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 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level One, 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 four 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. 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 Cate Parker (AMFT#139200)
Cate is an engaged, warm and creative therapist who deeply believes in the power of therapeutic work to foster both inner resilience and flexibility. She works from a psychodynamic lens and also draws on family systems thinking to help build understanding of how experiences are shaped by relationships, communities, and structures of power. Cate is accepting new clients in person in Pasadena and offers virtual sessions for all California residents.
Cate has experience working with adults and couples/partners seeking support with anxiety, trauma, relationship and communication challenges, questions of gender and sexuality, depression, intergenerational trauma, creative blocks, career transitions and self-esteem. Cate also sees children and adolescents in her practice, with a particular expertise and interest in working with younger children ages five to twelve. Cate has experience supporting young children with social emotional learning curricula in elementary school.
Cate holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She completed her clinical training at Valley Community Counseling Clinic, where she gained an in-depth understanding of psychoanalytic theory and actively participated in a culture and psychoanalysis lab and a queer and trans affirming supervision group. Cate is an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and continues to seek learning opportunities in cultural competence. Cate brings prior training in yoga and breathwork and has a deep respect for the intimate connection between mind and body.
Cate is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT# 139200). She can be reached at [email protected] or at 323-523-5111, and you can visit her website at www.cateparkertherapy.com
I am honored to currently supervise Hannah Sandle (AMFT#145571)
Hannah uses integrative psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, and somatic-focused frameworks to help clients build resilience, increase distress tolerance, and discover their values in order to live more fulfilling lives. She works with individual adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. Hannah is currently accepting new clients in person on Sundays and virtually during some weekday evenings.
Hannah holds a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from University of North Texas. She completed her clinical training at Counseling West in Los Angeles, where she was certified in Trauma.-Focused CBT. She has pursued numerous areas of continuing education and training in Attachment, Addiction and Eating Disorders, DBT, Depth work, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing. She is a LBGTQIA+ affirmative therapist and is pursuing further training in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing.
Hannah is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 145571) and can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by phone: (929) 888-7296. You can visit her website here: hannahsandletherapy.com
I am honored to currently supervise Henry Kasiske (AMFT#133277)
Henry has an extensive history of working with children and adolescents, in addition to adults, families and athletes. He is relational, client-centered, trauma informed and collaborative therapist, drawing on multiple theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, attachment, narrative, and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has in person, telehealth and trail/walking availability during the week.
Henry holds a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology with a specialization in Child Studies from Antioch University, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Bard College. He previously trained at Antioch Community Therapy Services (ACTS) and Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC). Henry also spent a year working at Outreach Concern as a school-based Counselor for grades Pre-K to 5th. In addition, he has been a teammate, a coach, and a trail and fly-fishing guide.
Henry is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # #133277) and can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by phone: (818) 860-0955. You can visit his website here: www.henrykasisketherapy.com/
I am honored to currently supervise Stuart Krimko (AMFT#147015 and APCC#16551 )
Stuart is inspired and informed by the psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and contemplative traditions of therapy. He provides psychotherapy for adults, young people, and couples of all ages and backgrounds. Stuart works with clients to address suffering, find connections, and create a better understanding of self. Stuart has availability during the week for in person sessions in Pasadena and telehealth throughout California.
Stuart holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Literature from Bard College. He trained in psychoanalytical psychotherapy at Valley Community Counseling Clinic in North Hollywood. Stuart is a Student Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He has a long-standing interest in poetry, literary translation, the visual arts and writing about contemporary arts.
Stuart is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #147015) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #16551) and can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by phone: 626-344-9715. You can visit his website here: https://www.stuartkrimko.com/
Locations & Hours:
16 N. Marengo Avenue • Office 211 & 212 • Pasadena, CA 91101
Located in Pasadena on the corner of North Marengo Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The office is close to the 210, 134 and 110, walking distance from The Gold Line and close to Old Town Pasadena. There is on-street parking and several parking garages in the neighborhood
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 [email protected] for an appointment