Therapists in California

I help high-achieving, stressed, or anxious individuals who may be navigating perfectionism, day-to-day burnout, or the unique challenges of being twice-exceptional. I support clients in addressing challenges such as setting boundaries, achieving work/life balance, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and breaking free from rigid expectations that can sometimes feel impossible to meet. As a therapist, I strive to bring warmth, humor, and a nonjudgmental space where clients can feel seen and supported. I takes a collaborative approach, helping clients find balance, understand their strengths, and build a more sustainable way of living that aligns with their goals and values. In my free time, I enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with my cat and guinea pig. I believe therapy works best when grounded in genuine connection, and I strive to meet each client as a whole person, not just the challenges they face.

My absolute favorite population to work with is youth, as they align with my personal value of primary prevention. By tackling issues early on, individuals can reduce their suffering over the rest of their lifespan. I tend to challenge my clients to look inward and recognize their roles in issues while promoting compassion within themselves. My overall approach is built upon collaboration, challenges, therapeutic exercises, and self-discovery. I work with children, teens, couples, and families to help them navigate their struggles and facilitate healing through the encouragement of embracing individuals' most authentic selves. I consider each individual within the context of their cultural and societal upbringing, as they influence the individual's unique identities. In my practice, you are the expert of your experiences, and I am here to serve as a confidant, teacher, friend, and more to join you on your journey to healing.

At Alma de Madre, Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy is designed to support mothers navigating pregnancy, birth, and the emotional shifts that follow. Sessions focus on processing anxiety, identity changes, exhaustion, and postpartum challenges in a compassionate, judgment-free space. With trauma-informed care, mothers can reconnect with themselves, release guilt, and move toward healing while adjusting to the realities of motherhood.

Christina Wade is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, burnout, people-pleasing, perfectionism, life transitions, and recovery. Her therapy style is collaborative, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and evidence-based–supporting individuals in reconnecting with their authentic selves.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified LEGO Serious Play Facilitator. I offer a specialized playroom designed to support engaging, developmentally appropriate work with children, teens, and families. I help clients navigate emotional and behavioral regulation challenges, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, parenting stress, and neurodevelopmental differences, including ADHD, Autism, and learning differences. I also support individuals and couples working through relationship and attachment concerns, as well as life transitions across all stages of development. My work extends to women seeking greater emotional balance and clarity, couples looking to strengthen communication and connection, and families striving for more harmony and cohesion. I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families, with focused support in women’s wellness, divorce transitions, and families of individuals with special needs, all through an integrated, brain-based approach to care.

 I have been practicing as a clinical psychologist for 20 years in my own private practice. I feel honored to be trusted my thousands of clients who have started one of their most valuable journeys with me. I work to create a non-judgmental and safe environment that allows you be vulnerable.  I use a variety of approaches to work with each individual depending on the challenges that may come up in every session.   

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

I have a passion for helping people who have educational and relational challenges due to ADHD & neurodivergence. I can help you if you are struggling in a relationship due to infidelity or divorce or just can't find the relationship you know you need. Many people who come to me are experiencing anxiety, depression, are unsure about how to help themself with stress or procrastination, feelings of instability during a life transition. Therapy is a wonderful opportunity for support, to grow insight, and make change. It's scary when you don't know why things aren't going your way. I have helped people understand their behaviors, feelings, and brain chemistry so they can be happier. We will focus on strengthening your mental well-being and helping you be true to yourself and the people you love. I do individual and couple's therapy.

Hello! I have been practicing therapy for 9 years, and truly enjoy what I do. Working with me, you’ll likely connect some dots about relational and personal patterns you see in yourself (the “what is this?” and “why am I the way I am?”), and we will also explore what this means for you (“so what now?). My hope is that insight into yourself, and a willingness to create a change in your system will guide you to more spaciousness and freedom in anxiety, depression, reactivity in relationships, etc.  I’m not saying that therapy will solve everything. But I do think it’s worth a shot to see if you can start to untangle a few things, or grow in self-compassion and self-understanding. 

With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals overcome Panic Disorder by utilizing a compassionate and integrative approach. My practice is centered on evidence-based techniques, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Experiencing a panic attack can feel overwhelming and terrifying. During an episode, it’s common for individuals to experience intense physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a feeling of choking. These sensations often lead to a fear of losing control, fainting, or even dying. Emotionally, panic attacks bring on a wave of fear and a sense of impending doom, making it feel like the world is closing in. Many people describe feeling detached from reality, as if they are watching themselves from the outside.  In my practice, I work with clients to break the cycle of panic and anxiety, empowering them with the tools and skills needed to manage overwhelming emotions and regain control of their lives. My approach combines mindfulness and self-compassion to help clients build a deeper understanding of their triggers and reactions, while CBT provides practical strategies to challenge and reframe negative thinking patterns.  My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and equipped to face their challenges with confidence. I offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, fostering personal growth and long-term resilience.