Psych Lab Psychology Center

Effective psychotherapy in Long Beach, California

Phone (562) 684-1300

Email help@psychlab.us

Effective Psychotherapy in Long Beach, California

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:

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:

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 healing power of a therapeutic relationship

Each of us learns who we are and what we're capable of from our relationships with others. Most of that learning happens early on in life. By the time we're adults, it comes so naturally to do things the same way you've always done them, that it really feels like there are no other options. It's confusing when other people operate differently.

This is why studies have shown that it is the relationship you develop with your therapist over time that leads to growth and change. Because the therapy relationship provides a social context for you to begin seeing yourself and your life in new ways.

We balance the art of challenge and comfort. We will encourage you to face uncomfortable feelings and realities, but we'll also be there to offer a comforting presence and acceptance. This dynamic balance helps you understand your emotions better and encourages you to keep going, even when things are tough.

Consistency, Responsiveness, and Healing

At Psych Lab, we focus on four main principles: consistency, responsiveness, expectancy, and our ability to tolerate discomfort in the relationship. We offer a consistent space for you, both physically and emotionally. We're mindful and responsive to your needs, constantly adjusting our approach as required.

We believe in you, and we hold onto the belief that you can achieve all the aspects of mental health we've discussed earlier. Lastly, we understand that our relationship won't always be smooth sailing. But we’re okay with that. We see it as an opportunity to demonstrate how you can effectively navigate conflicts and repair relationships in your life.

The Journey Matters

Our journey together isn’t a quick pit stop, it’s more like a cross-country road trip. Research has shown that having frequent sessions and staying in therapy for a significant period of time often leads to better outcomes. And so, we encourage you to stick with your therapy, even after you first start feeling better.

You see, your path towards mental health isn't about rushing towards a finish line. It's about embracing the journey of life. At Psych Lab, we're committed to helping you realize a potential for well-being that you might never have thought possible for yourself.


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

Lacey Dippolito, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Lacey Dippolito

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Specializes in helping people work through grief and trauma.

Oscar Sermeno, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Oscar Sermeno

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Helps people learn to value themselves & their experiences.

Amy Melchor, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Amy Melchor

Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist

Promotes mindful living, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.

Tanya Montgomery, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Tanya Montgomery

Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist

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

Elyssa Krmpotich, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Elyssa Krmpotich

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

Focuses on psychodynamic approaches for deep healing.

Hailey Hause, Licensed Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Hailey Hause

Licensed Marriage &
Family Therapist

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

Rachel Barraza, Licensed Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Rachel Barraza

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker

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

Carin Chin, Licensed Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Carin Chin

Licensed Marriage &
Family Therapist

Helps people regain hope in spite of the most difficult circumstances.

Kira Xiong, Associate Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Kira Xiong

Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor

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

Aubrey Studebaker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA

Aubrey Studebaker

Supervising Therapist
 

Helps people work through trauma, identity issues, & tough life transitions.

Nicolette Zangari, Licensed Psychologist in Long Beach, CA

Dr. Nicolette Zangari

Licensed Psychologist
 

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

Dr. David Godot, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Long Beach, CA

Dr. David Godot

Supervising Psychologist
 

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