Brandy Engler, PsyD

Dr. Brandy Engler (PSY 22512) is a clinical psychologist specializing in relationships and sexuality, addiction and anxiety. Dr. Engler is an active, engaged therapist who tailors therapy toward a client's unique needs. Therapy may include gestalt-relational, psychodynamic and cognitive-mindfulness based techniques.

Dr. Engler has published two books of essays on psychotherapy, The Women on My Couch and The Men on My Couch ( Berkley Books).

You can read reviews, interviews, commentary, and articles about Dr. Engler in: Men's Health, Women's Health, The Times of London, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Good Men Project, New York Post, The Irish Examiner, Redbook, Whole Life Times, xojane, Men's Health, Glamour, Brides, Vanity Fair Italia, Women's Health, Buzzfeed, The Atlantic Magazine, Madame Figaro, The Huffington Post and O Magazine.

Sarah Mairesse, LMFT

Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist who's work is rooted in helping children and adults of all ages find the breakthroughs they need to discover a more balanced and peaceful life. Sarah has worked with clients to support healthy attachment and differentiation, guiding them to build awareness, insight and create opportunities for change, while recognizing maladaptive patterns and behaviors, which limit them to create a richer and healthier life for themselves and those around them.

Sarah uses a humanistic, client centered approach and works in collaboration with her clients to identify problems, explore issues interfering with their ability to feel fulfilled and supports solutions that will improve their over all well being.
Sarah is trained in EMDR therapy which uses bi lateral stimulation to help process uncomfortable memories, confront fears and replace distorted cognitions in their minds, which have kept them stuck and incapable to break free from their doubt, preventing them to find that more fulfilling job or relationship.

Danielle Sheppard, LPCC

Danielle Sheppard is a licensed clinician who helps individuals and couples realize and achieve their true potential. She recognizes that every person or couple is different in terms of goals, aspirations, and the pursuit of happiness, and that each journey is different. As such, she strives to help each of her clients realize their strengths, values, and actualized potential. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, often encouraging her clients to incorporate meditation and mindfulness into their self care ritual. She utilizes LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, CBT, and postmodern approaches coupled with a strengths-based and integrative approach to tailor therapy to each client. She loves to help individuals see and express the strengths they often overlook in themselves and is certified in related personal/career assessments.

She approaches each client or couple as a unique story to hear and to learn together. She specializes in infertility, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, career and work/life challenges, grief and loss, and identity. She is also a professor of psychology to MFT trainees and psychology majors.

Jill Davidson, LCSW

Jill is an LCSW with 23 years of experience. Jill holds a certification in the palliative and hospice field working with individuals and families experiencing an acute, chronic or terminal illness. She has extensive experience treating individuals and groups of adults struggling with depression and anxiety. She believes a therapist requires dedication, problem-solving abilities, with focus on a population that needs an empathetic and supportive professional.

Jill is a results-oriented, client centered therapist. Her focus is to empower her clients struggling with life’s challenges by drawing on and improving their own insights. She utilizes brief solution, mindfulness skills and cognitive behavioral therapies while developing a safe, nonjudgmental and comfortable environment.

Jill works with diverse populations, including professionals in all areas of business (i.e., physicians, attorneys, business owners, and the entertainment industry), LGBT+ and adults of all ages.

Jesse Proia, LMFT

Jesse Proia is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Jesse specializes in Jungian based Depth traditions and published a thesis addressing LGBTQIA Affirmative Psychotherapeutic approaches. He received his clinical training at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, seeing clients, individuals and couples, of various demographics and mental health stressors. He is passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks overcoming forms of oppression and systemic stress while using creative methods to move forward from difficult pasts.

Jesse is an active and engaged therapist, where sessions often feel more like in-depth discussions rather than the traditional idea of therapy with a silent or neutral therapist. He specializes in working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma. Jesse strongly believes it’s important to focus on creative methods of addressing and integrating inner criticism, shame and low self-esteem. The method of psychotherapy Jesse provides weaves creative approaches to life as a holistic way of being. He pulls from his personal and professional relationship to the LGBTQIA+ community, life long experience in the arts, and his passion for Jungian based Depth psychology to support clients in finding their higher selves.

