Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Laguna Hills, CA

I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in navigating life's challenges and fostering emotional well-being. With specialized expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively with adult clients to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.

I’m so glad you’re here! I provide therapy for individuals navigating life’s most challenging moments. I support individuals facing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, caregiver stress, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive space where healing and self-confidence can grow.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW #130126) who is passionate about helping individuals find better alignment with their values to create a life worth living. Melissa has experience working with trauma (she is trained in EMDR), substance use, anxiety, depression and life transitions. Melissa has worked in the outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential settings since becoming a social worker in 2020. Melissa employs an individualized, eclectic approach including interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to meet the needs of each client. Melissa is passionate about social justice and uses a systems approach that views individual clients in the context of interconnected systems like family, community and society.