About me...
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice that continues to develop myself professionally. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy and trained in a number of other trauma related modalities including Brainspotting, AF-EMDR (Attachment Focused-EMDR), TRM1 and TRM2 (Trauma Resiliency Model) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) . As well as seeing clients in private practice, I supervise three amazing Marriage and Family Associate Therapists (more information below) and provide Emotional Support services to The Walden School in Pasadena. I also have a background working with high profile clients and artists in the industry.
Prior to earning my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles where I specialized in Child Studies, I earned a Masters Degree in Education from The University of Massachusetts, Boston. I was a high school English teacher and spent twenty-years in education—both mainstream and special education. I worked for over 13-years at a therapeutic day school, as well as ran and taught a GED and ESOL program at a community center where I worked with adolescent and adults, as well as immigrants and American born students who were working hard to make a change in their lives. My experience in education enabled me to work with people from a range of places and backgrounds—from Haiti to Vietnam and Poland—I have helped people find their way along their life’s path. I also earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston where I was an intern at Ploughshares and later worked at The Harvard Review, both poetry journals. I was also a founding member of compost literary magazine, that's mission was to foster greater understanding amongst the world's people through international, national, and community art, literature, and ideas. Looking back at the span of my career choices, I realize that working with people and helping to make a meaningful difference is not just a profession—it is a vocation that I am and have always been moved to do.
Prior to earning my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles where I specialized in Child Studies, I earned a Masters Degree in Education from The University of Massachusetts, Boston. I was a high school English teacher and spent twenty-years in education—both mainstream and special education. I worked for over 13-years at a therapeutic day school, as well as ran and taught a GED and ESOL program at a community center where I worked with adolescent and adults, as well as immigrants and American born students who were working hard to make a change in their lives. My experience in education enabled me to work with people from a range of places and backgrounds—from Haiti to Vietnam and Poland—I have helped people find their way along their life’s path. I also earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston where I was an intern at Ploughshares and later worked at The Harvard Review, both poetry journals. I was also a founding member of compost literary magazine, that's mission was to foster greater understanding amongst the world's people through international, national, and community art, literature, and ideas. Looking back at the span of my career choices, I realize that working with people and helping to make a meaningful difference is not just a profession—it is a vocation that I am and have always been moved to do.
What I do:
I help kids. I help them develop skills to manage their anxious, sad, and angry feelings and discern those feelings that are often the result of bigger issues—such as learning disabilities, academic issues, parental separation, divorce or remarriage, peer issues, and/or other sources of stress or trauma. I help adults. I help them through difficult transitional periods–from personal struggles with identity or emotions to individuation, relationships, and LGBTQI+ issues. I also help people work through personal traumas, including being in a relationship with a person that has a substance abuse history. I also help couples. I help them learn to respond and work with each other and on their relationship, instead of just reacting to each other in a cyclical pattern. I help them slow down and pay attention to how they communicate with and to each other, as well as how to understand their own individual pattern and behaviors, and how they impact their partner's so they can more effectively and empathetically move towards each other instead of away.
I believe my work with children and families has given me a solid understanding of what kind of issues can and do impact peoples lives, not just young lives. I believe that working with children and families has given me an even greater understanding as to how emotional issues can manifest and impact people much later on in life if they are left unaddressed. I believe my experience working with children and families has also allowed me a broader perspective and ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds—and that, although I specialize in working with kids, I do not limit my work only to that specific clientele—I truly enjoy helping people of all ages and backgrounds learn to live more full and peaceful lives.
I am a relational, strengths-based therapist who has an eclectic approach. While the roots of my theoretical orientation are psychodynamic and attachment based, I do use a lot of work with cognitive behavioral, family systems, and existential approaches and concepts to help with each person’s individual needs. I rely on humor and compassion to connect along with the solid belief that each person is the expert on their own life. My goal is to encourage and teach children and adolescents to express themselves in a safe and appropriate way so they can healthfully experience the full range of their feelings. I encourage contemplation, reflection and authentic expression while also helping kids to raise their awareness of themselves and in relation to others.
I work with children, adolescents and adults individually as well as couples and families. I work with learning issues, conflict/divorce issues, anxiety, self-esteem and depression, as well as trauma, substance abuse and it's impact on individual family members, identity issues and LGBTQI+ issues.
