Self Esteem Therapists in California

Maria Aurora San Pedro is an AAPI Therapist in the state of California. She is a well versed Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health industry for 12 years. Skilled in Evidenced Based Practices, with an emphasis in providing culturally responsive care, Maria Aurora works with clients to build awareness around the mind and body. Maria Aurora Functions through heart center to guide individuals in finding ways to live more authentically. By addressing intergenerational trauma and encouraging the practice self compassion, she is able to assist clients in meeting their truest selves.

Here’s my self-disclosure: I’ve been there. Burnout...complete, utter, total exhaustion. Absolutely nothing left to give while constantly being overextended. You have a to-do list that's a mile long, your kid is demanding their 12th snack, and you haven’t quite finished that work project your boss is expecting. The pressure is unrelenting and you are completely overwhelmed. These are the perfect conditions to prompt burnout. You’re depleted, irritable, and feeling inadequate. There is no limit to what you would do to make your kids happy, let's return the favor for yourself.

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

Are you finally at a place in your life where you're no longer in survival mode? You’ve hit six figures? You’re checking off the bucket list items? Your friends and family think you’re doing so well… but there's still something missing? I get it. I help high-achieving, creative women like you face the ghosts of your past that are preventing you from reaching your goals. Past toxic relationships, traumatic experiences, and "crazy" emotions can keep us stuck in self sabotaging patterns, and prevent us from making friends with our feelings. You might experience low levels of chronic depression and anxiety. How do I know? I was there! I was a Director at a large agency at the top of my field, married, house, dog, had it all. Yet, I still felt like something was missing. Thanks to my clinical training I was able to understand past trauma (that I wasn’t addressing) was the culprit. Now I help high-achieving women fill that last missing piece in their lives. I'm a mixed race BIPOC, queer woman, and therapist. If you want a therapist who is a collaborative partner that can share resources, ideas, and motivate you, as well as offer science backed tools to heal trauma, I’d be honored if you'd consider working with me.

I am a friend, a sister, and a daughter of immigrants, born and raised in the ‘burbs of LA. I am a firm believer of approaching life with a strong sense of humor and an even stronger cup of boba. In my role as a therapist, I am most motivated by the resiliency of my clients and draw inspiration from my own lived experiences. Life shouldn’t feel so tough. When challenges arise, my goal is to empower my clients to live more meaningful, present-focused, and value-driven lives. I achieve this by tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of my clients with the help of evidenced based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and various other modalities. I have experience working with individuals who live with anxiety, depression, and past trauma, and enjoy helping my clients navigate through the struggles of everyday life. I have worked with people from all walks of life, with the bulk of my experience in community mental health working with at-risk youth. My clients are welcome as they are, whoever they are. I approach therapy with a collaborative and non-judgmental stance in which clients can be their most true and authentic selves. I will walk with and support my clients in their journey to healing, growth, and to living their best lives.

My specialty is AF EMDR (Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapy and Super Resourcing. If you have traumatic experiences, painful childhood, low self-esteem, I may be the perfect match for you. These things haunted me for 35 years. CBT, DBT, and talk therapy gave me some relief, but it was AF EMDR that transformed me and gave me the healing I needed. Rest assured, I can walk the talk and guide you in your journey of self discovery and healing.

Many of the people that I work with are use to taking care of other people while pushing down their own feelings and challenging experiences. Many of the people I work with struggle to share, often reporting feeling like a "burden" or that they "have to be the strong one." The people that I work with often have had to be stronger than they should have had to be. Having a space to talk about and focus on you is what I provide.

Hi, I am Kristen. I specialize in Mood disorders, ADHD, Substance use, and personality disorders. I like to look at the therapist and client relationship as a partnership where we both are rowing the boat instead of one person giving directions while the other one is doing all the work. Fun fact about me is I have two dogs who often will make an appearance in my therapy sessions named Winnie and Bear.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with couples, relationship issues, and marital affairs. My clinical training has stemmed from several treatment modalities such as ICBT, IPT, TF-CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method.