Find a Therapist in Laguna Beach, CA

Dr. Amy Amelia Hardwick is a compassionate psychologist with a wealth of experience working with individuals across a spectrum of ages, including preteens, children, teens, and elders. Her dedication to mental health is evident in her comprehensive approach to therapy, focusing on critical issues such as depression, trauma and PTSD, and anxiety. Dr. Hardwick utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Somatic therapy, and Emotionally Focused therapy, ensuring a culturally sensitive and integrative experience for her clients. Through approaches like coaching, mindfulness, and solution-focused brief therapy, she empowers her clients to navigate their emotional challenges and foster personal growth. Dr. Hardwick's expertise in various techniques, from CBT to holistic methodologies, emphasizes her commitment to meeting each client's unique needs, whether in individual, couples, or family settings. Her warm, empathetic energy creates a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, guiding them toward healing and resilience.

Josh Beckman, MA, is dedicated to providing kind and professional therapeutic care to teens and adults facing a variety of challenges. His flexible approach allows clients to identify and understand their unique issues, facilitating a path towards resolution. With a strong emphasis on healing trauma, fostering safe attachments, and enabling clients to embrace an authentic life, Josh helps individuals explore the parts of themselves that feel disconnected or are in pain. As an adoptee himself, he specializes in navigating the lifelong implications of adoption, abandonment, and unmet childhood needs, working compassionately with all members of the adoption triad as well as those grappling with feelings of disconnection. With extensive experience addressing addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, Josh employs an integrative approach to psychotherapy that is deeply attuned to the mind-body connection. He is committed to creating a comfortable and safe therapeutic environment where compassion and trust thrive, allowing for genuine growth. As a passionate advocate for self-care, he encourages clients to engage in activities that promote well-being, including creativity, personal growth, nutrition, and nurturing relationships.

Allie Brody Runkel, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), offers a warm and safe space for healing to her clients. In her therapeutic practice, she collaborates with individuals to uncover the challenges they face and initiate transformation by identifying disruptive thoughts and behavior patterns. With a focus on disentangling from old habits, Allie guides her clients towards healthier choices through authentic connections that delve deeper into their essential selves. She finds fulfillment in working with adults who have experienced turbulent childhoods and continue to encounter dysfunctional relationship patterns, either with themselves or with others. By utilizing relational techniques, Allie helps clients tap into their inner healing intelligence, aiming for a rewiring process that fosters a more regulated and authentic alignment with their true needs and desires. Her goal is to support individuals in achieving greater stability and insight into themselves. Understanding that life can be overwhelming, Allie recognizes how easily we can become lost amidst life's demands. She believes that the presence of a compassionate listener can facilitate relaxation and healing, ultimately creating a warm therapeutic relationship that serves as a mirror for self-exploration—a true privilege she extends in her practice.

Clint Christie is a compassionate and culturally competent Marriage & Family Therapist, dedicated to providing counseling to first responders and their families. As a retired third-generation firefighter from California, his journey in the fire service was not just a career but a genuine calling that enriched his life. Throughout his tenure, Clint witnessed the profound pain and suffering faced by many of his colleagues due to the trauma associated with their demanding profession. In the second chapter of his life, Clint aims to make a significant impact by empowering first responders to lead fulfilling lives while offering unwavering support to those who bravely protect their communities. Whether dealing with the pressures of firefighting, law enforcement, dispatching, emergency medical services, or healthcare, he recognizes the unique challenges these high-stakes careers impose both professionally and personally. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these hurdles, amplifying the need for dedicated counseling. Drawing from his extensive experience, Clint offers personalized, holistic, and collaborative counseling services tailored to meet the needs of first responders and their families. His goal is to foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals can thrive and grapple with the complexities of first responder life, enhancing their well-being both at work and home.

Inner Fokus represents more than just a unique name; it embodies a deep-rooted meaning cherished by its founders. The spelling of 'Fokus' is a tribute to the German heritage shared by Dr. Lori and Dr. Patrick, emphasizing their commitment to cultural recognition and personal exploration. This name serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to occasionally step outside of familiar patterns and explore new avenues of growth. Inner Fokus reflects a therapeutic philosophy that prioritizes introspection, encouraging individuals to look within themselves to navigate and transcend challenges while pursuing overall well-being. This multifaceted approach underscores the importance of understanding oneself as an individual, a family member, and as part of broader social interactions. By integrating a diverse range of therapy techniques—such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Positive Psychology—Inner Fokus strives to support children, adults, and veterans in their journey to improved mental health, addressing key issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Etana Kempner, LCSW, is a compassionate and solution-focused therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey towards empowerment and well-being. Her approach helps clients uncover their true potential and embrace a life worthy of celebration. While it's not possible to change the difficult situations of the past, Etana collaborates with her clients to understand and navigate the challenges they face today. Utilizing various therapeutic techniques, she assists in shifting long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may hinder a more fulfilling life experience. Etana's expertise encompasses a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing support for depression, grief, parenting, couples counseling, and beyond. She specializes in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, offering a safe space for individuals working through unresolved trauma.

