How Therapy Works at Psych Lab

People often think of therapy as a way of addressing a certain problem — such as anxiety, depression, or grief. If we can just make that problem go away, everything else will be fine.

But will it really? In our experience, most people tend to experience the same kinds of problems over and over. As if they were programmed to have that kind of problem, and it's their destiny to go through the same pain again and again.

Healing from the roots

Our aim isn't to put a quick-fix bandage on today's issue, only to let you continue suffering the same negative patterns in the future.

Instead, we focus on finding the ways that life has taught you to hold yourself back from living fully, and helping you learn to overcome those limitations.

Some of the technical terms for our way of working are:

• attachment-based psychotherapy
• mentalization-based treatment
• mindfulness-based therapy
• metacognitive therapy
• psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy

What is the real goal of therapy?

Health. Happiness. Wholeness. To be free to be your whole self and to enjoy your life.

At Psych Lab, we pay attention to a kind of checklist of mental health "vital signs." Things like:

• feeling secure and intimate in your relationships,
• being "in touch" with yourself enough to be able to trust your intuition
• being able to deal with strong emotions,
• having a robust sense of self-worth,
• feeling strong and effective,
• being resilient to stress, and
• being able to express gratitude and love.

Now, these aren't exactly the kind of things you Google when you're searching for therapy, right? But they are essential components of a fulfilling life.

So, when you come to us with a problem, we want to get to the bottom of why things are affecting you the way they are. What are some of the ways you might be unknowingly limiting your own potential, standing in your own way, or working against your own values?

We can never get rid of life's stresses and difficulties, but we can help you find different ways of relating to those problems, so they won't bother you as much.

Start healing now:

1. Request a free phone or email consultation (click here)
2. Schedule an in-depth therapy evaluation to understand what's needed
3. Meet with your therapist weekly to work on skills, growth, & healing

The importance of relationship

At the heart of our approach is the relationship between you and your therapist. Research consistently shows that meaningful change happens within the context of a secure, trusting relationship. Your therapist will work to create a space where you feel safe to explore aspects of yourself that may have been difficult to acknowledge or express before.

This relationship becomes a laboratory for new experiences – allowing you to discover different ways of connecting with others and yourself that can extend to all areas of your life.

Our approach to time and healing

Meaningful change takes time and consistency. Research shows that more frequent sessions lead to better outcomes than sporadic therapy — with the “minimum effective dose” being one session per week. This consistency helps maintain momentum and provides the regular support needed for deeper transformation. For this reason, we only accept new patients who are ready to commit to a weekly therapy schedule.

While some approaches focus on quick symptom relief, we've found that lasting change often requires a longer-term commitment. This doesn't mean therapy needs to continue indefinitely, but rather that we take the time necessary to address root causes rather than just surface symptoms.

Many clients experience initial relief relatively quickly, but the most meaningful changes – the ones that transform how you experience yourself and your life – often unfold gradually over time as new ways of being become more natural and integrated.

What to expect

When working with us, you can expect a collaborative process where your therapist is genuinely interested in understanding your unique experience. Sessions typically blend supportive listening with thoughtful exploration and, when helpful, practical strategies.

The journey isn't always linear – there may be periods of significant breakthrough alongside challenges. Throughout the process, your therapist will be a consistent, supportive presence, helping you navigate both the difficulties and the discoveries that emerge along the way.

Our goal is not just to help you feel better temporarily, but to help you develop the inner resources to live more fully, authentically, and joyfully for the long term.

Start healing now:

1. Request a free phone or email consultation (click here)
2. Schedule an in-depth therapy evaluation to understand what's needed
3. Meet with your therapist weekly to work on skills, growth, & healing

Integrative, Trauma-Informed Therapists in Long Beach, CA

Loren McKnight

Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist

Highly experienced with teens, young adults, and family conflict.

Zoë Peterson

Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist

Helps young people find their authentic voice, and heal from discouragement and difficulty.

Harper Tassie

Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist

Specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse and toxic family patterns, and finding your authentic self.

Nick Kosht

Associate Clinical &
Social Worker

Helps people break free from religious trauma, anxiety cycles, and relationship patterns that aren't working.

Stephanie Clark

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Helps young people and couples dig deeper than surface symptoms to create lasting change.

Tanya Montgomery

Licensed Marriage &
Family Therapist

Skilled in working with complex trauma, severe & chronic mental illness, autism, and ADHD.

Rachel Barraza

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker

Experienced with DBT and attachment-based approaches to trauma and addiction.

Oscar Sermeno

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Helps people learn to value themselves & their experiences.

Kira Xiong

Licensed Professional
Clinical Counselor

Experienced with trauma, disabilities, chronic pain, domestic violence, and relationship problems.

Elyssa Krmpotich

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Focuses on psychodynamic approaches for deep healing.

Hailey Hause

Licensed Marriage &
Family Therapist

Focused on healing trauma and social anxiety, and facilitating personal growth.

Dr. Nicolette Zangari

Supervising Psychologist
 

Expert in military and sexual trauma, psychosis, and supporting folks along the spectrum of gender and sexuality.

Dr. David Godot

Supervising Psychologist
 

Provides psychological assessment & treatment planning. Specialties in complex trauma, psychanalytic therapy, and clinical hypnosis.