Therapists for college students near 90089

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Many people come into therapy feeling internally divided — a part of them wants connection while another part pulls away, a part wants change while another part feels scared, overwhelmed, or stuck. My work is centered around helping people understand these different parts of themselves with curiosity instead of shame. I offer short-term, focused therapy that combines deep conversation, nervous system awareness, mindfulness, and medicine-assisted therapy when appropriate. Rather than approaching people as “broken,” I see emotional patterns as intelligent adaptations that once helped someone survive, cope, or stay connected. My approach is influenced by IFS/parts work, attachment theory, somatic therapy, and contemplative practices, while staying grounded, relational, and practical. I tend to work actively and intentionally with clients rather than remaining indefinitely in open-ended therapy. The goal is to help people recognize the patterns that keep repeating in relationships, anxiety, depression, self-criticism, emotional reactivity, or disconnection — and begin relating to themselves with more clarity, compassion, and honesty. Many clients describe the process as both deep and relieving because they begin to experience that they are not one fixed identity, but a complex human being made up of different parts all trying, in their own ways, to protect them.

Dr. Marcia Nimmer is a clinical psychologist (PSY31404) and licensed clinical social worker. She received her doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she specialized in depth psychology. Dr. Nimmer also completed advanced training at the Wright Institute Los Angeles, where she received certification in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. She is known for her warmth and intuitive style. As a clinician, she enables individuals of all ages to make emotional contact with their authentic inner experience, allowing for growth and transformation.

I trained in Boston. Boston College was my graduate school, Beth Israel Hospital the site of my clinical education, and MIT, where I was a Senior Research Associate, the start of my professional career. In 1976, I emerged a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts and began a practice treating young people, couples, and families. I also worked as a community therapist with teachers, parents, and students, to help integrate three Boston's public schools. In California I completed additional training and was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I acquired experience in different approaches to treatment including, Cognitive Behaviorism, Family Systems, Narrative, Object Relations, Solution Focused, and Strategic therapy. I have extensive experience working with artists, trauma victims and addicts. I also train interns at a community mental health clinic. This was not my first career. I worked as an editor and a documentary filmmaker. The skills I developed became invaluable to me as a therapist. I learned to listen–for what is said but also for what is left unsaid--and to recognize the impact that social structures have on our life stories.

My clinical practice is devoted to helping teens, women, and parents who are struggling with a range of issues including stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, past trauma experience, ADHD, self-harming behaviors, women’s issues, and parenting and relationship challenges. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I am passionate about supporting clients learn how to uncover their resources, build upon their strengths, discover unhelpful patterns, and make the changes necessary to improve daily functioning, health, and relationships.

You deserve a safe space to deal with painful feelings, relationship issues, past traumas, and the general stressors of day-to-day life. Together, we can explore what will help you achieve a meaningful life. Growth and change is not only possible, it’s inevitable. Let’s make sure it’s in the direction that YOU want it to go. My therapeutic approach is creative, collaborative, and strongly rooted in self-exploration. I incorporate mindfulness and strength based interventions. I come from a history of theatre arts, performing, and directing. We can tap into our creative selves to find the growth we are looking for. I am here to learn about your experience, listen, and offer support while we work together towards the life you want to attain.

Therapy can be Fun, Freeing, and Inspiring. (I get back to everyone within 12 hours.) You're hesitant since it's your first time in therapy; perhaps you have given up hope. You feel empty, hopeless, and lost. Every day is a struggle due to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Maybe you have past family trauma that you haven't dealt with. Maybe there are cultural confines that have left you or your child feeling frustrated and hurt. I help people who are dealing with depression and anxiety experience a sense purpose by helping them find the voice that they never knew they had so that they can be more self-supportive. My goal is to empower you to take control of your life by dealing with the issues that have not been resolved or those that you fail to be aware of. It could be scary and uncomfortable but growth happens when we are in an uncomfortable state. I can promise you that I will be your ally during this journey of growth and discovery (and have some laughs too).

