Welcome! Are you feeling frozen, avoidant, exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain in life? Many of us do from time to time and this is where psychotherapy makes a difference. My passion as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is helping those struggling with unresolved trauma that can block personal growth and vibrancy. Some signs of being stuck appear as thought spiraling, rumination, thought or image intrusions, an increased self-critical voice, physical discomforts, sleep issues, irritability, despair, avoidance, isolation, and worrisome behaviors. I work collaboratively with you to tailor personalized treatment so you can identify and articulate your barriers, gain insight about signs and symptoms—including the body’s relation to mental health, then work to get unstuck.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Through my undergraduate and graduate education at Antioch University, Los Angeles, a nonprofit and social justice-focused school, I developed my stance for inclusivity and skills as an ally. I add an eclectic and social psychology lens to my trauma-informed practice and am known to use my place of privilege to encourage, support, and advocate for others. If desired, I will support you in identifying narratives, experiences, beliefs, oppressors, and constructs that may be the root of internal conflict and suffering. Together, we can explore what is preventing you from stepping into your authentic self. Rooted in a relational therapeutic approach, I blend evidenced-based modalities like CBT, ACT, DBT, CPT, and EMDR with complementary approaches such as Jungian-based (shadow/light, archetypes, myth, true-self), expressive arts (writing, art-making/viewing, music), compassionate and mindfulness-based stress reduction (meditation, grounding, visualization), narrative, and attachment-based therapy. Initial sessions will include thorough assessing to facilitate accurate diagnosing and collaboration on a tailored treatment plan with achievable and measurable outcomes that hold us each accountable. If you’re ready to experience growth, insight, and healing, reach out, and let's begin building our therapeutic relationship.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I hold a specialization in the treatment of conflict and non-conflict related trauma for civilians, veterans, and First Responders (inclusive of teachers, medical, and fellow behavioral health professionals). My clinical resume includes positions with County Behavioral Health ACCESS and MERT (Mobile Emergency Response Team); County Superior Court/Criminal Court; Parents Center (working with at-risk youth, those in Foster Care, and their families/caregivers); Cancer Support Community-Los Angeles (working with folks impacted by cancer and caregivers); Residential/PHP/IOP/OP treatment centers focusing on disordered eating, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis; providing clinical services for First Responders on workers comp impacted by trauma and/or chronic pain; in group practice treating local teens, college age, transitional age youth, adults, couples, and families.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I present in life true to my middle-class upbringing in a multi-cultural, blended family inclusive of generations of Veterans, First Responders, homemakers, and blue-collar workers. I’m told by Clients that I’m collaborative, playful, warm, supportive, and curious. As a person with lived experience of mental health issues and adversity, I came to this career over 10 years ago, finding deeper meaning and purpose through post-traumatic growth.

About Carrie Likeness