Lauren Dowden, LCSW

Lauren is a clinical social worker who is dedicated to helping adults of all ages adapt and cope with life’s many stressors and challenges. Lauren specializes in working with those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and grief and loss, especially ambiguous loss. Her emphasis at Loyola University Chicago was in mental health as well as gerontology, which has allowed her to assist individuals facing the complex issues of aging as well as supporting adult children, who may be caring for aging family members, especially those with a diagnosis of major cognitive impairment.

Lauren comes from a performing arts and creative background which brings a keen understanding into the unique and complex challenges that can come with creative professions and those working in that field. Lauren has 20 years of experience as an improviser and facilitates Medical Improvisation workshops for medical and clinical students and professionals. She has also developed curricula and facilitated therapeutic improvisation groups for those with substance use disorders, emotional trauma, dementia and anxiety.

Her work is rooted in psychodynamic theory and she leads with a strengths-based approach as well as utilizing narrative, CBT, mindfulness and relational modalities. Lauren is dedicated to providing a judgment-free, supportive space where she can collaborate with clients as they navigate their lives towards their aspirations while finding a sense of fulfillment, peace and balance.

Tara Bui, LMFT

Tara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 114563) with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside.

Tara‘s background in mental health includes working with individuals and families in community mental health settings and in the treatment of Autism and other developmental disabilities. These areas have provided her training and extensive knowledge in working with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Life transitions, Relationship and Attachment issues, Emotional Dysregulation, and Cultural and Identity issues.

Tara tailors her treatment to meet the individual needs of her clients, meeting them where they are. Tara draws from therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Client Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Mindfulness techniques.

Tara is passionate about helping her clients live and speak their truth through building self-awareness and self esteem, as well as healing past wounds that inhibit future growth and true authenticity.

Erica Tumbaga, LCSW

Erica Tumbaga, LCSW (Lic #59554) is a Filipina-American clinical social worker dedicated to helping others be the best version of themselves despite life’s challenges. Erica’s specialties include sexual assault, domestic violence, substance abuse, pregnancy/post-partum, life purpose, stress management, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping with life limiting illness, grief/loss, cultural identity, LGBTQ, cancer, increasing self-esteem and assertiveness.

She has twenty years of experience working in the social services and social justice field. Erica approaches each client humanistically focusing on their strengths. All interventions are tailored to the needs of the client, often combining Gestalt, CBT, Existential, Eclectic, Family Systems, Narrative/Post Modern therapies. Erica earned her BA in Women’s Studies and Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton and her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in the city of New York.

Jazmin Perez, LCSW

Jazmin Perez, is a licensed clinical social worker (#69104). Jazmin has been working at a level one trauma center for the past nine years. She has extensive experience in working with those who have been hospitalized and their loved ones. She understands that several emotions can come up from being hospitalized or supporting a loved one. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental space to uncover those feelings. Jazmin specializes in anxiety, depression, and coping with acute/chronic illnesses. Jazmin also supports new parents struggling with new roles and postpartum depression and anxiety.

Jazmin’s priority is to make you feel comfortable, safe, and heard so you can be yourself and share what you’re going through. She knows it’s important to trust your therapist so you can let your walls down and open up. Having a good fit with your therapist is important, and her goal is to provide an encouraging and nonjudgmental space where you can heal.

Alyssa Miller, LCSW

Alyssa Miller, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW85375), offers a safe, collaborative, and trusting space for clients to feel heard and supported throughout their healing journey. She strives to empower clients to build awareness, clarify their goals, develop a toolbox of techniques, and create lasting change.

Alyssa offers extensive experience with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, OCD, and trauma. She utilizes a strength-based approach while drawing from different treatment modalities including psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. As a certified Pilates instructor, Alyssa also brings her perspective on the mind-body connection. With a deep respect for and understanding of individual needs, and drawing on her diverse experiences and education, Alyssa offers a tailored approach to each of her clients.