I am honored to currently supervise Melissa Dellens (AMFT #123991)
Melissa has in depth training in object relations theory and applied community psychology. She takes an affirmative approach to help her clients explore internal and external stressors, resolve conflicts, and feel more connected to the here and now. Her community and clinical work leaves her especially attuned to working with people impacted by relationship traumas, autistic and LGBTQIAPK+ people experiencing minority stress, caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue, and advocates engaged in long term anti-racism & systemic change efforts.
Melissa offers a collaborative space for teens and adults seeking individual or couples therapy. She has an active imagination and a visual mind that can help her clients make more sense of their own. She listens carefully to what lights her clients up, as well as the origins of stress, exhaustion, and shame. These explorations can help her clients feel more engaged, empowered, and passionate about their lives.
Outside her private practice, Melissa offers organizational development consulting through the Affirmative Couch to work with medical and mental health clinics to provide more affirming care for LGBTQIA+, consensually non monogamous, and kinky patients.
Prior to her work as an AMFT, Melissa was a Family Support Coordinator for 12 years, providing inclusive services to intellectual and developmentally disabled communities. Her early career was spent working in live theater and summer camps. Melissa earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Community Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 123991). Melissa can be reached at 323.810.9681 You can visit her profile at: www.melissadellens.com
I am honored to currently supervise Luke Csehak (AMFT#126962)
Luke works from a trauma-informed lens that frames his clients as blocked, not broken. He prefers to see his clients as collaborators in the art of healing, rekindling a connection to their own, inner therapist, that intuitive part of themselves we all have, that knows instinctively how to fully inhabit their authentic self. His warmth and humor create a trusting, supportive space for his clients to feel safe going into challenging feelings and learning to digest them at each person's own pace.
He has experience working with clients dealing with challenges of PTSD, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, disordered eating, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA+ issues, race based traumatic stress, intergenerational trauma, blocks in creativity/inspiration, relationship/career difficulties, and depression/anxiety.
Luke has an MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University, where his coursework reflected his fascination with depth psychology, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and behavioral therapy. He trained at Valley Community Counseling Clinic, focusing on the rich traditions of object relations, attachment theory, and Winnicotian child development. Like received a BA in writing and literature from Naropa University, at the Jack Kerouac School of disembodieed poetics with a minor in religious studies, focusing on Buddhist practice and philosophy. He is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT# 126962). Luke can be reached at luke.therapy@gmail.com or at 323.471.4936 and you can visit his website here: www.lukecsehaktherapy.com
I am honored to currently supervise Kelsey Milano (AMFT#132945)
Kelsey’s therapy practice has primarily derived from a psychoanalytically-oriented education, emphasizing close attention to a patient’s developmental history, relational patterns, inhibiting defenses and the neglected power of their inner life. Kelsey understands the vulnerability it takes for a patient to open themselves up to a therapist, and promises to join them with patience, strength, and hope on their path to self-understanding. With collaborative and creative intention, Kelsey helps clients to broaden their perspective, increase their tolerance for variegated emotions, integrate fragmented parts, and discover the universe of uncharted possibilities within them.
Kelsey works with individuals, couples, and adolescents to explore experiences of attachment trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, intrusive thoughts, personal and familial substance use/addiction, compulsions, eating disorders, questions of gender and sexuality, immigration, and adoption.
Kelsey earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Depth Psychology program and a BA in Theater Arts from UCLA. She has received comprehensive training in areas of adult attachment presentation and asset-based counselling while at Counseling West, as well as extensive clinical guidance in classical and contemporary psychoanalytic theory and therapy techniques while she was at Valley Community Counseling Clinic. Kelsey continues to seek learning opportunities through the Los Angeles Institute and Society of Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS), the New Center for Psychoanalysis (NCP), the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP), the Toronto Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (TPS&I), and the William Alanson White Institute (WAWI), particularly with the circumstances and needs of her patients in mind. Kelsey is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 132945) and can be contacted by email: kmilanotherapy@gmail.com or by phone: 510. 990.0419 and you can visit her website here: kelseymilanotherapy.com/
I help kids. I help them develop skills to manage their anxious, sad, and angry feelings and discern those feelings that are often the result of bigger issues—such as learning disabilities, academic issues, parental separation, divorce or remarriage, peer issues, and/or other sources of stress or trauma. I help adults. I help them through difficult transitional periods–from personal struggles with identity or emotions to individuation, relationships, and LGBTQI+ issues. I also help people work through personal traumas, including being in a relationship with a person that has a substance abuse history. I also help couples. I help them learn to respond and work with each other and on their relationship, instead of just reacting to each other in a cyclical pattern. I help them slow down and pay attention to how they communicate with and to each other, as well as how to understand their own individual pattern and behaviors, and how they impact their partner's so they can more effectively and empathetically move towards each other instead of away.
