Find a Therapist in Encino, CA

Dr. Stephen Friedman is a compassionate and dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist, holding a PsyD and LMFT credentials. He specializes in helping preteens, teens, and adults navigate through the complexities of grief, relationship issues, and child dynamics. With a versatile approach that includes family and marital therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic methods, Stephen addresses the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families alike. His commitment to fostering a supportive environment allows his clients to explore their feelings and find paths toward healing and personal growth. In each session, Stephen's genuine warmth and expertise shine through, making him a trusted partner in the therapeutic journey.

Dr. James Anthony Lough is a compassionate and experienced psychologist, dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. With a PhD and MFT credentials, he specializes in addressing critical issues such as addiction, anxiety, and depression. His expertise extends across diverse age groups, including children aged 6 to 10, teenagers, and adults. Dr. Lough employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family and marital therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, tailoring his methods to meet the unique needs of each client. His commitment to fostering meaningful connections and understanding within families makes him a valued resource in the therapeutic community.

Dr. Tamar Apelian, a compassionate and skilled clinician, is dedicated to helping families and individuals navigate the challenges of developmental and mental health concerns. Through her practice, Achieving Milestones & Progress (A.M.P.) Autism, Dr. Apelian provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments that empower clients of all ages to understand and enhance their developmental or psychiatric needs. She specializes in assessing neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, as well as psychiatric issues like anxiety, mood disorders, and depression. Dr. Apelian's individual therapy adopts validated treatment modalities, ensuring that all clients can reach their full potential and continue to thrive throughout their lives. With a strong background in clinical and research training from UCLA, she employs gold standard diagnostic measures to advocate for diagnostic-specific services from school districts, Regional Centers, and medical insurance entities. By equipping families with essential knowledge and tools, Dr. Apelian fosters an environment conducive to progress and growth, empowering both individuals and families on their journey toward emotional well-being.

Rachel Bar is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience, specializing in guiding individuals, couples, and families through life's transitions and losses. Her work focuses on the profound impacts of relationship changes, job losses, lifestyle alterations, home separations, and even the loss of dreams or expectations. Rachel understands how often these losses are overlooked, leading to unrecognized anxiety, depression, or self-destructive behaviors. She fosters an environment where clients can explore their pain, frustration, and feelings of helplessness, believing that healing is not only possible but achievable. With her expertise in a diverse range of therapies—including Trauma-Focused, Attachment-based, and Emotionally Focused approaches—Rachel is committed to helping her clients transform their lives. She is a certified hypnotherapist and trained in EMDR and the Trauma Resiliency Model, equipping her with the necessary tools to address both big and small traumas effectively. As a former Clinical Director of SFVCC, she also brings a wealth of knowledge from supervising interns and facilitating workshops on topics like Couple's Relationships, Trauma, and Parenting. Rachel is passionate about supporting her clients on their journey toward healing, change, and renewed hope.

Melissa Berman is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who works tirelessly to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. With a wealth of experience in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and family conflict, she provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their feelings and thoughts. Her approach is tailored to the unique needs of each client, ensuring that the therapeutic journey is personal and effective. Through collaboration, Melissa identifies therapeutic goals and employs a variety of techniques — particularly those from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with a humanistic approach — to help clients overcome obstacles and experience positive change. Melissa's active involvement in sessions includes attentive listening and fostering partnerships in treatment, empowering clients to develop confidence in the tools acquired during therapy. Her expertise spans working with individuals, couples, and families, making her a qualified ally in the journey towards mental well-being. Melissa looks forward to the opportunity to support others in finding their path to healing.

Elizabeth Carroll Ingold is a dedicated and compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who understands that life's challenges can significantly affect well-being and the quality of personal and professional relationships. Many individuals may experience feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and dissatisfaction in their lives. Elizabeth employs psychotherapy as a highly effective method for instigating positive change. In her sessions, she collaborates with clients to explore past and present wounds, fostering awareness of their negative influences. With compassionate support and insightful feedback, Elizabeth helps clients resolve persistent, unconscious patterns that might be hindering their growth, while also developing adaptive, positive coping skills to navigate life's complexities. She works with individuals, couples, and families facing a variety of struggles, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, grief, parenting challenges, career hurdles, and unresolved trauma. Elizabeth is committed to creating a warm and safe therapeutic environment. Her eclectic and integrated approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. The good news is that change is possible! Recent research highlights the remarkable ability of the brain to transform and heal, and with conscious awareness and effort, new, healthy coping skills can be developed, leading to improved relationships and personal well-being.

