Christine Scher
Psychologist,I'm a clinical psychologist who specializes in scientifically supported treatment of anxiety, depression, and related concerns.
I work with people who feel like their lives are a mess. Sometimes this sense of chaos has been lifelong. Other times something has happened that completely upends the structure of a person’s life, leaving them to pick up the pieces. The people I work with don’t fit into a neat diagnostic box. They often struggle with issues across a number of domains, whether eating, substance use, career, identity, and of course relationships. I also work with many people who are queer and/or artists.
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We work clients who want to improve their self esteem, feel better in their bodies, and generally feel less stuck in their heads. Our clients tend to be perfectionistic and driven, and often wish they could feel more at ease. We work with clients in a wide range of life situations, and have specific insight into the needs of artists, athletes, parents and people in high stress careers.
Claudia is an EMDR certified psychotherapist. Her expertise and training is in trauma recovery, couples counseling and family therapy (including work with youth and teens - issues in adolescence, adoption, foster care). Claudia works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse & recovery, migration & acculturation, fertility issues, parenthood & post-partum, spiritual resiliency, grief & loss, chronic illness, and life & career transitions.
I work with a diverse client population from teens through late adulthood, individuals as well as couples focusing on Complex Grief, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Fear, Communication and Emotion Regulation issues to remove the barriers between you and your goals. Through counseling and treatment, together we can help you to recover the motivation, perspective, and joy you once had in your life.
While I work with a wide range of folks, I tend to be the person folks come to when other therapies haven't worked. Relational Somatic Psychotherapy is a deep and powerful therapeutic approach. It works at a very deep and primal level. We combine neuro-biologically informed treatment with mindfulness, movement, traditional talk therapy, drama therapy and more, all in the container of our relationship.
It can be hard to know where to turn when you feel hopeless, overwhelmed, isolated, lost, or estranged from inner aliveness. Your feelings make sense - everyone gets lost sometimes. Panic and anxiety can be terrifying, and depression can feel immovable. You will gain relief, personalized tools, and creative solutions with a trusted ally in the therapeutic process. My approach is compassionate and curious, and I value trust-building collaboration and actionable treatment planning.
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You are constantly on the go, juggling two or three things at the same time including the help you offer others because you can’t stop yourself. What will others say to your “No’s, what would they think of you? You fear their judgment. Sometimes, you just want to be left alone. You sometimes snap at people you love and then feel guilty. You don’t enjoy life like you used to. Where is the motivation you had before? I will help you feel more confident and have healthier relationships.
They come from all walks of life. Many struggle with grief and loss--of a loved one, or of a cherished idea of how life was meant to be. Some feel at war with themselves; the survival strategies of the past--once so vital--no longer serve them, leading to depression, anxiety, and diminished relationships. They are in a bind: longing to connect but frightened, with good reason, of the vulnerability that makes connection possible. I help them move in the direction of growth and deeper connection.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Hopeless? Scared? Stuck? Do you feel like your world is spinning out of control? Do you wish the chaos would stop? And what would it be like to NOT feel that way? Sometimes past hurts affect present relationships. Sometimes what you know in your head doesn't match what you feel in your heart. Sometimes multiple stressors can overwhelm you. And sometimes we just need a tune-up for our lives.
You’re overwhelmed, self-aware, and stuck in patterns you don’t totally understand — in relationships, with your emotions, or the way you talk to yourself. I work best with teens and twenty-somethings navigating anxiety, low self-worth, perfectionism, people-pleasing, identity questions, and relational dynamics that aren’t working anymore.
I provide psychotherapy to adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples online throughout California including but not limited to Los Angeles (West Hollywood, Brentwood, Venice, Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach. I have worked with adolescents, adults, college and graduate students, and people from marginalized communities. I also have extensive experience working with veterans and their families, first responders, musicians, artists, creative and entertainment industry professionals, and academics.
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A traumatic childhood can shape the story you have about yourself and your ability to achieve healthy connections. Unhealthy/Unwanted romantic or sexual relationships can effect how you view love and what you deserve. I work primarily with clients suffering from family trauma (physical/emotional/sexual abuse, domestic violence, attachment, neglect, incest) to re-author their story.
In this increasingly “good vibes only” culture, do you feel that you need to hide parts of yourself in order to fit in or be included in the group? Do you feel like you’re either too much or not enough? Like you’re the black sheep in your family or with your friends? You may have been thrown into an adult role as a child, having to emotionally care for your parent or caregiver, at the expense of your own emotional development, growth, or even safety. If this sounds familiar, there is hope.
Have you noticed that it's in the places you are supposed to be most relaxed (meditation, vacation, weekends, sleep) that your mind feels louder than ever? It might feel like the idea of letting your thoughts go is meant for “normal” people and that does not include you. Maybe you stand guard to keep yourself from your worst case, as if your attention to your thoughts keeps you from descending into unimaginable fear. I can help you sift through the noise and regain your confidence in yourself.
I am passionate about supporting clients on their own journeys of self-exploration, reflection, and development through talk therapy. I’m also the founder of Collective Space Therapy, promoting and advocating emotional and mental health for all people and communities in San Diego.
If you're looking for a holistic and practical approach to healing, we are likely a good fit for each other! I often attract young adults who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, past trauma, and want to live a more meaningful life because I have struggled in these exact areas and have similar intentions myself. I value practicing what I preach and offer support in the ways that have been most helpful in my own life.
Take a quick survey to find therapists that match your needs.
Being alive in the 21st century is wild. Navigating a complex, relentlessly changing world and overlapping systems of oppression can be a confusing, isolating challenge. You know your struggles and deserve a safe place to explore them with authenticity, empathy, and validation. My warm, genuine, and collaborative approach provides a space to learn more about yourself, address your concerns, and develop self-compassionate coping skills in line with your values.
Adulting is a struggle. While it is a valuable time of self discovery, it is also a time of uncertainty and increased responsibility. There are expectations to find your footing in this world and find it fast. Under the weight of these societal pressures we think, is this as good as it gets? Are my wants, needs, and desires reasonable? Sifting through these alone is overwhelming. Our relationship offers a consistent, exploratory place for you to gain insight into yourself and these questions.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders through an in-depth psychoanalytic lens. I work with a diverse range of clients—including BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals, as well as artists, writers, clinicians, academics, and creative professionals—in explore the unconscious patterns and unspoken desires that shape both personal and creative work.