Our people

Meet the Team

Our therapists, psychologists, and coaches bring deep expertise, genuine warmth, and decades of combined experience. Every client is matched with the right clinician for their unique needs.

15 Clinicians. One shared mission.

Dr. Cara Gardenswartz
Dr. Cara Gardenswartz
Founder & Director · PhD

Dedicated psychologist specializing in individual, couples, and group therapy. Founder and Director of Group Therapy LA and Group Therapy NY. Professor of Psychology and Media & Executive Consultant.

Relationships Anxiety & Depression Trauma Codependency Divorce Grief & Loss
Dr. Sarah Dihmes
Dr. Sarah Dihmes
Psychologist & Biofeedback Therapist · PhD

Licensed in California and New York with 20+ years of clinical experience. Trained at Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UCSD. Expert in biofeedback, DBT, and ACT.

Biofeedback DBT CBT ACT Anxiety Depression
Dr. Liza Auciello
Dr. Liza Auciello
Clinical Psychologist · PsyD

Licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Specializes in trauma-informed care and evidence-based modalities.

Trauma EMDR Anxiety Couples Neurodivergent Life Transitions
Dr. Joe Taravella
Dr. Joe Taravella
Clinical Psychologist · PhD, ABPP

Board-certified clinical psychologist, author, and media consultant with a private practice in Los Angeles. Specializes in children, adolescents, and family systems.

Adults Children Adolescents Couples Family Systems Neuropsychology
Dr. Kearney Visser
Dr. Kearney Visser
Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Native to Santa Monica, licensed and in private practice since 2010. Focused on helping clients navigate life transitions, relationships, and identity.

Children Adolescents Young Adults Families Couples ADHD
Nancy Sweeney
Nancy Sweeney
Certified Life Coach · CLC

Trusted advisor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals identify goals and develop strategies to achieve lasting personal and professional success.

Coaching Life Transitions Career Relationships Neurodivergent Executive Functioning
Dr. Alana Jacobs
Dr. Alana Jacobs
Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Licensed clinical psychologist who values deep human connection and helping clients through their journey of healing and growth.

Trauma Relationships Group Therapy LGBTQ+ POC Social Justice
Dr. Scott Harris
Dr. Scott Harris
Licensed Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Works with children, adolescents, and adults with over 25 years in practice. Known for a warm, collaborative approach to complex clinical presentations.

Divorce Adolescents Young Adults Autism Spectrum Family Estrangement Men's Issues
Dr. Shannon Daley
Dr. Shannon Daley
Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Specializes in psychological assessments of children, adolescents, and young adults — providing clarity on diagnosis, learning differences, and emotional functioning.

Assessments ADHD Dyslexia Learning Disabilities Anxiety Mood Disorders
Dr. Laura O’Loughlin
Dr. Laura O’Loughlin
Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Helps clients experience relief from unnecessary suffering, a deep connection to oneself, and more satisfaction in relationships.

Trauma Anxiety OCD EMDR IFS ERP
Ali Aroyan
Ali Aroyan
Associate Clinical Social Worker · ASW

Dedicated to guiding individuals and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and genders through healing and meaningful growth.

Couples Individuals Artists Creatives Attachment IMAGO
Dr. Janeen Locker
Dr. Janeen Locker
Licensed Clinical Psychologist · PhD

30+ years of education and experience. Yale-trained. Uses CBT, DBT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, and EMDR. Guides adolescents and adults toward meaningful transformation.

Eating Disorders Body Image Trauma Dissociation Anxiety Depression
Sarah Bederman
Sarah Bederman
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist · AMFT

Helps clients struggling with trauma, grief, and life transitions build self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change. LA-based, warm, and deeply committed.

Trauma Grief Life Transitions Perinatal Postpartum Self-Compassion
Dr. Deborah Pontillo
Dr. Deborah Pontillo
Pediatric Clinical Psychologist · PhD

Founder of San Diego Kids First. 25+ years working with children with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental challenges. Expert in neurodivergent children and families.

Pediatric ASD ADHD Neurodivergent Anxiety Assessments