Alyssa values where each client begins their journey and creates a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel heard, validated, and accepted. Alyssa is passionate about understanding the human experience and exploring human connection and human growth. Alyssa enjoys guiding and supporting clients along their journey as they grow and thrive.

Nancy Zuniga, LMFT

Nancy Zúñiga is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy specializes in working with both individuals and Families. Nancy primarily uses CBT with a social constructivist lense.

Nancy holds a prior career in social activism using artistic platforms to bring awareness on policy issues that affect communities of historically marginalized people. Her prior career still influences her practice by prioritizing the importance of therapy providing safe space for self expression.

Nancy has has focused training and additional education in addiction, grief & loss, inter-generational trauma and strength based interventions.

Mallory Garrett, LMFT

Mallory Garrett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her goal as a therapist is to help you address areas of your life that are causing you distress, unhappiness or worry. She is person-centered, meaning she help you build on the strengths and motivations that you must reach your goals for growth and happiness. She is also a member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and on the Community Advisory Board for CHIPTS at UCLA.

Mallory believes in meeting you where you are and working in a collaborative way to help address issues that may be causing you distress. While she takes a problem-solving, relational approach to helping clients, she also believes in the benefits of supportive therapy as people navigate daily challenges.

Mallory implements an in-depth approach to counseling and comes from a modality that is sex-positive, Kink- positive and LGBTQ Affirming. She has experience working with a variety of issues like anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, sexuality, self-esteem, family conflict, addiction, chronic illness, HIV, women's issues, and gender dysphoria. She is a Los Angeles native and when she isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, crafting and going to the theater.

Gabrielle Ebert, ACSW

Gabrielle is an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW #72947) specializing in anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem and eating disorders.

Gabrielle creates a safe, non-judgmental space for all of her clients. She believes that with the right therapeutic relationship everyone at any stage in his or her life can benefit from therapy. She feels therapy can be a great tool to help clients gain insight, heal, motivate change, and grow as a human being. She uses a strengths-based and person-centered approach, often drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques.

She received her BA in Film and Political Science from Colorado College and a Master’s in Social Work and Public Administration from USC.

Gabrielle is supervised by Carolyn Hersh, LCSW

Matthew Lipari, LCSW

Matthew Lipari is a licensed clinical social worker with just over four years of clinical experience. During his time as a clinician, Matthew has worked with various individuals from all walks of life that struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use and managing intimate relationships. Matthew has experience working with the LGBTQ population and challenges that surface regarding coming-out, dating and other adjustments when someone lives their authentic self.

Matthew works from a strengths-based trauma- informed perspective and utilizes core concepts from motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT and solution-focused therapies.

Stephanie Sandoval, AMFT

Stephanie Sandoval is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT 106449) who provides individualized and integrative therapy for adults and adolescents. She specializes in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, sex therapy, sex addiction, emotional management, self-esteem, eating disorders, social anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and self-expression and creativity.

Her treatment approach with clients is unique and collaborative, blending in elements from different techniques and tailoring their treatment according to each individual’s needs. Stephanie is experienced at incorporating psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, gestalt, existential, cognitive and dialectical behavior, and mindfulness-based approaches.

Stephanie is accepting, empathic, and compassionate. She will meet you wherever you’re at in life and provide a safe, therapeutic environment for health, healing, and recovery.
Stephanie is supervised by Brandy Engler, PsyD.

Shannon Amabile, LMFT

Shannon is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She enjoys working with creators across all facets of the entertainment industry. Her focus is on the unique and complex adversity children, adults, couples, families and groups face, working in the entertainment industry.

Shannon also specializes in solution oriented treatment models with an emphasis on evidence-based behavioral interventions. She works with clients with depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, life/career transitions, boundaries and relationship to creativity.