I believe my work with children and families has given me a solid understanding of what kind of issues can and do impact peoples lives, not just young lives. I believe that working with children and families has given me an even greater understanding as to how emotional issues can manifest and impact people much later on in life if they are left unaddressed. I believe my experience working with children and families has also allowed me a broader perspective and ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds—and that, although I specialize in working with kids, I do not limit my work only to that specific clientele—I truly enjoy helping people of all ages and backgrounds learn to live more full and peaceful lives.
I am a relational, strengths-based therapist who has an eclectic approach. While the roots of my theoretical orientation are psychodynamic and attachment based, I do use a lot of work with cognitive behavioral, family systems, and existential approaches and concepts to help with each person’s individual needs. I rely on humor and compassion to connect along with the solid belief that each person is the expert on their own life. My goal is to encourage and teach children and adolescents to express themselves in a safe and appropriate way so they can healthfully experience the full range of their feelings. I encourage contemplation, reflection and authentic expression while also helping kids to raise their awareness of themselves and in relation to others.
I work with children, adolescents and adults individually as well as couples and families. I work with learning issues, conflict/divorce issues, anxiety, self-esteem and depression, as well as trauma, substance abuse and it's impact on individual family members, identity issues and LGBTQI+ issues.
I am honored to currently supervise Melissa Dellens (AMFT #123991)
Melissa has in depth training in object relations theory and applied community psychology. She takes an affirmative approach to help her clients explore internal and external stressors, resolve conflicts, and feel more connected to the here and now. Her community and clinical work leaves her especially attuned to working with people impacted by relationship traumas, autistic and LGBTQIAPK+ people experiencing minority stress, caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue, and advocates engaged in long term anti-racism & systemic change efforts.
Melissa offers a collaborative space for teens and adults seeking individual or couples therapy. She has an active imagination and a visual mind that can help her clients make more sense of their own. She listens carefully to what lights her clients up, as well as the origins of stress, exhaustion, and shame. These explorations can help her clients feel more engaged, empowered, and passionate about their lives.
Outside her private practice, Melissa offers organizational development consulting through the Affirmative Couch to work with medical and mental health clinics to provide more affirming care for LGBTQIA+, consensually non monogamous, and kinky patients.
Prior to her work as an AMFT, Melissa was a Family Support Coordinator for 12 years, providing inclusive services to intellectual and developmentally disabled communities. Her early career was spent working in live theater and summer camps. Melissa earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Community Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 123991). Melissa can be reached at 323.810.9681 You can visit her profile at: www.melissadellens.com
I am honored to currently supervise Luke Csehak (AMFT#126962)
Luke works from a trauma-informed lens that frames his clients as blocked, not broken. He prefers to see his clients as collaborators in the art of healing, rekindling a connection to their own, inner therapist, that intuitive part of themselves we all have, that knows instinctively how to fully inhabit their authentic self. His warmth and humor create a trusting, supportive space for his clients to feel safe going into challenging feelings and learning to digest them at each person's own pace.
He has experience working with clients dealing with challenges of PTSD, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, disordered eating, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA+ issues, race based traumatic stress, intergenerational trauma, blocks in creativity/inspiration, relationship/career difficulties, and depression/anxiety.
Luke has an MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University, where his coursework reflected his fascination with depth psychology, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and behavioral therapy. He trained at Valley Community Counseling Clinic, focusing on the rich traditions of object relations, attachment theory, and Winnicotian child development. Like received a BA in writing and literature from Naropa University, at the Jack Kerouac School of disembodieed poetics with a minor in religious studies, focusing on Buddhist practice and philosophy. He is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT# 126962). Luke can be reached at luke.therapy@gmail.com or at 323.471.4936 and you can visit his website here: www.lukecsehaktherapy.com
I am honored to currently supervise Kelsey Milano (AMFT#132945)
Kelsey’s therapy practice has primarily derived from a psychoanalytically-oriented education, emphasizing close attention to a patient’s developmental history, relational patterns, inhibiting defenses and the neglected power of their inner life. Kelsey understands the vulnerability it takes for a patient to open themselves up to a therapist, and promises to join them with patience, strength, and hope on their path to self-understanding. With collaborative and creative intention, Kelsey helps clients to broaden their perspective, increase their tolerance for variegated emotions, integrate fragmented parts, and discover the universe of uncharted possibilities within them.
