Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry may be accompanied by victories, but also unique challenges. Whether you’re an actor, screenwriter, director, producer, production assistant, musician, or pursuing any of the other meaningful careers in the entertainment industry, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.   I have been in private practice for the past 15 years and specialize in working with actors, entertainment industry professionals, and their families.   It can feel overwhelming to try to explain to a therapist how the entertainment industry works, or why it sometimes feels like an emotional rollercoaster. As a therapist, I pull from an intimate knowledge not only of the business but from lived experience and knowing exactly what it is like to courageously pursue your acting hopes and dreams, with all of the highs and lows that accompany such a pursuit.   I also specialize in counseling entertainment industry teens, providing support for balancing school and set life, the in-between, and pursuing the next booking, as well as navigating on-set life. Additionally, it is crucial to establish positive self-esteem and identity, as the pursuit of a teen acting career often collides with the adolescent developmental stage of identity formation.

My life experiences introduced me to a multitude of diverse cultural learning opportunities that are incorporated in the clinical work. I gravitate mostly towards the Psychodynamic, Attachment and Positive psychology theories, tailoring my approach individually in order to enable clients to strive on their positive and creative energy, discover and develop their goals, empower in their strengths, as well as collaborate on the skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationships, parenting, postpartum, aging, grief and loss, creative arts and entertainment industry issues among others presented in work. LGBTQ affirmative. I strongly believe in the healing power of empathetic therapeutic relationship, new beginnings, creativity and humor.

I love helping people overcome obstacles in their lives and learn to THRIVE. I have a strong passion for encouraging the strengths within each individual. Since no two people are exactly alike, I modify my approach and style to address your specific struggles and to meet your individual needs. Seeking therapy can be a very scary endeavor, especially if you were raised with any negative stigmas around mental health issues. I will work hard at helping you feel safe in the process of finding the right therapist and removing negative assumptions and concerns. Please feel free to ask questions and gather the information you need to find the right fit for you! Let me help you live life to the fullest and fulfill your dreams! Please contact me if you think I would be a good fit for your needs. Best, Dr. Debra

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide psychotherapy primarily to individuals and couples. I have in-depth training in relational therapy, as well as trauma and post-traumatic symptoms. I have worked extensively in GLBTQ communities, and with non-traditional couples and families. I work with a wide range of clients. I treat adolescents and adults in individual, couples, or group sessions. My expertise is in working with people who have a history of traumatic or transitional experiences. I have also helped people struggling with identity-related issues, including those of gender, sexual orientation, class, and ethnicity. I tend to work from a depth-oriented model of treatment, meaning I work with the client to address underlying issues causing symptoms with the goal of creating long-term change and relief.

I work from the intention of helping my clients achieve healthy, meaningful relationships with themselves and others in their lives. I take the time to gain the trust of my clients and I work to be an ally as they confront the challenges life presents. Most importantly to this therapeutic collaboration is empathy and compassion for the feelings that arise in this process. I am open to understanding and helping my clients make sense of their life experiences and unique life stories. Regardless of the age of my client, whether I'm working with a 25 year old struggling with career options, or married couples facing the challenge of dealing with infertility, or an individual in hisher 70s or 80s facing the difficult transitions that come with aging, my approach always begins from a humanistic core, filled with respect, kindness and consideration. In this search for a meaningful, integrated life, I work to help my clients make their own decisions, find their own happiness, and deepen their own relationships with health and vitality. It's your process. You may be struggling to find your way back to a life you once enjoyed, or you may be seeking a path of discovery for a life you want to live. I want to help.

You're worried about what will happen the next time you need a break. You don't want to lash out, but everyone's needs are overwhelming you. Caregiving, whether you decided to do this or it happened to you, is hard to do on your own. You wish things were different with your loved one, maybe back to the way they were before a diagnosis. You want to have the hard conversations with your family and supports while you still have a chance. Burnout, grief, overwhelm, panic, and frustration are not new concepts to you. I have lived experience as a caregiver to strangers, friends, and family. I am also a relational therapist, meaning I recognize the importance of connection in our lives. Together we can manage caregiver burnout and use real, tangible skills to go from relationship stress to living in your authentic values. You've tried everything and attempted to manage on your own. Chronic stress comes back over and over again no matter what tips and tricks you follow. It impacts your mind, your body, and your relationships. You just wish that someone would care for you the way you've cared for others. What is getting in the way of receiving that care?

