Victoria Zal
As a therapist, I bring warmth, compassion, and authenticity to every session. Along with my clinical training, my lived experience as a mother who has navigated parenting and divorce, immigration, allows me to support clients with empathy and understanding.
My approach is compassionate, direct, and holistic, integrating trauma-informed care (including EMDR), RLT-based relationship work, parenting support, and guidance through marriage, separation, divorce, and immigration-related challenges.
I work with individuals facing relationship challenges, life transitions, ADHD, autism, men's mental health, aging, anxiety, and self-esteem. I take a caring, trauma-aware and collaborative approach. We’ll use EMDR and practical tools to help you heal, improve your relationships, and make changes that last. I welcome and support neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients, creating a space where you can feel safe, accepted, understood, and comfortable being yourself.
First session
Our first step is getting to know you - understanding what brings you in, discussing your concerns and goals, and creating a plan that best supports your needs.
Strengths
I approach each session with curiosity, compassion, and genuine respect for your unique experiences. Together, we'll build on your strengths, work through challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
My clients are young adults and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply know that something needs to change. They may be navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, parenting, or major life transitions. They’re curious about themselves and open to learning new ways of coping, communicating, and relating. Whether they want to heal from the past, strengthen relationships, or feel more grounded and confident, I’m here to help them move forward with greater clarity and connection.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR helps process and heal difficult memories by using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. In practice, EMDR can be used to reduce the emotional impact of past experiences that control/effect the present.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT approach is used to help identify and change negative thought patterns that affect their emotions and behaviors; to develop healthier thinking habits and coping strategies to improve daily lives.
Psychodynamic
I use the psychodynamic approach to help clients explore how past experiences and unconscious thoughts, influence their current feelings and behaviors. In practice, I guide clients to gain insight into patterns and emotions, which supports deeper self-understanding and lasting change.
Somatic
I integrate somatic therapy by helping clients tune into bodily sensations, movement, and nervous system responses to gently process emotions and trauma, not just talk about them. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and paced to build safety and self-regulation, using the body as a resource for insight and healing.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I prioritize creating a safe, empathetic, and a non-judgmental space for clients feel fully accepted and understood. I focus on active listening and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to explore their thoughts and feelings of their own pace. In practice, I use this approach to empower individuals to access the inner resources and move towards person growth and self-actualization.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1200 Artesia Blvd, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, Ste. 203
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 128135