A Professional, Skilled Staff
Best Me Psychotherapy was founded by Dr. Abby Penson in 2016. Dr. Penson wants to be able to offer therapy to more people than she is able to treat alone. She is committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment for patients. The quality of the Best Me staff is a top priority and she has taken great care in personally choosing each member of the staff.
“Our goal is to help patients gain a better understanding of who they are and why they are struggling with the issues that have brought them to seek therapy. Our treatment is guided by the individual needs of each patient and is aimed at empowering the patient to find the strength to make the necessary changes that will lead to an increase in self-esteem, self-acceptance, and an elimination of unhealthy behaviors.”
Dr. Abby Penson
ABBY PENSON, PH.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY21602
Dr. Abby Penson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D.). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
Dr. Penson provides Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Eating Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Relationship Issues (Pre-Marital, Marriage, Divorce, Co-Parenting, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual, Domestic Violence and Abuse), Trauma and Abuse, Substance Abuse, Learning and Behavioral issues, and Self-Injury. She has presented numerous lectures to the community, increasing awareness about Domestic Violence, Improving Self-Image and Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorders and Prevention.
Dr. Penson utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach to therapy. She views each patient as an individual and identifies what may be most therapeutic for them. She often draws from Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Gestalt approaches. Her goal is to help each individual make changes to improve their mood or stability, be more effective, achieve their goals, and ultimately live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
EUGENIA HOWLEY, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. MFC95069
Eugenia Howley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who received her Bachelor’s degree from University of California, San Diego and completed her graduate work at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Eugenia moved to the United States from Eastern Europe when she was a teenager and is fluent in Russian.
Eugenia provides Individual, Family, and Group psychotherapy, Behavior Modification strategies in clinic, school, and home settings with children and adults, and Parenting support groups and education. She has extensive experience working with children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other developmental and behavioral difficulties. Eugenia’s other areas of focus include, but not limited to: depression and anxiety, anger management, trauma and grief counseling, childhood development and behavioral interventions, relationship issues (marriage, divorce, co-parenting, adoption, domestic violence, LGBTQ).
Eugenia believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process respectful of each individual’s culture, needs, goals, and time. She works with her clients to help them shed light in places where the client might feel stuck and helps them find new perspectives and effective solutions that make sense for them.
JAIME NAKASUJI, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. MFC48054
Jaime Nakasuji is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Masters degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She believes that therapy is a transformative experience for those who commit to process through past hurts, gain healthy coping skills, and move forward in life and in their relationships with a better sense of self.
Jaime provides Individual Therapy to Adults. She has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions, Co-dependency, Parenting, Creative Process (addressing procrastination, finding inspiration, motivation), and Spirituality.
Jaime has an eclectic approach to therapy often drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic orientations.
Jaime looks forward to helping individuals ready to seek change in their lives. Therapy can be hard work at times, but it is well worth the effort and investment.
ASHLEY PALUSKA, PSY.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY29007
Dr. Ashley Paluska is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.). She received her Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology – Chicago. She also holds a Masters of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology/Sport Management from Cleveland State University. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings from community mental health, medical and psychology private practices, college counseling, sports and exercise psychology, substance abuse, clinical and forensic diagnostics, youth detention, and sexual offender treatment.
Dr. Paluska provides Individual (i.e., children, adolescents, teenagers, young adult, and adults) and Couples Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Learning and Behavioral issues, Behavioral Modification, ADHD, Sports and Exercise Psychology, Parenting Issues, Oppositional Defiant, Conduct Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self-Injury, Eating Disorders, and Stress Related Issues (i.e. work, life, trauma).
In addition, to providing general therapy services, Dr. Paluska offers Clinical and Forensic Psychological Assessments. Her experience includes general psychological evaluations, psycho-neurological testing (i.e., concussions, memory loss), educational, psychosexual, probation, pre/post trial, pre-employment (i.e., law enforcement, adults working with children), ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and auditory and visual processing deficits.
Dr. Paluska utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach, often drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Good Lives, and strength based approaches. Her goal is to help patients achieve strength and self confidence in their own ability to communicate, solve problems, and make changes.
Life can be as frustrating and chaotic as putting together a puzzle of a million pieces. Psychological testing and/or therapy may provide the tools necessary to discovery the missing pieces to unanswered questions.