We commend you for taking a step in the right direction by researching therapy for yourself or your loved one. We believe that while we have expertise in mental health treatment, YOU are the expert in your own life! ​Our approach to therapy is to support, encourage, and guide you to tap into your strengths to create the life you and/or your family deserve. We are not a clinic. Our associates are a professional group of skilled, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, and Interns committed to providing a deeply individual, personal, and empowering experience in therapy. Welcome. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Our clients come from all walks of life, but tend to have one thing in common when they reach out to set up an initial appointment: they’ve realized they want more out of life. More joy, more freedom, greater emotional and relational health – in short, a more abundant life. In your first few sessions with us, it’s typical to breathe a sigh of relief – as you realize that there’s finally a space where you can be completely, authentically yourself. We start by processing your story – where you’ve been, where you are now, where you want to be. Stephen Covey writes that “to touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.” Being invited to be a witness to your story – in all the pains and triumphs and tragedies and victories – this is not an honor I take lightly. As our work together progresses, we unpack what hasn’t been working – self-defeating beliefs, unprocessed events and emotions, stale relational patterns… and we explore and process and practice new ways of being. Over time, the “ah ha” moments start to add up into the “I can’t believe how far I’ve come” moments as we reflect on your journey toward healing and abundance.

Hi. These are particularly complicated and stressful times. You may be feeling anxious and or depressed. Repetitive dysfunctional patterns of behavior may be tripping up your relationships, perhaps your job, as well as your overall self-esteem. It's imperative to first understand "why I do what I do." When aware of dysfunctional patterns of behavior, you will want effective "tools" to take on behaviors that either no longer work for you, or perhaps never did. Through empathic exploration as to the "why am I the way that I am" questions, I will work with you to find and explore these important answers. I look to provide you tools that will help enable you to deal with, cope, and place your self-critical demons in their proper place going forward. I offer you helpful, practical tools viewed through a wider lens to help broaden your perspective. Change can then manifest. I have a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved in navigating very different worlds. I have owned and operated businesses. I've worked creatively, as both a professional actor and writer in the entertainment industry. I have deep passion and an empathic approach toward helping others shift out of, and away from, long-standing negative patterns of behavior that have gotten in your way. Working safely together, we will examine what these patterns have been for you and why, with the ultimate goal of creating new freedoms, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. MORE INFO ABOUT MY PRACTICE My professional career prior to entering the field of psychology began after I graduated from Boston University's School of Management, earning a BSBA in Finance, with honors. I then worked in a number of different business ventures, and have owned and operated businesses while based in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. I have also had a separate creative career as both a stage and film actor, and as a writer in Theatre and Film, working in both New York City and Los Angeles. One of the constants of my differing past careers has been the pleasure of communicating and connecting with people, exploring lives in depth, the complexities of the human condition and getting to what matters. My past experiences have informed my life and now enable me to help others with theirs. I am here to help you. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" situation. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and very different life experiences. I am here to help...you! And I want you to feel comfortable in working with me as your therapist. I offer a free 15-30 minute initial consultation, wherein we can get a sense of one another, and I can learn a little as to what is going on with you. From there, I look to help you solve these deeper issues, even if, for now, we do so by TeleHealth.

My approach to counseling is interactive in style and based on the concept that understanding emotions is essential to personal growth and happiness. I provide a supportive, empathetic, non-judgmental environment in which my clients feel comfortable in sharing and exploring their feelings. My goal is to help my clients to develop long term skills for coping and prospering. I specialize in working with life transitions and grief and loss. I work with individuals, couples and families.

A lot of people are struggling to be present today. The pace of life, distraction from our phones, and increasing demands at work and school make it challenging to "slow down" and enjoy life. This is even more difficult when we're experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or substance use. I work with people to overcome underlying mental health issues and develop skills to improve presence, strengthen relationships, and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors. I specialize in treating anxiety, including OCD (using ERP, the gold standard), integrating both cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based modalities. I also work with people experiencing depression and substance use. I know that struggling with mental health can be overwhelming. It might feel like you are moving through a downward spiral. My goal is to reverse that spiral with you. Together, we'll identify 1) where you're at, 2) where you want to go (and what's getting in the way), and 3) practical, specific, evidence-based actions you can begin taking right away. I was previously a Clinical Assistant Professor at USC (where I worked in the Student Counseling Center), have worked with people across the clinical spectrum, and have been teaching meditation for 10+ years. I also run public courses and workshops on mindfulness and mental health. I would be glad to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to talking more!

At Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine, we help people reach their full potential by transforming their healthcare experience. We use evidence-based psychological practices and partner with a range of health professionals for seamless and integrated care. Our psychologists provide state-of-the-art therapy for common concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship problems, and phase-of-life issues. In addition, we specialize in health and rehabilitation psychology, providing assistance to patients with medical illnesses and disabilities and sensorimotor psychotherapy, providing trauma-informed, somatic, “body-based” therapy.

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Foresight Mental Health’s integrated team of professionals includes licensed therapists, nutritionists, and psychiatric providers dedicated to working with clients to provide individualized and personal care. We believe in providing care that is accessible and affordable, which is why we are in network with most major insurers and provide both telehealth and in-person services. We all experience life differently, so we don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer a culture of connection that embraces and cares for people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicities, education levels, and abilities. You deserve the kind of care that helps you feel confident about who you are and optimistic about where you’re headed.

Whether you’re starting fresh, returning to school, or trying to find your footing again, support is needed. I’ve been there myself, and I understand how demanding and overwhelming this stage of life can feel. Your schedule is constantly changing, relationships can feel uncertain, and even when this is “supposed” to be the best time of your life, it can still feel like too much. Many of the students and young adults I work with come to therapy carrying pressure from school, family expectations, relationships, work, or simply trying to keep up with life. My goal is not to add to that pressure, but to create a space where you can slow down, process what you’re carrying, and build practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and life transitions. Together, we work on building coping skills, managing stress and anxiety, improving self-understanding, and finding healthier ways to navigate the demands of everyday life. I support college students, young adults, and returning students in creating more balance while still making space for who they are outside of school, work, and expectations.

I specialize in working with young adults, teens, caregivers, and families navigating overwhelm, transitions, chronic stress, and challenging relationship dynamics. I provide therapy to help restore stability and trust for those who have experienced trauma or relational wounds such as loss, chronic invalidation, coercive control, neglect, and abuse. I also work with athletes and performance-driven individuals whose ambition, discipline, and high standards fuel their lives yet may conceal pain. I integrate a sports psychology lens when achievement pressure intersects with self-concept, trauma, or burnout. I support high-level performers facing intense demands, competitive dynamics, setbacks, identity shifts, and life beyond sport, drawing on my experience as a former Division I collegiate athlete. Seeking support is a meaningful step. From the start of our work together, we will create a space that feels grounded, intentional, and deeply human, with open and honest communication at its foundation. I invite you to reach out for a free consultation call to explore whether we are a good fit.

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My clients struggle as you do. Despite being kind, highly driven, and expert problem-solvers, life is hard. When they first come in, they are anxious and burned out from helping, fixing, caretaking, and peacekeeping. They’re acutely perceptive of others’ needs, but struggle to put themselves first. They usually feel overly responsible for others' feelings and needs, trying to control what is outside their control. They have abandoned themselves and grapple with the feeling that their only worth is in caretaking for others. They are exhausted from constantly walking on eggshells with others, worrying about what they say and do. They are paralyzed by self-criticism, perfectionism, and people-pleasing as they try to prove their self-worth and earn others’ love and approval. They feel they’ve lost themselves. All these years of self-sacrifice and making themselves small for others has left them wondering, “Who am I if I'm not taking care of everyone else?” Their desire to fix and hold everyone else’s pain gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the kind of person they want to be. They feel like they’re failing as a partner, friend, and family member. And their confidence at work is tanking. Before they came to see me, they thought they could never say “no” and would go on doing everything for everyone while feeling empty inside. They worried they would never be the person they wanted to be. And they were pretty certain they would live with constant fear of never being “good enough.” Like my clients, you deserve to know that you are “enough” just as you are. Your worth is not predicated on caretaking for others. You want to step into the vibrant person you know you are and can be. Reclaiming yourself and discovering who you truly are is not out of your reach. If you want to stop feeling small and not feel terrified to be your authentic self, I’d love to help you get there. You don’t have to suffer. I can help. Give me a call to start our conversation.