — a space where real transformation becomes possible. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from the California School of Professional Psychology and have advanced training in EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, trauma-informed care, and somatic practices. I am multilingual (English, Italian, and Spanish) and bring a culturally inclusive lens to my work. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in creative industries and international environments — so I understand the pressures of fast-paced, high-expectation lives, and the emotional cost that comes with constantly "performing." Ready to begin? I see clients in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and virtually across California. If you're seeking deeper meaning, emotional relief, or simply a safe space to rediscover yourself, I’d be honored to walk with you. 📍 In-person and Telehealth Available 🌐 www.lauramalandrino.com 📧 [email protected] 📞 (747) 334-2972

My path to becoming a therapist was heavily influenced by my own struggles, empathic personality, and desire for healing for myself. The progress that I have made within myself and the progress I witness in my clients - many of them with heavy trauma histories and odds seemingly stacked against them - keeps me motivated to continue to show up and provide genuine connection and an opportunity for growth.

Hello! I'm the sole therapist of my practice, Dahlia Wellness LLC, founded around the belief that true healing and change requires an environment where one is witnessed non-judgmentally for who they really are. I have extensive experience working with individuals who struggle with low self worth, loss of hope, feelings of anxiety, depression, and the short and long impact of traumatic relationships or experiences. I work with individuals who are struggling with self harm or suicidal ideation, and I am affirming of all gender/sexual identifications and expressions.

As a helper, I am humbled and grateful to have been on this healing journey with others over many years and would love to share with you ideas for increasing happiness and creativity, as well re-discovering direction and peace.

You have been through so much and come so far! What keeps holding you back from experiencing all of the joy and calm you are seeking? There are protective parts of self that surface to move us through times of trauma and loss, social discord and injustice, economic and environmental crisis, and separation and isolation in our relationships...and these extremely valid coping responses might be contributing to more pain and keeping you from a full, authentic connection to all of your world. Awareness is a big step, yet also needs momentum and action to actualize and heal. Take your journey further. The time is now.

I became a therapist because I enjoy helping others and along the way I have learned more about myself as well as grown as an individual. My clients inspire me to be a better therapist/human being. It is my hope that I do the same for them and that is what motivates me to continue in this field.

Hello and welcome! My name is Janet Lawrence and I am a licensed professional counselor. I have been in this field for several years now and have worked with a diverse population of people. My primary therapeutic approach is from a cognitive behavioral therapy perspective. I work with people who are experiencing mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. I am available to work with you on learning the strategies you need to enhance your life and minimize the struggle. I look forward to working with you!

I became a therapist because I am compassionate about helping others. When others tell me that I have helped them it motivates me to keep going and gives me a sense of purpose. I am honored to hold space for others during difficult times of life transition.

Shonta Williams received her MSW from the University of Georgia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 18 years of experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families on issues of anxiety, anger management, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions such as divorce, parenting, co-parenting, and grief. I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to process their thoughts and emotions and create healthy coping skills and healthy connections with others. My therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based(MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Brief (SFBT). I would be honored to take the journey to healing with you.

I have always enjoyed helping people, so initially I wanted to be a teacher; however, I'm rather introverted and so one on one interactions are more comfortable for me. Once I found psychology, I was hooked, and things progressed from there!

I am a marriage and family therapist who works with clients of all ages on relational and personal issues.