Jocelyn Clegg, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), employs a strength-based approach to help her clients discover their inner strengths and set meaningful goals, enabling them to lead more joyful and fulfilling lives. She collaborates with clients to uncover obstacles that hinder their ability to access their authenticity and best selves, providing a supportive environment essential for overcoming these challenges. Jocelyn specializes in working with families facing the complexities of raising children who may be disruptive, demanding, or challenging. Utilizing a strength-based approach, she aims to restore fun, ease, and joy to the parent-child relationship. Trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Jocelyn focuses on enhancing the parent-child dyad through skill-building before introducing behavioral management techniques. This method effectively addresses issues including aggression, defiance, anxiety, temper tantrums, and school difficulties. Additionally, Jocelyn practices Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based method for supporting individuals dealing with trauma, grief, and loss—empowering both children and adults with vital coping strategies to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Thomas Echlin, LMFT, is a qualified therapist dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the chaos and heartbreak that often accompany relationship struggles. He understands that many clients walk through his door feeling angry and confused, facing hidden crises compounded by a loss of connection and support. Thomas embraces the realities of each client's emotions, reassuring them that 'their feelings are real' and they are not losing control—they are merely overwhelmed. His therapeutic expertise includes working with individuals grappling with trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and mood disorders, as well as providing essential support for parents navigating the complexities of co-parenting and family dynamics. As a play therapist, he effectively connects with children and teens, employing engaging techniques to foster healing. Thomas is trained in diverse therapy modalities, including positive psychology, emotional-focused therapy, and integrative approaches, allowing him to tailor sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. He believes in the potential for transformation within families, empowering them to develop effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. With a firm belief that even one person can catalyze change within a family unit, Thomas stands ready to support individuals in seizing control of their challenges. He understands that the journey begins with a single step, and he is prepared to walk alongside clients as they explore their paths to healing.

Philip Elias Khoury, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with an MA and LMFT credentials, understands the complexities of life challenges that can affect the mind, body, and soul. His perspective is that feelings of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm indicate a life that might be out of balance, and he believes that therapy is a constructive path toward finding equilibrium. With a compassionate and understanding approach, he guides clients in exploring burdens that hinder them from fully engaging in their lives. Philip specializes in supporting individuals as they build a life reflective of their values, hopes, and desires. He works with a diverse range of clients facing issues such as trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, grief, and loss, as well as individuals who feel marginalized due to factors like sexual orientation, culture, race, gender, or religion. With expertise in mindfulness-based therapy, person-centered care, and various other intervention methods, Philip tailors his therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Understanding that entering therapy can be a daunting decision, he encourages those who are considering or ready to begin treatment to reach out for a supportive consultation.

Helaine Harris is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with an MA and LMFT certification, passionate about guiding individuals and families through life's complexities. With her extensive expertise, she adeptly supports a diverse clientele, including preteens, children aged 6 to 10, teens, adults, and elders aged 65 and above. Helaine specializes in addressing top issues such as life coaching, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Her therapeutic modalities are rooted in a rich tapestry of techniques, including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Somatic Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and various integrative and eclectic approaches. Whether working with couples, individuals, or groups, Helaine brings a compassionate and holistic perspective, ensuring each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients and foster meaningful transformation.

Marcia Hayden is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in guiding individuals, couples, and families through challenging life experiences. With a wealth of expertise, she focuses on areas such as marital and premarital counseling, trauma, and PTSD, helping her clients embrace healing and growth. Marcia employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including the Imago approach, EMDR, and trauma-focused therapies, tailor-fitting her methods to the distinct needs of each client. Her holistic perspective ensures that she addresses a range of issues, including self-esteem, anxiety, stress, and grief, allowing for an enriching therapeutic journey. Dedicated to fostering resilience and understanding, Marcia supports clients of all ages, from teens to elders, in navigating complex emotional landscapes and improving their overall well-being.

Cristina Hodge, a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, offers counseling for individuals, couples, and families navigating life's challenges. Recognizing that each person's experiences are unique, she engages with her clients to explore their life stories and current issues, equipping them with fresh perspectives to tackle problems and resolve conflicts. Cristina fosters insight and skill development, empowering individuals to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. Her practice is characterized by a warm, empathetic, and supportive atmosphere where clients feel heard and understood. She provides essential tools to help manage stressors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger. Cristina acknowledges that life’s challenges can be daunting, especially during challenging times, and understands that initiating therapy can be a brave step. She is dedicated to facilitating a transformative journey of self-empowerment and growth for those ready to embrace it.

Dr. Joan Jutta Lachkar is a widely and internationally recognized marriage and family therapist specializing in marital therapy. She is one of the pioneering professionals to introduce a psychoanalytic/psychodynamic perspective to this field, focusing on helping couples disengage from the negative projections that often bind them—an interaction she refers to as 'the dance.' Her extensive authorship includes influential books such as 'The Narcissistic/Borderline Couple,' 'Emotional Abuse of High-Functioning Women,' 'How to Talk to a Narcissist,' and 'How to Talk to a Borderline,' along with numerous publications addressing marital and political conflict. With a background as a classically trained ballet dancer, Dr. Lachkar uniquely caters to individuals in the performing arts, recognizing their specific emotional and psychological requirements. As a member and instructor at the New Center for Psychoanalysis, Dr. Lachkar is committed to fostering understanding in our evolving, diverse, and multicultural society. Her expertise extends as a psychohistorian to embrace cross-cultural dynamics, including same-sex couples, addressing universal human needs shared across cultures. She provides specialized support for individuals dealing with the complexities of narcissistic, borderline disorders, and other high-conflict issues. Dr. Lachkar remains dedicated to helping artists—dancers, musicians, actors, writers, and creatives—connect with their true selves and navigate the unique challenges they face.