Find a Therapist in Torrance, CA

Angela Body, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist who excels in assisting adults and elders facing significant challenges, such as anxiety, chronic illness, and depression. With a deep understanding of the struggles that accompany medical diagnoses, she provides compassionate support, education, and effective coping strategies to those who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their lives. Angela specializes in working with individuals grappling with adjustment disorders and those in need of direction through their health challenges. She also offers vital counseling services for caregivers, often a notably overlooked group. With over 9 years of experience in counseling adults in medical settings, Angela is well-equipped to help her clients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered methodologies, all tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients. Angela is passionate about guiding others on their journey toward wellness, making a positive impact in their lives every step of the way.

Melissa Dumaz, MS, LMFT, is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist whose mission is to support and guide her clients on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recognizing that change, life transitions, and trauma are inherent parts of the human experience, Melissa believes in the capacity of every individual to heal and grow. She specializes in helping clients achieve their goals related to intimate, family, social, and professional relationships. Her areas of expertise encompass overcoming both recent and past traumas, grief and loss, postpartum depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, family conflict, life transitions, self-esteem, self-care, anxiety, depression, and stress management. Melissa employs an eclectic and culturally sensitive approach in her therapy, tailoring her methods to best suit the unique needs of each client. She is committed to helping individuals recognize and utilize their own internal strengths and resources, ensuring that they feel understood and valued beyond any specific labels.

Samantha Halverson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is dedicated to guiding individuals through the transformative journey of self-discovery in therapy. Understanding that this path can often feel daunting, she cultivates a supportive and safe environment designed to foster comfort and growth. Clients seek her expertise to find fulfillment, enhance their overall mood, and develop healthier relationships. With a compassionate approach, Samantha provides empathy and actionable insights that empower individuals to confront long-standing challenges and navigate current stressors effectively. Through her nurturing, nonjudgmental care, she helps clients find balance and leads them toward a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Melissa Waybright is a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders. She understands the struggles associated with repetitive, bothersome thoughts, and the physical symptoms of anxiety that can hold individuals back. Many find themselves limiting their experiences, feeling paralyzed by panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or social anxiety. Whether navigating a challenging life transition or feeling isolated and depressed, Dr. Waybright offers a welcoming environment for those who feel stuck. Patients often discover that traditional treatments have not led to significant improvement—this is where Dr. Waybright excels. With a focus on actionable life changes, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety and depression effectively. Dr. Waybright believes that feeling better does not require years of discussing childhood issues; instead, her approach is rooted in helping clients connect more deeply with themselves and others. For anyone who has tried therapy before with little change, Dr. Waybright encourages considering her specialized methods for anxiety disorder treatment. Despite being out of network with all insurance companies, she manages all billing, making the process as seamless as possible.

Niparpon Vonghong Johansen is a trauma-focused, EMDR-certified clinical registered Art Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapist. With a profound understanding of how one's mind and body develop reactions to different situations and people, she assists individuals in comprehensively exploring their past experiences. This reflective work aims to identify the roots of presenting symptoms, providing clients with the choices and wisdom necessary for a healthier future. Niparpon, a relaxed Buddhist and immigrant from Thailand, brings a unique perspective shaped by 26 years of integration into U.S. culture. She recognizes the pervasive impact of unspoken trauma, particularly racialized trauma and oppression, which can lead to issues such as frustration, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. In therapy, she invites individuals to delve deeply into their stories—spiritually and ancestrally—uncovering how systemic factors have influenced their mental well-being. Through this collaborative process, clients can learn to recover from lifelong habits and symptoms, understanding that while trauma may leave imprints, it does not have to dictate their lives.

Christine Phelps, LCSW, holds the role of a therapist with deep appreciation and humility. She creates a safe environment where individuals can explore the stressors that impede their pursuit of a fulfilling life. Acknowledging that everyone has faced painful events and overwhelming moments—which shape their perception of themselves and the world—Christine helps clients pause, reflect, and understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, she employs techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Christine is grateful for the opportunity to guide individuals through life's complexities, fostering resilience and emotional healing. She firmly believes that everyone possesses the inherent strength and resources to heal emotional wounds, enhance their sense of safety and connection, and construct a life aligned with their core values.