Kathleen Haigh, LMFT

Kathleen Haigh is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience. Kathleen’s areas of clinical focus include women’s mental health: working with pregnant and postpartum women on issues such as, anxiousness, postpartum blues, depression, transition to parenthood issues and perinatal loss. Kathleen works with couples to address relationship challenges that can arise with couples and families during the childbearing and childrearing years. Kathleen works with families on improving relationship dynamics in the household, boundary setting and parent education. Kathleen also has extensive experience treating anxiety and depression.

Kathleen integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches into her practice. She frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy because they are brief, practical, and collaborative. She also incorporates mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy and supportive psychotherapy. Her focus is to work with clients to stabilize their presenting problems, relieve symptoms, assist them in building their strengths and support systems, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. She feels it is important to offer support, practical feedback, and tools to help clients achieve their goals.

Noreen Qazi, LMFT

Noreen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and relationships. She works through a cultural lens and is passionate about working with clients in various creative fields to help unlock their true potential and creativity.

Noreen believes in allowing the client to guide their therapy by working with where they are in their current process. At the same time, she works to challenge the client’s belief systems and unhealthy thought patterns and uses a collaborative approach to treatment to promote growth within each client. Her goal is to help each client gain new awareness, self-compassion, and change toward a more authentic self. Noreen combines methods from CBT, psychodynamic, attachment theory, trauma focused, and mindfulness modalities.

Hei Man Fan, LMFT

Hei Man is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has provided therapy in community mental health agency, school, and private practice settings. She works with diverse populations, including children, teenagers, adults, seniors, LGBTQ, domestic violence survivors, and immigrants. Hei Man is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, and she has comprehensive experience working with clients from different cultural backgrounds. Her main areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, career/life transitions, and trauma.

Her approach to therapy includes client-centered, humanistic, insight-oriented, and family systems. She strives to help her clients to learn more about themselves and find new ways to navigate their challenges in life. She supports clients to regain their confidence by providing a safe and supportive environment.

Aaron Krikorian, LCSW

Aaron Krikorian is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW 82428) specializing in individual therapy for those struggling with anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, and relational issues. He tailors his therapy to the unique, individual needs of each client and believes strongly in using the therapeutic relationship as a tool to inspire reflection, growth, and insight. He approaches therapy predominantly from a psychodynamic perspective, but also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness strategies with clients as needed.

Bailey Franklin, AMFT

Bailey Franklin is an associate marriage and family therapist who is passionate about creating an environment of safety and security, where clients are able to feel supported and understood so we can identify and amplify previously untapped sources of strength and resilience to break through feelings of hopelessness, shame and fear. With care and curiosity, we will explore and heal the often hidden emotional wounds inflicted by our experiences, families and society. Working together, we will change old patterns of feeling and thinking and empower your authentic self.

Bailey's therapeutic process integrates strength-based modalities that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. My training includes Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and Motivational Interviewing (MI) for clients who are struggling with substance use. Bailey believes that whom and how we love and express our gender deserves celebration, not just tolerance, and my approach is LGBTQIA+ Affirmative. Bailey also practices in both English and Spanish.

Bailey Franklin is supervised by Peter Carley, LMFT.

Elise Meshell, LMFT

Elise is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in life transitions, anxiety, parenting, and relationships. Her aim is to encourage a transformational process that will lead towards a fuller, happier life. She works with both individuals, couples and embraces diversity.

Elise received her BA in Philosophy from Boston University and her Master’s in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute. She is strength based and incorporates Jungian Depth- oriented Psychology, Humanistic, and Family Systems approaches to foster self-awareness, self-esteem and lasting change. She is trained in Sandplay.

Samantha Moss, LCSW

Samantha is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and addiction/substance abuse. Samantha has extensive experience working with relationship issues and maternal mental health issues including postpartum depression and adjustment to pregnancy and parenting.

Samantha utilizes an individualized and strengths-based approach incorporating techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Samantha works collaboratively with the client to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors in order to improve overall mental health and life satisfaction. Samantha graduated from University of Southern California. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings in London and Los Angeles.

Julianne Legon, LCSW

Julianne Legon is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW #60527) with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families from diverse ages and ethnicities. Originally from NY, Julianne received her BA in psychology at The University of Michigan and her master’s in social work from Columbia University in New York City.

