Trauma
Beach Cities Psychotherapy
Serving the South Bay Communities of Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Palos Verdes and surrounding Beach Cities.
We will get in the trenches with you and help you get to the root. We are not nodding-head therapists.
Healing from trauma requires a safe space with trauma-informed therapists.
The symptoms of trauma can be overwhelming. While trauma symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and increased startle response, they can also include negative beliefs about ourselves or the world around us, anxiety, depression, fears, sadness, and confusion.
It is critical to work with a trauma-informed therapist who understands how to work with trauma and not re-traumatize. All of our therapists are trauma-informed and trained in an evidence-based modality used to treat trauma such as TF-CBT and EMDR.
We appreciate how much courage it takes to talk about trauma with a therapist. Regardless of the nature of the trauma, we do not take it lightly.
Sometimes, the journey towards healing trauma is a step toward healing intergenerational trauma too. The impact of trauma can be profound — the impact of healing trauma can be equally profound.
We work with our clients to address trauma and trauma symptoms in a way that works for them and helps them move forward without feeling shackled by trauma.
If you resonate with any of the following experiences, trauma therapy could be the right choice for you:
Experiencing flashbacks or intrusive memories that disrupt daily life.
Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of past traumatic events.
Having difficulty trusting others or maintaining close relationships.
Struggling with feelings of numbness or disconnection from yourself or others.
Feeling not good enough or not safe in present situations when intellectually, you know that you are.
Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without medical cause.
Healing from trauma requires courage and support. At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we are committed to supporting you on your journey towards healing and renewed hope.
Why Beach Cities Psychotherapy?
Are you looking for a therapist who lights pretty candles, smiles and nods while you talk about the same problems week after week? If you are, please go somewhere else. This is not what we do at Beach Cities Psychotherapy.
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we ask the challenging questions and get in the trenches with you. Sometimes trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or identity issues get in our way. You may feel empty, broken or even worthless when other people may think you have it all. We help you make the shifts you need to live the life you want and feel able to appreciate it. Our goal at Beach Cities Psychotherapy is to cultivate change and healing by asking you the hard questions, addressing the areas where you are stuck, and confronting pain with treatment and healing.
We are direct, hands-on and we value humor above candles. Our therapists are not scared of your pain, your fear, your struggles. We will delve beneath the surface when you are ready.
We value your mental health, your time and your resources too much to talk about the same problems in the same ways that you always have. We want to help you heal and find the clarity you need in your life. Often people come to Beach Cities Psychotherapy when they feel like other therapists have skimmed the surface and they need more.
Meet Your Therapists:
Shannon Meena, ACSW
For people struggling with ruminating thoughts or who feel trapped by their anxiety, Shannon Meena is a lifeline. Shannon’s CBT skill set gives her the ability to offer tools to transform anxiety and her empathic approach and ability to connect to clients is her superpower.
Shannon creates a safe space where clients can explore their feelings, learn effective communication skills, and strengthen their self-esteem.
In addition to working with anxiety and life transitions, Shannon is also experienced working with depression and has training TF-CBT to help teens and pre-teens with issues relating to trauma. She works with adults and also has a unique ability to connect with pre-teens and teenagers.
Read her full bio here.
Gabby Nahle, AMFT
For individuals grappling with career transitions, relationship challenges, or self-esteem issues, Gabby Nahle is a beacon of support. Gabby’s expertise in psychodynamic theories, attachment theory, and CBT equips her to provide tailored interventions that open the door to personal growth and healing. Her empathic approach allows her to build meaningful connections with her clients.
Gabby fosters an environment of trust and openness, empowering clients to explore their emotions, develop effective communication skills, and build their self-worth.
Read her full bio here.
We Offer Walk and Talk Therapy
Our location offers us a unique opportunity to bring clients to the beach in Hermosa for sessions by the ocean when clients request it. Walking during therapy creates an alternating rhythm of our steps on the pavement and stimulates alternating sides of our brain which facilitates processing. Fresh air and nature are also helpful to healing. Moving when we feel stuck can also help us to move through life’s obstacles and create a tangible, very real momentum that is both literal and metaphorical.
While our therapists also work with clients in the office, Walk & Talk sessions are beneficial for clients who don’t want to sit on a sofa for an hour. It’s okay to alternate between Walk and Talk sessions and in-office sessions. Our therapists understand that not every day feels like a good day for a walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made with cash, check, credit card, or Zelle.
What is the cost of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy fees vary depending on which therapist you select to work with as well as which service you are seeking. Feel free to contact us to discuss the exact fee.
Are psychotherapy fees covered by health insurance?
We are not in-network with any insurance companies. If you have a PPO plan or a plan with out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse you for services. This means that you will be responsible to pay for our services up-front and then we provide you with forms to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
You can check your specific mental health benefits with your health insurance and ask the following questions:
- Do I have benefits for outpatient psychotherapy services with an out-of-network provider?
- Do I have a deductible and has it been met? If my deductible has not been met, what deductible needs to be met for insurance to reimburse?
- What will insurance reimburse after that deductible has been met and what do I need to do or provide in order to get reimbursed?
- How many psychotherapy sessions will be covered per year?
We Make Getting Started Easy
Step 1. Reach Out
Step 2. Schedule Your First Session
Step 3. Feel Like You Again
