Ellie Mental Health

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I help adults achieve the emotional, psychological, and cognitive balance they seek. Balance could be freedom from anxiety or depression, relationship struggles, perfectionist tendencies, grief, panic, distractibility, a racing mind, or overthinking. Often, these issues are tied to past trauma. I help adults with self-discovery and healing, to attain work/life stability.Through a variety of different psychotherapy approaches such as Psychodynamic Theory, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic (mind-body) Practices, and sprinkles of Creative Arts Therapy, you can grow and change. Together, these processes can promote increased awareness along with mental and emotional equilibrium.Psychotherapy is a talk therapy treatment that can help people who are experiencing mental health challenges. Somatic practices such as mindfulness, grounding, nervous system stabilization help to close the gap, adding richness to the therapeutic process. The goals of treatment and duration and frequency of treatment are discussed by the patient and therapist together.I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from UC Santa Barbara. I then received my Master of Arts Degree in Dance/Movement Therapy from UC Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, Concentration in Somatic Psychology from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.

Alann Dingle, PhD is a clinical psychologist specializing in helping children and adults who are experiencing anxiety and depression. Serving the South Bay since 1989, we have worked with individuals, couples and families to resolve emotional distress and improve interpersonal relationships. Common treatment issues include situational stress, family and social relationships, parenting, work and career dilemmas, grief and loss, transitions, and eating disorders. Conceptualizing from a psychodynamic perspective, we believe that short or long term therapy can increase an individual's awareness of the issues that are affecting one's goals, decisions, actions, and relationships. Utilizing various forms of evidence-based treatments (e.g., psychoeducation, crisis intervention, short-term, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and long-term therapy), we provide clarity and tools to address overwhelming or problematic situations.

Dr. Dafter integrates psychodynamic, interpersonal and dialectical behavior approaches to therapy. Sessions may range from a brief, symptom-oriented focus to deeper, intensive healing work depending on each individual's preferences and needs. Dr. Dafter treats patients with: Depression Anxiety, Self-Esteem Issues Divorce Grief Abuse Medical Problems Panic Disorders Trauma/PTSD. He also works with people dealing with the loss of a family member, codependency, and those in a divorce or recently divorced.Dr. Dafter also conducts sessions for those looking to expand their creative thinking. Dr. Dafter can help with hypnosis and emotionally focused therapy as well. Dr. Dafter specializes in individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, as well as family therapy and counseling. It is important for couples and families to have therapy sessions even if there are not any major issues, as it will help strengthen relationships to where major maintenance is not required at a later date, after it may be too late. Additionally, Dr. Dafter is a member of the advisory board for The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation, a non-profit organization to help parents deal with the loss of a child. You can visit the site for Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation at http://www.griefhaven.or