Julianne is passionate about the psychological wellbeing of her clients. Julianne believes in relational psychodynamic therapy because relationships with others and with the self is essential to psychological and emotional wellbeing for a fulfilling and happy life. She believes in building a trusting client-therapist relationship within a safe and confidential therapeutic milieu.

Zerri Gross, LMFT

Dr. Zerri Gross, is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Z has completed training to incorporate therapeutic discussions on the topics of racism, cultural competency in service providing fields, and specifically to support clinicians in providing culturally sensitive services. Dr. Z is also a certified trauma informed yoga instructor, Reiki master healer, Goddess Temple Priestess, Crystal and Sound Healer.

Dr. Z is a Veteran who has worked effectively with adolescents, healers, therapists, veterans and other industry professionals using evidence based practices and a wholistic approach to meet people where they are to get them where they want to be.

Specialities: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, self esteem, stress, performance anxiety, relationships, and children on the Autism spectrum and other related disorders

Camille Reinecker, LMFT

Camille Reinecker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has been practicing psychotherapy in the Los Angeles area for just over 3 years. She was born and raised in California. Camille graduated from Phillips Graduate University with a Master of Arts in Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her therapeutic focus is on finding a healthy balance between the mind and body while utilizing nature as a resource. She enjoys helping to foster change or acceptance through mindful and somatic approaches in relation to anxiety, depression, anger and/or stress. She also has experience working with eating disorders, PTSD and relational conflict.

Specific training in Trauma Resilience Model and Gottman Relationship Method.
Camille sees adults of all ages as well as couples and families.

Pear Wilson, LCSW

Pear is a licensed clinical social worker trained in relational, psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Endlessly curious about the human experience, she helps her patients cultivate an enlivened and more intimate relationship with self through thoughtful exploration and direct feedback.

With an insight-oriented approach, Pear specializes in treating adults experiencing anxiety and depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and mood imbalances and offers unique mind-body interventions tailored to the treatment involving yogic breath work and relaxation techniques

Pear received her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts and has provided therapy in a variety of treatment settings, including the outpatient psychiatry centers of Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania, and the prestigious Wright Institute of Los Angeles. She has served as a clinical social worker with UCLA for over three years, working with people dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns.

Carolyn Comas, LCSW

Carolyn is a licensed clinical social worker who works with adolescents and adults. Carolyn’s areas of specialty include working with those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and those struggling with their relationships to food, body, and self. Carolyn also has extensive background work with mood disorders, addiction, grief and other challenging life events.
Carolyn draws upon CBT and motivational interviewing to help those who are struggling. Carolyn’s uses these skills to help clients reach within themselves to create long lasting solutions for their current struggles.

Michelle Broehm, LCSW

Michelle Broehm is a licensed clinical social worker (Lic #92693) who is passionate about supporting people seeking a better quality of life. Michelle specializes in working with adults and older adults going through transitions, looking for assistance in setting and meeting goals, and seeing both sides of an issue in order to make the best decision for oneself. Michelle will focus on the strength of a client as well as allowing the client to have self-determination.

Michelle uses solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques in order to provide a holistic and realistic approach to therapy.

Michelle has experience working with diverse populations and settings including children, adults, LGBTQ, and older adults, people living with HIV, people who are homeless or have low-income, hospice care, caregivers, people with disabilities, and adults looking to make changes in order to be more comfortable in their own skin and growing with a changing society.

Michelle earned her BA in Journalism from Miami University, Oxford, and her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago.

Nitzan Keynan, LMFT

Nitzan Keynan is a licensed marriage and family therapist and art therapist with over 9 years of clinical experience. Nitzan works with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and relationship issues, as well as with couples. She utilizes psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy, intersubjective/relational approaches, and incorporates elements of CBT, DBT and solution-focused treatment to her work.

Nitzan received her BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and her Master's in Clinical Art Therapy/Marriage and Family Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, and has provided psychotherapy in various settings, working with adults and couples. She is currently completing a 2-year Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy program at The New Center for Psychoanalysis.

