Find a Therapist in Lakewood, CA

Maria Carina Abanes, EdD, is a compassionate psychologist who utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral therapy as her foundational framework. She firmly believes that each individual is the expert on their own life, guiding her to tailor treatments that are specifically customized to meet their unique needs, rather than applying a generic, one-size-fits-all solution. Maria celebrates the distinctive differences of each person and embraces the notion that 'we're all more human than otherwise.' This perspective informs her practice, where she encourages meaningful conversations around feelings, highlighting the wisdom of Fred Rogers: 'Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.' Maria is driven by the belief that the desire for connection, understanding, and support is a universal theme that motivates individuals to seek therapy during challenging times.

Marci Flores, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals who feel stuck or overwhelmed by their experiences. She believes that life is filled with challenges and that there is no singular way to navigate one’s path. Marci understands how judgment can create a harsh internal landscape and that fear often paralyzes individuals, while control has its limitations. Through her expertise, she assists clients in gaining insights and breaking free from the underlying dynamics that contribute to their struggles and suffering. Her primary focus is on facilitating meaningful changes that lead to inner peace and empowerment. In her sessions, clients experience a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that encourages self-exploration, behavior change, and emotional growth. Marci is proficient in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and trauma-focused therapies, including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She provides a high level of personalized care tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Emphasizing her commitment to client-centered care, Marci is currently welcoming new referrals and offers Teletherapy modalities, fostering accessibility for her clients. She looks forward to supporting individuals on their journey to well-being.

Christa Mapes, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, brings a warm and collaborative approach that empowers her clients to raise awareness, tap into their personal strengths, and develop skills to achieve their treatment goals. She aims to provide a safe therapeutic environment for individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use issues, and perinatal mental health challenges. Christa believes in the many paths to healing, utilizing an array of therapy types, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and techniques in Mindfulness to cater to her clients' individual needs. Passionate about supporting women during the perinatal period, she focuses on areas such as pregnancy planning, postpartum, and fertility challenges. Christa is a trained Perinatal Mental Health Provider and is certified in EMDR, ensuring that her clients receive expert care tailored to their unique experiences.

Michelle Taylor is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for supporting teens, adults, and elders through a diverse range of emotional and psychological challenges. With extensive experience in areas such as marital and premarital counseling, anxiety, and relationship issues, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. Michelle effectively employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy, tailoring her approach to meet each individual’s unique needs. Her focus on trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive practices ensures that clients feel understood and valued. Whether addressing complexities like Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, or substance use issues, Michelle's strength-based and person-centered methodology empowers clients while developing coping skills for life's challenges. Committed to fostering resilience, she provides compassionate support throughout transitions, helping individuals navigate grief, relationship conflicts, and broader life changes. With a kind-hearted approach and a genuine commitment to her clients' mental health, Michelle Taylor is a dedicated advocate for wellness and personal growth.

Vaelupe Maaele is a compassionate marriage and family therapist (LMFT) dedicated to assisting individuals grappling with internal conflicts related to their authentic selves and cultural identity. Many find it challenging to recognize and establish their personal needs and boundaries, especially as a Pasifika womxn. Vaelupe understands that various factors influence one's ability to embrace joy, stemming from the richness of Indigenous cultures. She recognizes the difficulties that arise when navigating anxiety, frustrations, and significant life transitions, particularly when individuals feel disconnected from their own needs. Through a nurturing approach, Vaelupe believes that strength can be found in the journey of life itself. By drawing on personal and shared experiences, she fosters growth and healing. Her aim is to guide and collaborate with clients to craft a personalized roadmap that reflects their unique experiences, aspirations, and the obstacles they face. As an expert in their own lives, clients have the innate knowledge of what brings them joy and what causes them distress. Together, they will explore triggers and barriers to uncover a path toward personal fulfillment and insight, while equipping them with effective tools to navigate their healing process.

Barbara Rankin is a dedicated and highly skilled certified addiction specialist, known for her advanced certification and extensive work experience in addiction, dual diagnosis, and co-occurring disorders. She is passionate about helping individuals enhance their communication skills and discover a sense of empowerment. With a unique ability to inspire fresh insights into their lives, Barbara equips her clients with the tools to make healthier choices and develop effective coping strategies to manage distress. Her commitment to prioritizing essential skill sets and techniques enables clients to overcome addiction by facing challenges with innovative solutions. Barbara's profound listening skills, compassion, and empathy—coupled with her own life experiences—make her a trusted guide in the therapeutic process. She believes that everyone has a purpose in life and seeks to support individuals as they pursue their long-term and short-term goals in recovery. With confidence in her approach, Barbara is dedicated to assisting clients facing issues like addiction, low self-esteem, anger management, and positive parenting, empowering them to become self-sufficient and achieve their treatment goals.