Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Woodland Hills, CA

Every one of us yearns for something: more money, greater understanding, closer relationships, less arguments, more time to play, a great connection to their purpose. How come it seems like others have what you want? A fulfilling life takes dedication, motivation and inspiration and you don't have to do it alone.So, whether you are feeling lost, lonely, depressed, afraid, anxious, confused or straight out angry at how your life is, call me and lets see if we can begin turning your daily life into the BEST LIFE EVER!!!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California.  I have worked with adults, teens, children and families.  I can support you with your therapy/counseling goals.

In my psychotherapy practice I work with individual adults and help my clients overcome emotional distress resulting from depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life-changes and other issues.

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner providing psychotherapy and coaching to individuals, couples and families. I employ techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, feminine psychology, expressive arts therapy, transpersonal techniques, mindfulness and body based practices. I assist clients who are looking to restore the body, mind and spirit connection and feel more fulfilled and vibrantly alive. I see counseling as a partnership in which we embark on a journey together to assist you in living life with more confidence, ease, joy and connection.

Do you feel out of alignment with your authentic self or disconnected from your partner? I help you develop self-awareness and a new relationship with your thoughts and emotions to increase conscious choices, purpose, and relational connections. In marriage and couples counseling, I help you move from negative, hurtful and lonely dynamics to internal safety and a deeper emotional connection through Attachment-based Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I support you in creating new stories that demonstrate your genuine loving connection, opening you up to feel more peace, flow, and sweetness in your relationship.

My approach to therapy is relational and authentic. While research suggests ‘successful’ therapy is less about the modality than the therapeutic alliance, I offer proven techniques from psychodynamic, CBT, and somatic therapies to help you cultivate what we all wish for--good feelings that last. If your history includes neglect/abuse or other forms of trauma, you may learn ways to calm your nervous system, better tolerate difficult feeling states, and maximize your potential to thrive at work and in healthy relationships.

Welcome to my page. Are you always afraid that an anxiety attack is waiting around the corner? Have you been hit with surprise anxiety more times than you can count? I know exactly what you're feeling, the pounding chest, the shortness of breath, the feeling that the walls are closing in and you NEED out NOW. Attacks can be terrifying, and I don't want you to have to suffer them anymore. Holistic practices can reduce anxiety tremendously, and I look forward to teaching you tools to take your life back, and reach your goals.

Laressa Desmond,PhD, LMFT, Nothing hurts like constantly stumbling over the same old communication problems with your partner, when all you really want to do is be close. It’s hard to concentrate or have a lightness to the day when relationship struggles drag you down. We fall in love with people who are different enough from us to create a spark. It’s that “completion feeling” of interest & fascination. We feel sad & confused when the spark burns instead of warming us. It’s a baffling betrayal to our emotional logic that we can deeply love someone that we frequently fight with & sometimes emotionally dread.

Are you dealing with challenging situations? Sometimes life gets overwhelming & you may want to talk to someone who isn't a friend, coworker or family member. With my training and experience as a therapist, as well as things I've learned by being on this planet for many decades, I would like to help you find yourself and/or your way on this journey of life.

My interest in Marriage and Family Therapy stems from a desire to fill a gap that was present in my own community. Having had experiences where an unbiased sounding board could have been pivotal in navigating unstable relationships, I set a path that allowed me to be the change I wanted to see. The general philosophy that anchors my practice is “building healthy relationships one story at a time.” This includes the relationship with oneself. There is no one fits all solution to a problem, or one way of getting to a place of feeling well. This in mind I aim to listen, learn, validate, and advocate for what “works” for my clients.

My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.

In order to fine liberation, in regard to any particular issue you are currently experiencing, one must bridge and synchronize the subconscious mind to the conscious mind, and that's where Hypnotherapy can be a highly effective tool. Mina's approach is to hold a loving space for you, while helping you reach a place of deep knowing, so that you can recognize the blockages that are buried inside your subconscious mind, move them through your analytical filter, release, rewrite, and create a bridge, where you can harmonize your subconscious programming, with your conscious decision. Once the bridge is built, liberation is experienced.

What if you could stop all self- destructive habits and feel energized and excited by your life? Many of my clients are just like you; talented, ambitious and unique, but are unsatisfied with an area of life. If you are ready, I can help you get unstuck and make changes based on proven therapeutic techniques. If you're struggling to take care of yourself physically and emotionally, I will work with you to help you find balance, prioritize your health and manage your anxiety and depression. My approach is based on helping you get clarity, increasing awareness of your thoughts, and giving you healthy ways of managing your stress.

Hello and Welcome... Whether you are brand new to therapy or have had many years of experience in doing therapy, I can help. As a Solution Focused Therapist, my goal is to help you to uncover your true potential so that you can lead a life that is truly worth celebrating. Although we cannot change difficult situations in the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Do you often find yourself alone in your parenting struggles? Raising kids is a tough job, one for which you may think you are unprepared. You are challenged by playing the multiple, and sometimes conflicting, roles of referee, cheerleader, and coach. You constantly need to manage the wide range of your child's emotions and behaviors. From a simple refusal to listen, to full blown temper tantrums, it is a constant struggle figuring out how to respond to your child's varying behaviors effectively. Yes Parenting isn't easy, but there is hope. You don't have to walk this journey alone.

New clients welcome! I support couples and individuals who need help communicating/setting boundaries within challenging relationships. Are you walking on eggshells and can't bring up any issue without it turning into a fight? Or do you avoid talking about what matters to you at all anymore, fearing the same old patterns that only seem to make things worse? Regardless, you feel sad, lonely, and hopeless in your efforts to finally be seen, heard, and understood. I can help guide you back to mutuality, love, & understanding, by strengthening the connection you have with yourself, your partner, and those who matter most to you.

You might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the prospect of embarking in therapy. It takes a lot of strength to take the first step to reach out for support, and you are well on your way to starting your journey of self-discovery. Perhaps you are confronting inner scripts that no longer serve you, struggling with restrictive thoughts and beliefs, or even re-visiting therapy for help with a specific challenge. Whatever the case, I will meet you where you are in your process, create the space for you to show up authentically, and provide the support you need to embark on your own inner exploration.

Are you feeling stuck or unhappy in some area of your life? Perhaps you have tried talk therapy but it hasn't helped. I offer an alternative solution for people who are interested in achieving deeper level change. I use a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis to help my clients break free from their symptoms so they can live fuller, richer lives.

I became a therapist because I am a firm believer in the power of human connection. I understand that the most important thing is the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, I provide a gentle, non-judgmental approach to make clients feel safe and heard. This allows clients to develop trust with another person, which ultimately leads them to grow and to believe and trust in their own inner voice and intuition.