ANALIA BARROSO, PH.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY24389
Dr. Analia Barroso is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D) who received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra.
Dr. Barroso was raised by Spanish speaking parents and is therefore bilingual in Spanish and English, as well as bicultural.
Dr. Barroso has extensive experience providing Individual and Family Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Her areas of specialization include Childhood Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Childhood Abuse, Crisis Intervention and Familial Issues.
Dr. Barroso is a compassionate therapist who believes in a collaborative strength-based approach that incorporates the individual and family’s needs.
TIFFANY LEVINE, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. MFC50922
Tiffany Levine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Phillip’s Graduate Institute and undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Cal State University, Northridge.
Tiffany provides therapy for Individuals (Adults, Adolescents, and Children), Couples, Families, and Groups and maintains a collaborative approach with her clients. Utilizing Language Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Family Systems modalities as to honor one’s individuality, she joins with each of her clients to develop a road map for personal success. Believing that there are “no failures”, only opportunities to learn and grow.
Tiffany creates a warm and encouraging therapeutic environment where one is safe to explore, learn and grow. Her areas of focus are Depression, Anxiety, Dysfunctional beliefs, Interpersonal Pressures and Demands, External Stressors, and Life Changes. Additionally, Tiffany specializes in treatment of Domestic Violence, Trauma, PTSD, Communication Issues, Family Dynamics, Parenting, Empowerment and goal setting. Tiffany is passionate about a holistic approach to wellness. Tiffany has a deep respect for Yoga and has completed her Yoga teacher training so that she may help her clients better manage stressors through breathing and relaxation techniques.
If one is provided the right support and guidance, one can accomplish anything.
CARIE SCHWARTZ, PSY.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY31251
Dr. Carie Schwartz is a licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Arizona, her Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University and her Doctorate for the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Schwartz has presented numerous lectures on topics related to Childhood Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Childhood and Teen Sexuality, Attachment and Parenting.
Dr. Schwartz provides Individual, Child, Couple, Parent, and Family psychotherapy. Her areas of specialization include Anxiety, Childhood Development and Social/Emotional/Behavioral concerns, issues related to Attachment, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Family and Individual life transitions, and LGBTQ Identity and Sexuality. Additionally, she focuses on Mood Disorders, Relationships, and Stress Management.
Dr. Schwartz incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral, Attachment-Based, Resiliency and Affirmative psychotherapeutic approaches as well as Acceptance and Mindfulness, and family therapies into her practice. She demonstrates a highly approachable, non-judging presence, and engaging style. Her genuine interest, compassion, and openness help to build collaborative relationships. Dr. Schwartz’s goal is to help clients increase their awareness, build more flexible perspectives, and develop more effective ways to cope in order to live fuller and more meaningful lives.
MICHAEL O’HARA, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lic. LCSW84757
Michael O’Hara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW, she received her bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Barbara and her master’s degree in social welfare from University of California Los Angeles.
Michael has experience providing Individual, Group and Family therapy and Crisis Intervention in various levels of care including inpatient, residential, outpatient, and child welfare settings. Michael’s areas of interest include working with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families addressing Mood and Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Child Abuse, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Stress, Relationships and Attachment issues. Michael was most recently working with medically complex children and their families.
Michael is a collaborative, holistic and humanistic therapist who works to honor the strengths, culture and unique story of each patient and family. She utilizes a broad range of interventions and theoretical frameworks including Psychodynamic, Relational, CBT and Attachment theory. With humor, empathy and curiosity she strives to create a relationship and treatment plan that incorporates patient needs and highlights their intrinsic potential and desire for growth and discovery.
SHAELYN JENKINS, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lic. LCSW81549
Shaelyn Jenkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Point Loma Nazarene University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. Shaelyn has experience working in child welfare, medical, and mental health settings and provides Individual and Family therapy to Children and Adults. Her areas of specialization include Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Abuse, Adjustment Disorders, Stress-Related Disorders, Grief and Loss, and Foster Care and Adoption Issues.
Shaelyn draws from a variety of theoretical approaches, including Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Mindfulness. Shaelyn obtained a certification in Children’s Yoga and Play Therapy and utilizes movement and yoga for integrative work with children and families. Additionally, she has received post-graduate specialized training in Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy. Shaelyn utilizes Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy in order to create a safe space for children to express their feelings, modify behaviors, and develop problem-solving skills and healthy coping strategies.
