Before I was a therapist, I was just someone sitting on another therapist’s couch trying to figure my life out.  I had a career in film and tv, a seemingly loving husband, a beautiful daughter— and a sneaking suspicion that none of it was quite as it seemed.  It showed up for me in a string of physical ailments, functional depression and anxiety that I kept hidden behind the mask of a constant smile.  I was right — none of it was quite as it seemed.

When I found therapy, it got worse before it got better.  My worst fears were confirmed.  My life would only remain easy if I continued to pretend everything was just fine.  I didn’t do that. 

My path was not smooth or easy but I came through it with a couple more kids (twins), a divorce, a Masters in Clinical Psychology, a book about divorce (you can find it on Amazon) and a genuine desire to help other people navigate their struggles and feel as empowered by it as I did. 

This is the spark that built Beach Cities Psychotherapy in Hermosa Beach.

When I bring on therapists at Beach Cities Psychotherapy, I make sure that they can walk their clients through life’s obstacles, no matter how painful, so that they can learn what I have: pain fuels growth.  The struggle along this journey, whatever yours may be, will change you forever in ways that are meaningful and transformative. 

Beach Cities Psychotherapy is a psychotherapy practice by the ocean in beautiful Hermosa Beach.  I see the ocean daily and offer walk and talk sessions by the beach to any client who wants that.  I’m so grateful for therapy and what it’s given me.  I know what it’s like to stick your head in the sand and pretend it will all be okay and I also know how much easier it becomes when you look at the darkness and find the light at the end of it or within it. 

In our waiting room, there’s a book called Blue Mind which talks about the healing powers of the ocean.  I haven’t read all of it because I don’t have to — I know it’s true, I see it every day in my office and in my own life.

There’s also a Gratitude Jar.  Our clients write gratitudes on post-it notes and put it in the jar — research shows that this simple easy practice increases felt “happiness.”  I am grateful that our gratitude jar is packed full.

At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we appreciate the courage it takes to heal.  We offer a safe space by the beach and a healthy therapeutic relationship to help you get there. 

Welcome to Beach Cities Psychotherapy.