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MP Wellness

Therapy

Therapy for Children, Teens & Adults in Hermosa Beach

Therapy at MP Wellness is one-on-one talk therapy in Hermosa Beach or by telehealth, with Dr. Maddison Paul, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a psychological associate she supervises. We work with children, teens and adults on anxiety, low mood, big emotions and life changes, using IFS, attachment-based therapy and CBT.

Who we see

Individual therapy for children, teens and adults, in our Hermosa Beach office or by telehealth for clients in California. Sessions are 45 minutes and $250 each, with Dr. Paul or a psychological associate she supervises.

What does therapy help with?

People come to therapy for many reasons. Dr. Paul works most often with:

  • Anxiety, worry and perfectionism
  • Low mood and depression
  • Big emotions that are hard to manage (emotional dysregulation)
  • Stress at school, at work or at home
  • Life changes such as a move, a divorce, a new school or a loss
  • Feeling stuck, overwhelmed or misunderstood

How Dr. Paul works

Her approach is both depth-oriented and practical. You come to understand the patterns behind your thoughts and reactions, and you also build tools you can use this week.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Gets to know the different "parts" of you, like the part that worries or the part that pushes hard, and helps them work together.
Attachment-based therapy
Looks at how early and current relationships shape the way you connect, trust and handle stress.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Practical skills for noticing unhelpful thoughts and changing what you do. CBT has strong research support for anxiety and depression.

Therapy and testing in one practice

Sometimes the first question is "why is this so hard?" An evaluation can answer that, for example by showing ADHD, a learning difference or anxiety. If therapy would help next, you can talk with Dr. Paul about what makes sense. See our assessments.

Who you'll see

Dr. Maddison Paul

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Serving families in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes and the South Bay.

Questions about therapy

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
IFS is a type of talk therapy developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz. It treats the mind as made up of different "parts", such as a part that worries or a part that criticizes, each trying in its own way to help. Therapy helps you understand those parts with curiosity instead of fighting them. Its research base is newer and smaller than CBT's, and Dr. Paul combines it with other approaches.
How often are therapy sessions?
Sessions are 45 minutes. How often you meet depends on your goals, and you decide together with your therapist. As things improve, many people meet less often.
Should my child start with therapy or with testing?
It depends on the question. If you don't know why your child is struggling, for example with attention, reading or friendships, an evaluation can explain it and point to the right help. If the cause is clear and your child needs support with feelings or behavior, therapy may be the better start. On the first call, Dr. Paul will tell you which she recommends and why.
How long does therapy last?
It varies. Some people come for a focused stretch of a few months to work on one problem. Others stay longer to work on patterns that go back years. Dr. Paul checks in on progress regularly so you can decide together when to continue, taper or stop.
What if I need help right away?
Therapy is not an emergency service. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Wondering if therapy would help?

A free consultation with Dr. Paul is the easiest way to find out. No commitment.