Therapists in 90403
Denise Maratos
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, EdM
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Iordana Gaytan Gamiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Navigating life can be really challenging and my goal is to provide a warm, safe, judgement free, and collaborative environment to assist you navigate these challenges. In my work I recognize the importance of each individual’s intersecting identities such as race, gender identity, gender expression, culture of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, primary language and disability. It is through the exploration and comprehension of these different parts, as well as live adversities, that we can have a more complete understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.
Navigating life can be really challenging and my goal is to provide a warm, safe, judgement free, and collaborative environment to assist you navigate these challenges. In my work I recognize the importance of each individual’s intersecting identities such as race, gender identity, gender expression, culture of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, primary language and disability. It is through the exploration and comprehension of these different parts, as well as live adversities, that we can have a more complete understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.
James Alexander Nicholas
Pre-Licensed Professional, JD, ACSW, CBP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Not accepting new clients
James Nicholas is a Certified Bodynamic Psychoanalyst serving Southern California and is one of the North American training coordinators for Bodynamic International. James is an attorney and member in good standing of the California Bar as well as an associate clinical social worker licensed in California. He received his B.A. in philosophy and history from UCLA, his J.D. from Northwestern University, and his M.S.W. from USC.
James Nicholas is a Certified Bodynamic Psychoanalyst serving Southern California and is one of the North American training coordinators for Bodynamic International. James is an attorney and member in good standing of the California Bar as well as an associate clinical social worker licensed in California. He received his B.A. in philosophy and history from UCLA, his J.D. from Northwestern University, and his M.S.W. from USC.
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Teen Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.