Brenda Rodman, LCSW

Brenda Rodman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW17160), believes in the strength of a collaborative, supportive, non–judgmental therapeutic relationship as the basis of helping individuals gain insight, grow and make desired changes in their lives. With over 25 years of clinical, supervisory and administrative experience, she has a client centered approach utilizing insight, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques in her work.

Her years of experience have given her an understanding of the personal issues involved with depression, anxiety, grief/bereavement, medical issues, aging and caring for aging parents. Brenda understands that we live in a complicated society and life transitions can be challenging and stressful. She provides a safe and caring environment to help relieve symptoms, resolve conflicts and gain a better understanding of oneself.

Sara Sincell, AMFT

Sara Sincell is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT #111978) specializing in the treatment of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, codependence, and eating disorders. Sara offers EMDR therapy for those interested in trauma-focused care.

Sara’s approach is relational and interactive, incorporating creative and mindfulness-based techniques rooted in Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, Transpersonal, and Narrative modalities. Sara helps clients identify and focus on strength and solution-focused changes, compassionately meeting them in their journey and working to create a safe space to discover and unleash the story inside. In awe of the resilience of the human spirit, Sara is honored to be with clients in this most important work.

Sara holds an MA in Counseling Psychology, concentration in Drama Therapy, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco; and a BA in Acting, Shenandoah University Conservatory.

Alexis Prescott, LMFT

Alexis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 103958) who is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy and has years of experience working compassionately with adults and adolescents who are struggling with many issues including anxiety, trauma, depression, interpersonal difficulties, phobias and low self-esteem. She offers unconditional acceptance of clients and works with them to develop effective tools to cope with life’s struggles. She helps clients work toward deep insight so they can recognize unhealthy thought patterns and make permanent positive changes in life that will transcend the therapy office. Her goal is to develop client awareness and new skills that will create lifelong self-confidence, happiness and emotional health.

Alexis uses an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach in her work and her experience allows her to choose different methods based on specific client needs. This enables her to create effective personalized treatment for each unique individual. She has specialized training in EMDR Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her practice additionally draws from the fields of developmental psychology, strength-based theories, brain science and attachment theory. She is also able to instruct clients in the integration of mindfulness into their daily life as a way to further solidify positive changes made during the therapy process. Alexis feels truly privileged to be able to work with people to help them grow, become happier and more satisfied, and improve their overall quality of life.

Peter Carley, LMFT

Peter Carley is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 40082) who has been seeing clients for 18 years. He works with couples and individuals, focusing on reframing problems and building upon successes. He specializes in gender issues, parenting/adoption issues, including the troubled teen, healthy boundaries, LGBTQ Affirmation, addiction recovery, and life transitions. Peter tailors his treatment to each individual/couple, drawing upon narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. His work is informed by attachment theory, particularly how family of origin informs our current relationships.

Peter graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Dramatic Literature and worked for 15 years in the entertainment industry before returning to school at Antioch University-Los Angeles, where he earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology. He completed his clinical training at the Southern California Counseling Center and worked for UCLA as a drop-in counselor for 5 years. Other treatment settings that Peter has worked in serve those in twelve-step drug and alcohol rehabilitation as well as the chronically mentally ill and homeless communities.

Lyndsey Motarefi, LMFT, PhD

Dr. Lyndsey Motarefi is a Clinical Sexologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a Clinical Sexologist, she specializes in working with both couples and individuals whose goals are to address and overcome relationship and sex specific concerns. In addition, Dr. Motarefi has extensive experience therapeutically assisting those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem.

Working from a primarily solution-focused orientation, it is important for her clients to both understand their goals for therapy as well as their progress towards meeting them. Based on the unique needs of each client, she eclectically incorporates elements of mindfulness, CBT, and attachment theory into session. Dr. Motarefi feels genuinely honored in earning her client’s trust and allowance to collaboratively journey alongside of them as they overcome the inevitable obstacles of life.