Shaelyn’s approach is rooted in the belief that healing and positive change are possible in a nurturing therapeutic environment. She creates an accepting and nonjudgmental space in order for her clients to explore and develop as individuals and families. Shaelyn believes in a holistic, culturally sensitive, and strengths-based approach and will work in collaboration with her clients to tailor treatment plans based on each client’s specific needs and strengths.
PHYLLIS A. HOLLAND, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License # LMFT120218
Phyllis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Masters from the University of Southern California (USC).
Phyllis’ approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that human beings are relational, created to function best in relationship, with self and with others. She builds a collaborative, therapeutic alliance with her clients based on the understanding that while we’re often wounded in relationships, it’s also in relationships that we’re healed. As such, she provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to process issues of meaning and importance and seeks to help clients uncover their own answers to questions that bring anxiety, confusion or impede a sense of well-being. Her approaches are respectful and grounded in multiculturalism, including sensitivity to one’s spirituality as part of wellness.
Phyllis’ theoretical orientation is eclectic, leaning towards a strength based, Existential, Humanistic approach. Her areas of focus include, but are not limited to, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Wellness and Stress Management, Trauma and Resiliency, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Older Adult/Family Issues (Alzheimer’s) and Grief and Loss. She is also trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and enjoys working with couples who desire a greater connection with one another. She considers herself privileged to work with adult individuals and couples in order to support them in their efforts to relate better.
Phyllis’ goal is to provide support for the careful consideration of her client’s thoughts and emotions while bearing witness to each individual’s journey – their challenges and their joy.
CHRISTINE SANCHEZ, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lic. LMFT112758
Phyllis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Masters from the University of Southern California (USC).
Christine Sanchez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra.
Christine has extensive experience working in intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. She is currently focusing on her work with Young Adults, Adults, and Couples. She specializes in Depression, Childhood and Adult Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationship distress.
Christine often incorporates mindfulness with clients to help them become more in touch with their body and experience healing from a well rounded approach. She also utilizes evidence based interventions in therapy as she is certified in Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Christine views therapy as a collaboration with the client. She explores the client’s past, helps them understand the present symptoms and works towards a journey into a better future. Christine takes an empathic and gentle approach to help clients find a more fulfilling life.
KARLA CACERES, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lic LCSW107782
Karla Caceres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills and her Master’s Degree from University of Southern California.
Karla has experience in working with Survivors of Trauma, Abuse, and Victims of Crimes. Karla is certified in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. Karla’s areas of interest include working with Adults, Adolescents and Families in order to address Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Childhood Abuse, Sexual Trauma, Immigration Trauma, Grief and Loss, and Attachment issues. As an English/Spanish bilingual therapist, Karla recognizes the importance of a strengths based and culturally sensitive approach in session.
Karla believes strongly in the client/therapist relationship, aiming to create a treatment plan that can meet the client’s needs and provides the best opportunities to grow. Karla believes her role as a therapist is to be a support for her clients on their journey through mental wellness and self-discovery. She invests in learning from each of her clients about their story and uses her knowledge to help them gain relief and stability. She hopes to engage clients with empathy, open mindedness, and curiosity in order to help clients lead their best quality of life.
CATHERINE TORNAI, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic LMFT96011
Catherine Tornai is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She earned a double Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Criminology from San Jose State University and a Master’s Degree in Marriage Family Therapy from California State University, Los Angeles.
Catherine has over 12 years of experience conducting psychotherapy with Individuals, Couples and Families. Her areas of specialties center around Trauma Responses that present as Grief/Loss, Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger, Low Self-Esteem/Self-Confidence, as well as Relational and Life Transitions.
Catherine utilizes an approach to therapy that is unconditional and shoulders you through the process, every step of the way. She believes our stories begin with our experiences and how we have lived them. She uses her skills to bring to light latent relational, sexual, and religious trauma, oftentimes by using a blend of Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Object Relations to develop awareness of how we have been impacted by early and on-going relationships.
Your narrative is instrumental as we partner together to discover, heal, and create a meaningful life. Catherine looks forward to uncovering your strengths, developing your resourcefulness, and resiliency.
