Veronica Davies, L.M.F.T., C.Ht.
San Pedro Licensed Psychotherapist
“My ability to provide ADHD Coaching and Hypnotherapy in addition to Psychotherapy allows me to assist individuals with a variety of therapeutic techniques. I welcome whatever a challenges a Client must overcome in order to achieve their full potential. We all deserve SUCCESS.”
SPECIALTY SPOTLIGHT:
ADHD:
Veronica assists individuals with ADHD in both private clinical and school based settings. She uses coaching techniques as well as hypnosis and behavioral therapy to help manage ADHD. She is certified in Specialty Hypnosis for ADHD and Coaching.
Children and Families:
Veronica combines her warm personality and strong clinical skills to help clients of all ages overcome problems and achieve stronger mental health. She has a special interest in working with children and teens, and her open honest style creates a safe comforting space for young people to deal with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, self-esteem, peer pressure, and academic success, to teen relationships, family conflict, and behavioral problems. She has extensive experience working with school-aged children treating a variety of issues including ADHD, and adjustment to divorce, anxiety, phobias and many other child life issues. Additionally, she has expertise in addressing parenting issues and loves to help families increase their positive interactions and help them find their unique strengths. She gained experienced working with couples, families and individuals, adults, children and teens at a counseling center for transition and loss and working at a community based mental health agency.
Please visit our Providers Section to Learn MORE about Veronica Davies, LMFT…
Jennifer Chokemesil is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has experience working with clients struggling through grief/loss, substance abuse, childhood trauma, abusive relationships, codependency, depression, anxiety and relational difficulties. Jennifer uses Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work with children and adolescents from diverse ethnic and cultural groups. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with PTSD, trauma related to abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, grief and other traumas. She assists clients with overcoming whatever difficulties they may be having by building on their strengths versus being limited by their weaknesses.
San Pedro Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Adults & Families
“Mental health Professional for over 15 years with specialty training as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) ”
Eugenie Boiadjieva is Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, serious mental illness, impulse control issues, trauma, parenting anxieties and underperformance. Her training is diverse and extensive and includes a strong foundation in humanistic and psychodynamic therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness Based therapies and certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist from the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As a result, she is able to blend different approaches and customize her work to fit the client’s needs and comfort level. She works with clients at all stages of recovery so that they can tap into their strengths, creativity and resources to bring about growth and change that goes beyond relieving distress and leads to fulfilment and well-being. Eugenie also designs and delivers trainings for other professionals in the mental health field, college and university students.
Specialty Experience:
Anxiety:
I help individuals experiencing a wide-range of anxiety issues that interfere with their ability to enjoy life and inhibit their ability to realize their full potential. These include parenting and performance anxiety as well as overwhelming anxiety disorders that disrupt one’s life and could be debilitating when untreated. Most of my clients make significant gains after ten to twelve sessions.
Trauma:
Experiencing trauma can lead to deep suffering and the perception of inescapable threat. When I work with clients who experienced trauma I provide a safe environment, take time to understand their unique experience and their current circumstances. I give my clients treatment options to choose from and guide them as they reclaim their lives.
Depression:
Every depression has its own footprint and generally involves sense of loss, disappointment and diminished sense of self-worth. When treating depression I often blend Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness Based Therapy. I guide my clients as they start with small changes that over time will result in greater self-acceptance and well-being.
Serious Mental Illness:
Symptoms of serious mental illness often develop in individuals in their late teens or early twenties and can be devastating. Comprehensive treatment usually includes medications and psychotherapy. I have worked with clients diagnosed with serious mental illness for over fifteen years. Each individual path to recovery is different but with the right help people with serious mental illness can significantly improve the quality of their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
I have been utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for more than ten years. CBT is the most researched therapy, proven to be effective with many disorders and concerns. The CBT approach examines interactions between life experiences, emotional reactions, behaviors, physiology and beliefs which are key factors. CBT is effective and efficient. It teaches clients tools and skills to become their own therapist.
Substance Abuse:
Substance use often exacerbates and complicates other problems leaving family members in distress. I work with clients struggling with substance use or co-occurring disorders individually and with their families. I assist clients reducing harm related to substance use and achieving sobriety by offering a flexible, integrative approach that addresses the underlined issues.
