OUR Team
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of South Bay Psychology Specialists. I have over 17 years experience providing psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.
Throughout the course of therapy I maintain an ongoing sense of curiosity. There is always more to learn about a person. Getting to know and understand the human being(s) I am working with as much as possible, paying close attention to the unique complexities of each individual, remains a key aspect in my approach to helping people enhance their life experiences.
I work to co-create a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in authenticity with a safe, genuine and non-judgmental atmosphere. This is essential for cultivating the benefits that come with greater self-awareness and emotional understanding of both past and present life experiences. Within this therapeutic atmosphere opportunities open up for deeper personal meaning and more effective choices in responding to life’s challenges. When people commit to this work I tend to see great shifts in their ability to tolerate and grapple with painful emotions. With those shifts, new ways of experiencing life become possible.
The ability to take a genuine, curious, and compassionate look at yourself can lead the way to a profound sense of freedom and relief. I have seen nothing more beautiful than the kind of liberated and fulfilling life experiences that have resulted from dedication to this journey.
I am a practicing marriage and family therapist who has had a thriving practice for more than twenty six years. I have been a teacher of children K-12 as well as worked with special needs children. I genuinely love what I do. I earned my Bachelor and Master's degree from California State University, Northridge. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and hold credentials for Life Administrative Service, Elementary Teaching, and Special Education. I have also been a Professor for the Touro University Worldwide (TUW) online program in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
My favorite saying is: "If things were simple, word would have gotten around."
DR. PAUL J. GIBBS
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I earned my Psy.D. at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles and also have a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I taught philosophy at various universities and high school English most recently at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica. My theoretical orientation and treatment modalities consist primarily of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic and humanistic/existential psychotherapy. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to positive growth and healing, and I seek to provide an accepting and compassionate environment where people feel seen and heard.
Welcome to my practice; I've been a therapist in private practice in the South Bay for over a decade. Having found me, you are most likely looking to make some positive changes in your life or you're trying to help a loved one. Beginning therapy, or finding a new therapist, can feel like a difficult, scary, and daunting task. The good news is that the most important and effective quality you need in your therapist is simply that you like and feel comfortable with them. Trust your gut. The relationship you form with your therapist is what paves the way to growth.
STEPHANIE HANGER, LMFT
Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist
Bio coming soon.