KEVIN KRONFELD, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License #41189
Kevin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He received his Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, his Masters of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the Phillips Graduate Institute, and his Masters of Science in Educational Administration from National University.
Just as no one person’s life or experiences is the same as someone else’s, the way Kevin approaches treatment with clients will vary based on the needs of each individual. From Psychodynamic therapy to Cognitive Behavioral therapy and everything in between, Kevin’s Client Centered and Solution Focused approach in his practice lends to understanding that progress takes time, effort, and caring to resolve to a point in which a client has developed the tools and confidence to move past the hurdles they will encounter. Kevin has spent more than two decades working both in Education and as a Therapist. He has experience working with teens and adults who seek treatment for a variety of issues including, but not limited to, Goal Setting and Motivation, Life Transitions, Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety.
Kevin’s goal is that each client achieves a level of self-awareness and recovery as soon as possible. Once that is attained, continued therapy is a choice that each client can make based on their own desire for deeper self-awareness through continued care or they can transition to using the gained awareness on their own and return for future sessions as needed for further assistance.
Stephanie Locascio, LPCC, LCPC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Lic. 140723
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Lic. 180008606
Stephanie Locascio is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of CA and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of IL. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas and her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from National Louis University in Chicago. She has over 14 years providing psychotherapy in a community setting and a virtual setting. She currently provides in office and
Telehealth services to individuals residing in CA, and Telehealth services to individuals residing in IL.
Stephanie provides Individual and Couples Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Relationship Issues and Exploration (dating, premarital, marital, divorce, family, friendship, professional relationships) Life Transitions, Identity, Grief/Loss, Work/life balance, Spirituality, Personal Development.
Stephanie leads with empathy, curiosity, hope, and belief in every individual. She is eclectic in her theoretical approach, tailoring to each individual’s needs and desired outcomes in a collaborative way. She utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy (Hope/Strengths based) Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches. She also holds a certification in Solution Focused Therapy and Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy. She is a certified group fitness instructor and is passionate about the relationship between mental wellness and physical wellness.
Stephanie’s best hopes for each individual’s therapeutic journey always include increased self awareness and greater agency over one’s life. She considers it a privilege to work with individuals who are motivated to achieve their full potenNal in the here and now.
KRISTIN McNEESE, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Work, Lic. LCSW85606
Kristin McNeese is a License Clinical Social Worker who acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California Polytechnic University Pomona and a Master of Social Work degree at Azusa Pacific University. She has been trained in various evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Managing and Adaptive Practices. She has experience working with a broad age range starting from age four up to mature adulthood and offers parenting skills and family sessions to facilitate healthy communication in session.
She has experiences working with clients who exhibit symptoms like the following: Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, creating or maintaining healthy boundaries, trauma exposure and challenges managing identity (LGBTQIA+).
Kristin acknowledges that in life we struggle to manage and process what we experience. She is here to assist you in working though some of life’s challenges you are faced with through creating a formal diagnosis and collaborative treatment planning.
As a clinician she draws from the humanistic and cognitive behavioral approaches. These approaches will assist you in exploring your thoughts and how they influence your feelings and behaviors. Kristin would like to provide you with practical tools to help you process and cope with daily struggles as well as help you develop a mindset of positive growth to improve your confidence in facing your challenges in life through a strengths-based approach.
Eunice Virgen, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lic. LCSW104174
Eunice hails from South Central Los Angeles. She is Spanish-speaking and was raised by both of her immigrant Latino parents. Her mother is of Honduran descent (Northern Eastern Caribbean part of the country next to Belize and Guatemala) and her father was of Mexican descent. Eunice graduated with a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Welfare from Cal State University at Northridge. She obtained her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2015 from San Diego State University.
Eunice has been working in public mental health in Downtown LA for several years. She specializes working with Adolescents and Adults specifically addressing Mood Disorders, Complex Trauma, and Grief and Loss. Eunice’s other areas of focus include, but not limited to: Anxiety Disorders, Life Transitions, Relationship issues, Stress Management, Identity, Work/Life Balance, Personal Development, and Self-Esteem. Eunice specializes working with BIPOC populations understanding the lived experiences of people of color given her own personal upbringing and the different intersectional factors that are unique to this community.