Kelsey works with individuals, couples, and adolescents to explore experiences of attachment trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, intrusive thoughts, personal and familial substance use/addiction, compulsions, eating disorders, questions of gender and sexuality, immigration, and adoption.
Kelsey earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Depth Psychology program and a BA in Theater Arts from UCLA. She has received comprehensive training in areas of adult attachment presentation and asset-based counselling while at Counseling West, as well as extensive clinical guidance in classical and contemporary psychoanalytic theory and therapy techniques while she was at Valley Community Counseling Clinic. Kelsey continues to seek learning opportunities through the Los Angeles Institute and Society of Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS), the New Center for Psychoanalysis (NCP), the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP), the Toronto Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (TPS&I), and the William Alanson White Institute (WAWI), particularly with the circumstances and needs of her patients in mind. Kelsey is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 132945) and can be contacted by email: kmilanotherapy@gmail.com or by phone: 510. 990.0419 and you can visit her website here: kelseymilanotherapy.com/
Currently all therapists are conducting telehealth
in order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols
Locations & Hours:
200 East Del Mar Blvd., Suite 119, Pasadena, CA 91105
Located in Pasadena (the brown shingled building just above Houston's) on the corner of East Del Mar Blvd. and South Marengo Avenue. The office is close to the 210, 134 and 110, walking distance (2 blocks) from The Gold Line and close to Old Town Pasadena. South Marengo has free 1 and 2-hour street parking; There is a parking garage in the basement of the building with the entrance on E. Del Mar.
The office is easily accessible from Glendale, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Hollywood, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.
The office is easily accessible from Glendale, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Hollywood, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.
Cancellations
Please let me know at least 24-hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. You will be charged for a full price for the missed session if you have not given at least 24-hours notice.
Insurance
I accept PPO plans as an out of network provider. Clients can pay for their services at the time of the session and be supplied a Super bill that they can submit to their insurance for reimbursement according to their plans coverage. Super bills cover a six session time period.
What this means is that you would need to pay for each session as they occur. I would, in turn, keep a record of the time and date of each session, a diagnosis (which is required by insurance), along with your place or source of employment, and home information. After you provide me with a week's notice (verbal or written) for a Super Bill, I would provide you with this document which would include all of the above information. Please note that many insurance companies also require a social security number.
As the client you would submit the 'bill' for reimbursement to your insurance company.
Please check with your insurance carrier or employee benefit plan to ensure that your services will be covered in full or in part.
Good Faith Estimate:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in an insurance plan /coverage, a Federal health care program and/or are not seeking to file a claim with their plan/coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” as to what is their expected charges.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
What this means is that you would need to pay for each session as they occur. I would, in turn, keep a record of the time and date of each session, a diagnosis (which is required by insurance), along with your place or source of employment, and home information. After you provide me with a week's notice (verbal or written) for a Super Bill, I would provide you with this document which would include all of the above information. Please note that many insurance companies also require a social security number.
As the client you would submit the 'bill' for reimbursement to your insurance company.
Please check with your insurance carrier or employee benefit plan to ensure that your services will be covered in full or in part.
Good Faith Estimate:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in an insurance plan /coverage, a Federal health care program and/or are not seeking to file a claim with their plan/coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” as to what is their expected charges.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Confidentiality & Private Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, to which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities, immediately.
Child Pornography
If a client reports they have “downloads, streams, or access images of any person under the age of 18 engaged in an act of obscene sexual conduct," I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities.
See legislation here by clicking on the CANRA link
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety.
And if they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, to which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities, immediately.
Child Pornography
If a client reports they have “downloads, streams, or access images of any person under the age of 18 engaged in an act of obscene sexual conduct," I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities.
See legislation here by clicking on the CANRA link
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety.
And if they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Margaret (Meg) J. Bezucha, LMFT#100194 • Call 213.300.8075 or write meg@mjbtherapy.com for an appointment