Clarity for your mind. Strength for your life.
Life can feel overwhelming, and lonely when you are emotionally stuck from unresolved grief, relationship issues, or general frustration with yourself or your career. You might turn to alcohol, drugs or other unhealthy habits to cope when you feel you can't pull yourself out.
There is another way. Healing is possible. We can look at ways to help clarify your goals so you can live a connected and fulfilling life with those you love.
Services
Substance use &
Co-dependency
Rediscover your strength, reclaim your voice, and create meaningful change from the inside out. Discover the emotional and psychological reasons behind your substance or alcohol use. Reduce harmful responses to triggers and develop healthier coping strategies to pain without relying on substances. When you’re ready, we’ll provide post-sobriety support for you to reintegrate into your daily life with a renewed sense of purpose.
PTSD &
Trauma
Find relief from the ongoing distress of past dysfunctional relationships, difficult childhood experiences, recent traumatic events, or immigration issues. Your PTSD deserves to be acknowledged fully, without judgement, to accept where you are and move forward. ​Process your tough memories safely to find confidence on the other side. We’ll work together to rebuild your strength and reduce recurring negative thoughts, keeping you awake night after night.
Marriage &
Family
After addiction, betrayal, or prolonged miscommunication, repairing your relationship can feel hopeless. You feel disconnected and doubtful that the fire you once had will return. Together, we'll discuss your partnership goals. You'll work to rebuild confidence within yourself and trust between you and your partner. You'll learn how to communicate assertively, compassionately, and with vulnerability, so you and your partner can build a stronger bond and re-discover emotional and physical intimacy if you choose.
Anxiety &
Depression
When you are feeling overwhelmed and alone, avoiding issues or social situations, depression can overtake you. I will be a grounding support for you while challenging you constructively with methods such as CBT or DBT to pull you out of your depression and ease your anxiety. As we work together you’ll begin to experience greater self-awareness, emotional freedom and confidence to face life’s challenges.​
about
The "VIDA" Method
Validate what you feel.
Identify where you feel it.
Do the opposite.
Accept what you can’t change.
I’m a licensed psychologist and licensed marriage & family therapist in Los Angeles, California, specializing in trauma and addiction recovery, co-dependency issues, helping individuals process painful experiences, maintain sobriety, and build meaningful lives.
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My approach integrates evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, and EMDR with mythological perspectives, along with Jungian and Gestalt frameworks. Additionally, I use dreams and symbolism to deepen self-understanding.
I work with individuals, families, and groups to help them regulate emotions, strengthen relationships and communication, and move toward a more authentic and resilient sense of self. You'll develop skills and insights that last well beyond the therapy room.
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Reach out for information on my Women's Group, DBT Workshop, or to elevate your creativity with an accountability cohort for The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron. Even though I can’t change your life for you, we can decorate it together. Let's talk. You can call or text me at (310) 804-6118.
Hi! I'm Dr. V.
What it's like to work with me
My goal is to help you gain clarity, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of connection with yourself and with others.
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Sessions with me are collaborative, grounded, and supportive, a balance of exploring the deeper emotional roots of your challenges and building practical tools for coping, communication, and change.
We begin by creating a safe space where you feel heard and respected. I balance structure with warmth. In our early sessions, we focus on understanding your history, the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and the goals you want to work toward. Whether you're dealing with trauma, addiction, or relationship issues, we work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
I'll meet you where you are, without judgment, and offer both the practical tools and emotional depth you need to heal. Many clients have told me they feel truly seen and safe in our work together. They are able to explore what’s most painful without feeling overwhelmed or alone. I believe that transformation is possible when we address the why behind the struggle, not just the symptoms. I'll walk with you through this process with care, clarity, and respect.
Evidence-Based Modalities and Methods
Depending on your needs, I may integrate various techniques to help you, including:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR)
With EMDR you may find trust again in yourself and your surroundings, take on life with confidence and patience, reduce emotional numbness by safely confronting painful situations and emotions, and send nightmares to the grave so you can enjoy a more restful sleep.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Manage your stress, regulate intense emotions, and change harming behaviors by learning DBT skills. With this method you can battle substance use, find light to recovery, and learn to improve relationships and gently end the toxic ones. You'll safely confront and accept difficult emotions with a grounding, mindfulness practice to foster personal growth, better communication, and address triggers that threaten your recovery and well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Shift negative thoughts to find healthier perspectives. Reduce aggressive reactivity and avoidance to create intentional, balanced living. Using practical tools like reframing thoughts, relaxation techniques, and creating achievable goals, you’ll build confidence in handling stress and difficult feelings. CBT guides you in building confidence, resilience, and inner peace.
Dream analysis
Experience the profound healing that can occur when your subconscious thoughts are given space to emerge and are held with respect. I regularly integrate dream work and symbolic amplification in my clinical practice.
Coming from a culture where dreams are not only honored but consulted for insight and guidance, I grew up with the understanding that the unconscious speaks in images. Over the years, I have deepened this relationship through the study of Jungian dream theory, both academically and experientially.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and family system techniques to assist you in breaking patterns that no longer serve you, while improving communication and emotional connection within your relationships.
Workshops
Contact me for information on my DBT workshop, Women's group and Artists' Way accountability workshop.
Contact me for a Free Consultation.