Michele Hall, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist, understands that life can be challenging and that facing these challenges alone can feel overwhelming. Many individuals may experience high levels of stress, anxiety, or even panic attacks. However, with techniques like EMDR therapy, clients can uncover unwanted patterns, triggers, and behaviors to facilitate positive transformation. Michele believes that no one needs to be defined by their negative experiences or past traumas; instead, everyone possesses the inherent power to initiate positive change in their lives. As a certified Bikram Yoga instructor, she emphasizes the vital Mind/Body connection in her therapeutic approach. Michele's primary objective is to foster a trusting relationship with her clients, recognizing that trust must be cultivated over time rather than assumed. This foundational trust enables clients to engage more deeply in their healing journey, allowing them to discover their inner strengths and authentic voices. Through her guidance, clients are empowered to cultivate meaningful relationships and make decisions that enhance their lives. For those ready to embark on a journey of transformative change, Michele Hall is prepared to support and guide them every step of the way.

Kathleen Kay Wenger is a compassionate counselor with over 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in working with couples, individuals, and families. In her sessions, she creates a comfortable and respectful atmosphere that allows for the exploration of clients' concerns and the tailoring of therapeutic approaches to their specific needs. In a world often marked by division, she emphasizes the positive attributes within relationships and facilitates the journey toward forgiveness for past mistakes. Alongside her therapeutic practice, Kathleen serves as an educator in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. For 30 years, she has also been the Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development, nurturing the next generation of therapists. Her expertise includes addressing common issues such as deepening affection, depression, anxiety, parenting skills, infidelity, and career challenges. Kathleen is proudly recognized as a leading counselor, serving clients in areas such as Dana Point, South Orange County, and Newport Beach, among others.

Anne Laptin is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding a Master's degree from Columbia University, graduated in 1992. Her primary focus is to empower individuals to achieve their full potential, whether they are navigating current challenges or pursuing broader life transformations. She emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, providing a safe and nurturing environment characterized by support, honesty, and trust. This foundation is essential for clients to feel secure and understood in their journey toward healing. Anne specializes in issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and loss, particularly for adults and elders, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. It is her goal to help individuals become happier and to eliminate barriers that hinder their path to health and success, fostering lasting change. Anne employs a tailored therapeutic approach, utilizing various modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and the Gottman Method, to guide her clients towards insight, confidence, and meaningful change in their lives and relationships. Additionally, she is the proud co-founder of Twin Candor, reflecting her commitment to compassionate care and professional collaboration.

Laura Lee Townsend understands that many individuals seek solace from the weight of trauma that has transformed their lives into something unrecognizable. She recognizes the struggles of those who feel constantly on edge, battling with sleep disturbances and nightmares that rob them of peace. In her compassionate practice, she encounters clients who grapple with guilt and shame, often feeling isolated in their pain. Laura also reaches out to the family members of those who seem unreachable, offering a bridge of understanding and support. As a trauma therapist specializing in EMDR therapy, she employs this evidence-based approach to help clients navigate complex issues like trauma, addictions, anxiety, and depression. Laura welcomes creatives, performers, entrepreneurs, and executives, offering a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic space. For those who are results-driven, Laura champions the belief that healing is possible. She provides a holistic, integrative approach to treatment, mindful of each client’s culture, environment, experiences, and history, all vital to their overall health and wellbeing. Together, they embark on a journey to cultivate a more authentic life that they truly love and deserve.

Kirk Michael Andrews is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 29 years of experience specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and bereavement. He provides compassionate support to individuals, couples, families, and children, understanding that seeking help can be a challenging endeavor. Kirk upholds the highest ethical standards and treats each client with respect and dignity. He is well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and is trained in the Pragmatic Experiential Method of couples counseling, emphasizing non-verbal communication and cues. His expertise in Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness equips him to assist clients in navigating serious life stressors, and he encourages a sense of fun during the challenging process of change. For those open to it, Kirk utilizes EMDR to facilitate quicker transformations. His dedication to fostering growth and healing shines through in his practice.

Sabrina Norton, MS, LMFT, is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist who understands the importance of a supportive environment in fostering personal growth. Her integrative approach incorporates simple, proven mental health and wellness tools alongside elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Clients can expect to gain tangible and practical strategies to overcome barriers hindering their progress toward becoming their best selves. Having faced numerous challenges in recent years, Sabrina has cultivated resilience, determination, and a faith-driven perspective, empowering her to effectively support others in their journey. With expertise in family and marital dynamics, she is well-equipped to guide individuals and couples through issues such as depression, coping skills, and anxiety, making her a valuable resource for anyone seeking positive change.

Jody Spellmeyer, a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over 24 years of experience, understands that life can present numerous challenges and life-changing events which often lead to significant emotional distress. She is especially focused on helping those who struggle with issues such as sadness, anxiety, stress management, loss and grief, or trauma. Jody works tirelessly in a collaborative effort with individuals and their families to navigate emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and uncover solutions to manage emotional struggles. Her passion lies in providing an individualized approach tailored to each client's unique needs. Utilizing an array of modalities, including Play Therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jody's interactive approach ensures she meets clients where they are, helping them to identify their goals and work cooperatively towards restoring balance. Through her guidance, clients can achieve meaningful solutions and strategies to alleviate emotional distress.