Biography
Dr. LaPiana is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice providing psychotherapy services to adults, families, couples and adolescents for more than 25-years.
She works with patients to identify their own personal goals and relationship needs to improve well-being and increase feelings of satisfaction and authenticity.
Difficulty in important relationships and life transitions often drive people to seek help. Beginning therapy is an important step in building skills to manage life’s challenges and stresses.
Improvements in self-care can have dramatic benefits on emotional and physical health.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY:
Therapy for Anxiety, Phobias, Panic, PTSD and Depression
Couples Therapy
Grief Counseling
Work and Career issues
Stress Management
Addiction & Recovery
Life transitions
Parent-child relationship and reunification
Divorce parenting plans
CERTIFICATIONS:
Psychoanalysis, Wright Institute Los Angeles, 1999
Plant-Based Nutrition, Cornell University, 2009
Mental Health Divorce Coach, Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group 2015
Emotionally Focused Therapy
CREDENTIALS:
The National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Health Service Psychologist, 2017
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1999-2000 Wright Institute Los Angeles, CA, Post-Doctorate & Certificate in Psychoanalysis
1995-1999 California School of Professional Psychology, Alhambra, Doctor of Psychology
1992-1995 Chapman University, Orange, CA, Master of Arts in Psychology (Marriage, Family, Child Counseling)
1987-1991 California State University, Fullerton, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE:
2001 Board of Psychology License PSY#17197
2001 Certification in Psychoanalysis, Wright Institute LA
2015 Certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (In progress)
EMPLOYMENT:
2001-Current Private Practice, Agoura Hills, CA
2016–2018 Vantage Point Recovery – Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor, Thousand Oaks, CA
2011–2015 Malibu Beach Recovery Center – Clinical Director, Substance Abuse Primary Therapist, Malibu, CA
2011-2012 Avalon by the Sea – Program Developer, Primary Supervisor, Malibu, CA
2009–2011 Renaissance Malibu – Clinical Director Substance Abuse, Malibu, CA
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EMPLOYMENT:
1990–1991 Counselor, National Council on Alcoholism, Orange, CA
1992–1994 Counselor, Psychiatric Hospital, Costa Mesa, CA
1995–1996 Psychotherapist, Chapman University, Orange, CA
1996-1997 Psychotherapist, Orange County Mental Health
1997–1998 Psychotherapist, Cal Poly Pomona University
1999-2001 Psychotherapist, Hedda Bolgar Counseling Center, Los Angeles, CA
MEMBERSHIP
American Psychological Association
Los Angeles County Psychological Association
ICEEFT - International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Wright Institute Los Angeles Alumn/ae
National Register of Health Service Psychologists