Professional Experience:
Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Wellness Center Therapist
Delivers individual and group psychotherapy blending cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, acceptance commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and humanistic models and techniques. Provides supervision and consultation to other therapists and interns.
Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Village Integrated Service Agency Social Worker, Team Leader & Program Associate Director
Assessed clients and provided supportive counseling and individual therapy for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness and/or dual diagnosis with drug and alcohol issues. Assisted individuals with achieving sobriety or reducing harm around substances by utilizing a variety of approaches including Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction. Conducted DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) skills training groups. Collaborated with family members and significant others to provide support and education about mental illness treatment options and pathways to recovery.
California State University, Dominguez Hills and Mental Health America
Team Leader and Instructor
Jump Start Fellowship
Oversees a twelve-week, full time post-bachelors fellowship program. Teaches group facilitation, principles of human behavior, active listening, treatment planning, documentation and core mindfulness skills.
Education
California State University, Long Beach, California
Master of Social Work
Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
Master of Arts in Psychology
Teacher’s College, Sofia, Bulgaria
BA Early Education
License and Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSC #21744)
Certified Cognitive Therapist, Diplomat of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Seeking Safety Certification
Certified Clinical Supervisor
“I create a safe, nurturing and comfortable space that allows my clients to access deeper understanding of their problems and to identify the obstacles that prevent them from fulfilling their potential. I guide my clients to access untapped inner strengths and resources to remove these obstacles and to live life to the fullest.”
Individual, Family, and Relationship Therapy
Jamie Hayworth-Chin uses an integrative approach grounded in family systems therapy to help clients see how relational issues impact their mental health by looking at all aspects of the self: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Jamie is experienced in treating a variety of age groups, but specializes in teens and relationship therapy and addresses issues including but not limited to: addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship issues. As a certified Prepare/Enrich instructor, Jamie is also dedicated to assisting both premarital and married couples in thriving within their relationships by providing necessary emotional support and guidance. In working with couples, Jamie assists in identifying relational patterns and communications skills that strongly correlate with high relationship satisfaction and resilience.
Professional Experience:
- Jamie Hayworth-Chin Counseling Services
Owner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Provides individual, group & family therapy for children, teens, and adults for those facing addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, grief/loss, familial conflict, and relationship issues. Guest Speaker for Palos Verdes Unified School District, addressing teen relationships and helping parents to navigate changes during teen years. Provides clinical supervision for pre-licensed therapists.
- Dr. Gregory Allen Family Counseling, Inc
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Provided psychotherapy to a variety of age groups facing a myriad of struggles. Ran adolescent substance abuse prevention and addiction counseling groups through Changes program.
- Freedom4U
Therapist/School Based Counselor
Provide school based individual and group counseling for social-emotional issues and substance abuse prevention. Facilitate Girl Wise groups, providing life skills for teen girls on issues such as physical and emotional health, communication, time management, and improving personal relationships.
- Homes for Life Foundation
Social Services Coordinator
Provided therapeutic and rehabilitation services to patients with schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder & anxiety disorders.
- Glen Roberts Child Study Center
Therapy Intern
Provided individual and group therapeutic services to children ranging from age 3-18. Facilitated parenting classes and therapy groups.
Education:
- Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Fuller Theological Seminary
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
License and Certifications:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT #50486
Board of Behavioral Sciences
- Certified Prepare/Enrich Instructor
- Certified Clinical Supervisor
Professional Organization Affiliations:
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
“I specialize in individual, family, and relationship therapy. My goal is to work with you to gain a fresh perspective in order to reclaim your life and relationships.”
Sliding Scale Arise Interventions
Limited Time Offer!! We are pleased to announce Alicia MacGowan, LCSW, LAADC completed Intervention training with ARISE July 9th to the 11th sponsored by Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CEDAR) at the University of Colorado Hospital. The training had additional sponsors which presented and are all reputable programs: Balboa Horizons Malibu Beach Sober Living Vista Taos A Mission for Michael Solid Landings Bridge to Recovery Elements Behavioral Health Foundations Recovery Network Alicia has been doing Interventions since 2008 utilizing the Johnson Model and decided to receive this additional training since the research on this model of Intervention has a very high long-term success rate. “The Model seems to fit my style of practice very well.” Alicia must in the next 6 months complete 2 interventions and receives weekly 1-hour Group Clinical Supervision via teleconferencing for 6 months in order to receive final certification. She is now a Clinical Intern after completion of the 3 day Training. The distinct differences between the Johnson Model and ARISE Model are:
- The Intervention is not a surprise. The Addicted Individual is invited and aware of the whole process.
