About

Connection – Laughter – Trust

Therapy is intimidating

Not everybody has experienced the benefit of therapy or did not have a positive experience with therapy.

Anything new feels intimidating, especially therapy. Plus, we don’t even know each other yet.

I get it. Getting to know each other takes time. We do that by discovering how we connect. Each relationship is unique. And so are you. That’s what I love about you.

Therapy is work

“Anything in life worth having is worth working for.”
– Andrew Carnegie

We are not exempt from struggles. Through overcoming these struggles, we can live expansively in our emotions, relationships, and life experiences. You’ve come to terms with knowing that “this” isn’t working for you anymore.

Avoiding the issue makes the problem bigger. You may be suffering right now, but getting the support you need will give you the confidence to overcome future challenges.

Therapy is fun

Okay, not always. But one of my favorite parts of therapy is the breakthrough – those “aha” moments.

Moods change, and even the little things seem fun. Now, you are laughing together with your teen because you’ve connected on a funny joke. You are playing with your little one through art-making. You are now laughing with yourself because you’ve arrived at a place in therapy where you can look back on something, and it now seems ridiculous.

Yes, it’s work, and yes, it may feel like it gets worse before it gets better. But it gets better.

Therapy is cool

Therapy doesn’t have to be sterile and stuffy. You’re allowed to cuss. Sh*t, sometimes I cuss. (Not with the little ones, though, don’t worry.)

There is no judgment here. Kids have space to make a mess, and you and your teen will enjoy my awkward sense of humor.

And you will appreciate having an entire 50 minutes all to yourself where it’s all about you. How cool is that?

Hi, I’m Charleen

I know we just met, but I have something to share with you. I was that big-feeling kid. Then, I grew into that misunderstood, emotional teen. And then, I entered adulthood, unsure of myself and not liking who I was.

Thanks to a few growing pains in adulthood, I’ve developed into myself and now embrace my big feelings (and even make a living using them). Drawing, painting, and anything related to art (knitting, pottery, printmaking, sewing) are both my outlet and inlet.

I’m a massive believer that connection is the root of healing and that our bodies can heal themselves. I’m an introvert who thrives on connection and am passionate about my work.

In therapy with me, we use the creative process and mind-body therapies to connect the parts of your whole self so that you can join as an authentic individual to your community.

By healing ourselves, we contribute toward a community of peace.

Here’s a little about my background

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). My BA is in Art from San Francisco State University where I specialized in drawing and painting. In 2009, I received an MA in Marital and Family Therapy, specializing in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University.

Also, I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and currently working on certification for Brainspotting, which I describe as the child of EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. My practice is in Torrance, CA, in a bright and spacious office near Butcher Hill.

My professional experience includes substance abuse treatment and prevention with adolescents at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services; addiction treatment with a residential detox for adults at Transformations Care; school-based therapeutic services with elementary through high school students of LAUSD schools; and as the Director of Group Services at Star View Adolescent Center, a psychiatric hospital and secure residential treatment facility for adolescents.

I have also provided professional training about commercial child sex trafficking, somatic interventions for trauma survivors, creative support for managing grief and loss, and cultural attunement for mental health professionals.

It has always been my dream to share my passion with individuals in my own psychotherapy practice. My professional journey has provided me with experience and wisdom that have deepened my perspective and compassion for the human experience. I have learned that connection is the consistent healing factor among all the different places I have worked.

Every morning, I wake up saying to myself, “I get to go to work and see my clients today,” with passion and a compassionate heart. I love what I do.