Dr. Christina Averill, a licensed psychologist with a PhD and Qualified Medical Evaluator credential, is dedicated to guiding adults and elders through transformative therapeutic experiences. She believes that therapy serves as a powerful tool for fostering self-awareness, insight, and relief from anxiety and depression. Dr. Averill emphasizes the importance of understanding past experiences and current choices, illuminating patterns that may hinder personal success and happiness. Through her extensive experience helping clients navigate grief, loss, and relationship challenges, she creates a compassionate space where individuals can confront chronic pain and break the cycle of fear that holds them back. Armed with an array of therapeutic modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Psychoanalytic approaches, she empowers her clients to develop the confidence and clarity necessary to move forward in life.

Vi Ballard is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who specializes in supporting a diverse range of clients, including children, teens, and adults. With a deep understanding of issues such as coping skills, relationship difficulties, and family conflict, she employs a holistic approach to therapy. Vi's expertise spans various effective modalities, including Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and trauma-focused therapy, allowing her to tailor her methods to meet each client's unique needs. Her warm and engaging style creates a safe space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their challenges and foster meaningful connections. Vi is committed to empowering her clients through strength-based and attachment-focused practices, guiding them on a transformative journey towards healing and resilience.

Dr. Carol Francis & Associates are dedicated mental health professionals who understand the challenges that individuals, couples, and families may face. Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, or unmotivated? They recognize the impact of distance in once-loving relationships and are skilled in guiding clients through transitions in career and personal life. Whether feeling stuck, blocked, discouraged, or uncertain, clients of all ages—ranging from toddlers to elders—will find support here. The team specializes in addressing women's issues, anxiety, chronic pain, and more, using an extensive toolbox of over hundreds of psychotherapy techniques including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), somatic practices, and trauma-focused therapies. They offer evidence-based services like hypnotherapy, which effectively addresses traumas, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and public speaking fears. Their integrative approach combines hypnosis with talk therapies, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for comprehensive care tailored to each client's unique needs. Dr. Carol Francis & Associates invite you to take the first step towards self-improvement and renewed motivation, knowing that numerous effective interventions await you.

Brittany Charles, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker with extensive experience in both Community and School-Based Mental Health programs. She is deeply passionate about empowering marginalized communities to gain access to comprehensive mental health services. Brittany employs a strength-based holistic perspective in her practice, guiding clients to understand how various factors impact their daily lives and cope with stress effectively. She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational trauma and advocates for the learning of healthy coping skills to address both personal and familial conflicts. With a firm belief that therapy is not a ‘cookie cutter’ approach, Brittany is committed to providing individualized services that foster reflection and growth.

At Anew Era Psychiatry, the dedicated team led by accomplished marriage and family therapist, Anew, is committed to providing the highest level of psychiatric expertise to residents of Southern California. This compassionate team of mental health professionals delivers comprehensive outpatient diagnostic and treatment services tailored to a wide range of mental health and behavioral health conditions. As regional leaders in their field, they work tirelessly to ensure patients receive compassionate, confidential, and effective care. Each treatment journey begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation designed to uncover individualized needs through a variety of assessment tools, including detailed interviews, history of presenting issues, and comprehensive medical and family histories. The clinic also specializes in TMS Therapy, a cutting-edge brain stimulation technique that employs powerful magnetic fields to target key areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation, memory, and concentration, all while patients remain comfortably seated and alert.

Dr. Carol Francis is an experienced therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of relationships. With over 40 years of experience in enhancing relationship satisfaction, she understands that happy, fulfilling relationships necessitate effort, humor, communication, and investment from all parties involved. Dr. Francis works tirelessly to address the common hurdles faced in relationships, such as misunderstandings, hurtful actions, and unmet needs. Her expertise encompasses various relationship dynamics, including those between spouses, partners, and families, making her well-versed in the nuances of family conflict and intimacy issues. Utilizing an array of counseling techniques—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy—Dr. Francis employs innovative, proven strategies to foster mutual understanding, respect, and clear communication. Her wealth of knowledge and dedication to transforming relationships into enriching, respectful, and enjoyable connections make her a sought-after therapist for those struggling with differences and conflicts that can threaten love. Whether addressing communication breakdowns, emotional challenges, or differing goals, Dr. Francis’s commitment to resolutions helps her clients cultivate satisfying relationships that thrive.

Nancy Lomibao is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist, holding a master's degree and licensure as an LMFT. With expertise in working with diverse age groups ranging from toddlers to elders, Nancy specializes in addressing crucial issues such as depression, anxiety, and developing effective coping skills. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family systems therapy, among others. By utilizing techniques such as Imago therapy, expressive arts, and play therapy, Nancy creates a safe and nurturing environment for individuals, couples, and families alike. Her commitment to fostering healing and growth underpins every session, where she strives to build meaningful connections and facilitate positive change for her clients.