Dr. Motarefi received her doctoral degree from the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists and has served in various leadership roles in substance abuse treatment centers across both Florida and California.

Michael Briesch, LCSW

Michael Briesch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW86796). Michael’s philosophy of therapy is simply this: Having meaningful conversation. Michael’s goal in working with clients is to assist in gaining self-knowledge and to help clients realize the unlimited potential of their innermost self.

Michael has a special interest in helping individuals view the ways that culture, family, religion and friends affect our individual life choices, and identifying the ways that each person can navigate these structures in the pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Michael is experienced in working with those who may be affected by depression, anxiety, family issues, addiction, and trauma.

Michael received his BA from UC Santa Cruz in Film and Digital Media and received his Master’s in Social Work from California State University-Northridge.

Lauren Maher, AMFT

Lauren is passionate about helping people reduce stress and anxiety in order to find a path towards happiness and healing. As an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT 97668), she works collaboratively with her clients to define their needs and goals, and tailor an approach that works best for them. Lauren works with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma/PTSD, and relationship issues, as well as those who are simply seeking greater self-awareness and insight. Lauren believes in drawing upon my clients' inherent strengths and sense of resiliency. She is particularly interested in the link between the body and mind, and enjoys teaching her clients practical tools to help reduce stress and anxiety. She is trained in both EMDR and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM).

In addition to Lauren's counseling work, she is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and yoga instructor. Since 2001, she has taught yoga, mindfulness, and meditation in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, wellness centers, and a residential eating disorder facility. Prior to specializing in the wellness industry, Lauren worked for many years as an actor in film and theatre. She has a great respect for the creative process and for unique issues that artists face while pursuing their dreams and goals.

Lauren is supervised by clinical psychologist Brandy Engler.

Huma Pekcan, LMFT

Huma holds a master's degree from Pepperdine University’s Clinical Psychology program, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked in various mental health settings, including community mental health clinics, inpatient treatment centers, the UCLA Anxiety Lab research clinic, as well as the UCLA Semel Institute research clinic.

As your therapist, Huma's goal is to help you understand your past challenges and how your past shaped who you are today; to clarify your goals and values in life; and to help you balance between boundaries and connection so that you can lead a fulfilling life that includes love, improved relationships and accomplishments based on your values.

Huma uses treatment interventions in sessions depending on her client’s needs and proclivity. Typically, Huma uses psychodynamic and evidence based modalities such as Object Relations, Attachment Theory, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while paying close attention to somatic experiences. As a therapist, she is dedicated to understanding the human experience. Huma is passionate about human growth and treatment of the human condition and working with diverse populations.

Huma's areas of interests are trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction. She also speaks English and Turkish and is able to conduct therapy in both languages.

Gina Arellano, LMFT

My name is Gina Arellano, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 115348). I provide my clients with a safe and supportive environment where they can gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, discover new possibilities, and make new choices that will create the lives they want to live.

I work alongside my clients to help them achieve their personalized goals utilizing a variety of techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt Therapy, and Mindfulness in my practice. I am skilled in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families dealing with anger, anxiety, depression, relationship issues/conflict, chronic pain, and a history of trauma and abuse.

My educational background consists of two masters’ degrees from Pepperdine University: A Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Master of Dispute Resolution.

Patty Carberry, LMFT

Patty Carberry is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working as a therapist for 12 years. As a former actress herself, she understands the entertainment field and has worked in the business end of the studios providing insight into the entertainment field's challenges.

Patty has twelve years of experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and life/career transitions. Growing up as an army brat, she has an additional level of speciality in focusing on grief and loss with adults, families (including Military Families) and children, which allows her to truly understand the lifestyle and hardships that come along with it.

Patty strongly believes that when we lose someone that we love, it is often difficult to talk with family and friends about our feelings. She has spent many years doing grief work and understands the process it takes to work through grief. The loss may also apply to the loss of a job, home, relationship, or empty nest.

Patty uses a client-centered approach, believing the healing comes for the bond between the client and therapist, which allows the exploration of identifying the problem and seeking solutions in a collaborative environment.