Hi! I'm glad you're here. Navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy, postpartum, or challenges like infertility can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. I’m here to walk with you every step of the way, offering support and understanding as you go through this journey. I find great fulfillment in walking alongside people as they navigate the many stages of life. My particular passion lies in supporting women as they experience the trials and triumphs of pregnancy, postpartum, and child-rearing. I also partner with women who are facing the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and child loss.. When I was pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, I had the typical dream that I would move into motherhood smoothly and adjust to all the changes easily. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way. I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) throughout my pregnancy and suffered from intense Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. After working through my own healing journey, I realized that no parent should have to walk through these challenges alone. My goal is to provide you with a safe and supportive space where healing and growth can flourish. I am committed to meeting you with empowerment, encouragement, support, and empathy as you share your story. Anna McDonald is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rebecca Johnson, LMFT 99028

Do you get stuck in cycles of negative thinking? Does it feel like your mind is working against you? Is it tough to turn off damaging self-talk and self-blame? This perpetual self-punishment can give rise to and worsen already challenging conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as sustain the effects of trauma. Wouldn’t it be a relief to break these patterns of destructive thinking? To improve self-esteem? To feel confident and worthy of engaging with others? I can help. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, solution-focused, and designed to be short-term using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT explores how thoughts and perceptions influence mood and behaviors. Identifying and modifying unhelpful thinking patterns affords us the ability to manage our emotions more effectively. In my practice, I also emphasize the importance of mindfulness, given our tendency to be overwhelmed by today's many distractions. Breathing and mindfulness techniques help to reduce anxiety, expand awareness, build resilience, and achieve greater degrees of acceptance. I have experience in suicide prevention and teen crisis counseling, and I currently work with the military veteran population, having recently appeared on Good Day LA to discuss the importance of trauma-informed care. Feel free to reach out with any questions. There has never been a better time to focus on taking care of ourselves, and entering into therapy can be an important first step to real change.

Hi, welcome! Personal and professional growth, connection, healing, gaining insights, whatever it may be, I’m here to support your exploration and work with you to create space for what you bring. After my undergraduate psychology studies, my journey included working in the corporate arena. Reflections on my own life experiences and therapy brought me back to my interest in mental health and becoming a therapist. Coming from a diverse personal and professional background, I appreciate the complexity and process of connecting with and developing your sense of self and building your voice as a guidepost. I work with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD and individuals navigating career development and challenges. I also work with couples experiencing relationship concerns ranging from communication and inter-cultural issues, infidelity, and life transitions. Supporting clients in transforming their challenges into growth and development, deepening connections with themselves and others, and choosing the lives they want to live has been a privilege. I’d be happy to connect and see if we’d be a good fit, for great work.

Are you ready to break free from old patterns, heal emotional wounds, and create lasting change in your life? As a dedicated therapist, I bring a unique blend of empathy, insight, and evidence-based strategies to help clients move from struggle to strength. With over twenty years of experience supporting individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship dynamics, and life transitions, I believe therapy should be both a safe space and a catalyst for growth. My approach is collaborative — I don’t just listen; I help you uncover your inner resilience and empower you with practical tools you can use every day. What sets me apart is my ability to connect deeply with clients while tailoring therapy to their individual needs. Whether you’re seeking clarity, emotional healing, or a new perspective, I will guide you with compassion, honesty, and unwavering support. Clients often say they leave our sessions feeling heard, understood, and inspired to take the next step. Therapy is not about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you discover the strongest, truest version of yourself. Together, we’ll create a path forward that feels authentic, empowering, and sustainable. Let’s begin the work of transformation. I am also a trained life coach.

I am a clinical psychologist located in Manhattan Beach, where I have practiced for several years.  My work with people is based on a core belief that new relationships have the ability to profoundly change and improve peoples? lives.  I view my role as an active participant and strive to create a safe and supportive place in which together we can explore and try to understand whatever is making life difficult. This insight and clarity often leads people to experience an expansion of choices and more satisfying ways of being and relating.  Please feel free to explore my Web site and don?t hesitate to call with any questions.

Are you having some difficulties in your life or are you struggling with sadness, stress or other psychological issues? If so, then I am confident that I can help and or find you the assistance that you need. You will see that I am interested in assisting you in meeting your goals and helping you attain a more happy life. I utilize a non-judgmental but direct approach with patients. I can offer you ways to feel happier and more relaxed. I strongly expect success and provide every opportunity to achieve it. Specialties: SadnessDepression, StressAnxiety, Adjustment Issues, Life Changes, and Personal Growth.