San Pedro, CA Local Support & Community Resources

Monica Bezzi Demas, LMFT, is deeply passionate about her work and holds a belief that all human beings share similar traits which foster understanding and empathy among one another. As a skilled facilitator in the therapeutic process, she empowers her clients to tap into their inherent strengths and capabilities for growth, change, and healing. Monica expertly guides her clients along their journey of transformation, helping them explore patterns of thought and behavior while equipping them with essential tools to regain control of their lives. With over two decades of experience in both private practice and non-profit community settings since 2000, she has provided individual, family, and group counseling to a diverse range of clients, including children, teens, adults, and elders. Monica specializes in addressing issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, ADHD, and parent-child relationships. Her comprehensive approach includes various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, making her a versatile and compassionate choice for those in need. Monica is affiliated with First Step Counseling in San Pedro and has worked tirelessly to support her clients in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth.

Barbara Bishop, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with an MA, specializes in helping adults and teens through individual and family sessions. Her focus includes addiction treatment, trauma, and the underlying issues associated with addiction, such as depression, anxiety, and poor communication patterns. Utilizing EMDR, she effectively addresses trauma-related disorders, including PTSD and chronic pain, while also alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Barbara combines EMDR with mindfulness practices to deliver relief for past traumas in a relatively short number of sessions. Her commitment to trauma therapy shines through her extensive experience, as client after client attests to the effectiveness of her methods in resolving a variety of symptoms. Passionate about alleviating the suffering caused by both unresolved childhood trauma and more recent distressing events, Barbara is dedicated to guiding clients towards healing and resilience.

Maya Denola, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who offers a unique and healing-focused experience. Her approach centers on collaboration with clients as they embark on their personal journey towards joy and fulfillment. Maya believes in exploring various paths to discover what serves each individual best, assisting them in breaking free from negative patterns that have kept them in cycles of unfulfilled living. She empowers clients to reclaim their birthright: a joyous and fulfilled life. With expertise in addressing issues related to career, interpersonal relationships, emotional health, and more, Maya fosters a supportive environment for open discussion and sustainable change. As a flexible practitioner, she utilizes a variety of diagnostic tools and eclectic methods, encouraging clients to express themselves authentically through laughter, tears, grief, and celebration. Her treatment focus includes complex experiences such as complex trauma, relational deficits, disordered eating, and anxiety, among others. Maya emphasizes that the journey to each individual’s truth is what matters most. She offers a complimentary 15-minute introductory session to assess compatibility or invites clients to engage in a more in-depth session. Sliding scale rates and flexible appointments are available, ensuring that everyone has access to her compassionate care.