- The Intervention process is over 3 to 6 months which includes continuing care group meetings for all individuals participating in the Intervention
- The focus is on the whole system, family, friends & co-workers and making sure that everyone in the system is getting whatever outside resources they need
Alicia is offering a very special opportunity for those interested. She will complete her first 4 ARISE Interventions on a sliding scale. “I am not able to offer the same sliding-scale for my usual Interventions; this is only for ARISE Interventions. On our current Interventions we refund ½ of the cost if the Intervention is not successful. Since I am doing these Interventions on a sliding scale, I will not offer this same opportunity. I am not qualified to do Interventions on adolescents therefore my Interventions are always limited to adults.” Assisting all families, employers and addicted individuals has always been Alicia’s goal. She has a special interest in helping Healthcare Professionals such as Mental Health Professionals, Substance Abuse Professionals, Nurses and Doctors. These are individuals of special interest, since she herself understands how the demands of being a Helping Professional may increase the risk of substance abuse and/or mental illness. A formal Intervention may be the only way to assist these individuals with recognizing their need for treatment. Here is the link to ARISE for more information http://www.ariseinterventionnow.com/intervention.html and a brief summary of the Model from the ARISE website: The ARISE Intervention is directed towards getting the addicted loved one into treatment with the least possible effort through a loving, compassionate and non-blaming First Call and First Meeting. The support system is mobilized to form a committed Intervention Network to motivate the addicted individual into treatment. Phase A has three levels and the goal is to stop at the first level that works:
- Level 1, “The First Call”, starts when a Concerned Other calls a Certified ARISE Interventionist for a free phone consultation, and is coached to set up the First Meeting of the Intervention Network. 56% of addicted individuals enter treatment at Level 1.
- Level 2, “Strength in Numbers”, begins If they have not entered treatment during Level 1. The Intervention Network acts as a Board of Directors, so no one deals one-on-one with the addicted individual. By the end of 2 to 5 Intervention Network meetings, 80% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
- Level 3, “The Formal ARISE Intervention”, is held if treatment entry has not occurred during Level 2. At this meeting serious consequences are put in place if the addicted individual does not enter treatment. By this point, 83% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
ARISE Continuing Care begins when the addicted individual enters treatment, and lasts for 6 months. The goals are individual and family healing and recovery. It includes, if possible, the family and individual becoming involved in 12-step program. The Certified ARISE Interventionist works collaboratively with the addicted individual, the treatment center, and the family to ensure treatment completion, relapse prevention, and the resolution of grief and other problems at the root of the pain and the addictive disease. ARISE Continuing Care focuses on the Certified ARISE Interventionist working with the Intervention Network and addicted individual to prevent relapse, initiate long-term recovery, and complete the work towards family healing and recovery. This includes ensuring that work, life style, social circle, family relationships and personal decisions made for personal growth in Continuing Care are happening for individual and family. A special thanks to all of our trainers Dr. Landau, Sara Hills, LPC, CAC III, CAI and James Ott, LCSW, CAI, CIP. I am looking forward to working with all the wonderful Professionals I trained with. CEDAR Tour: While I was at CEDAR in Colorado I had the opportunity to receive a tour of the Treatment Center. The grounds were spectacular and serene. The facility was very clean and well maintained. It was especially nice that they separated the Treatment Center from the Hospital and the facility had the appearance of a Wooded Lodge from the outside. I found the CEDAR to be very inviting. Their program appears to be truly able to assist those dually diagnosed. Many Treatment Centers make this promise, but do not have enough Licensed Staff, proper staff to patient ratio and knowledge to assist individuals with a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. They also have the ability to assist with severe medical problems related to substance use, since they are on Hospital grounds. In addition CEDAR has a Physician Health Program (PHP) treatment track. Unfortunately the state of California, unlike many other states, does not offer any sort of Diversion Program for Physicians. Often this lack of Diversion Programs makes it difficult for our Doctors to receive necessary treatment due to fear of California Medical Board intervention and loss of License. The Staff appear to be very qualified. Everyone I met was very genuine and helpful. Overall I look forward to the possibility of coordinating Patient care with CEDAR in the near future.
