Dr. Mednick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in a unique blend of various methodologies to offer her clients the deepest possible healing. Dr. Mednick has received her Psy.D, MFT from Ryokan College and has Master’s degrees in both Applied Psychology as well as Counseling Psychology and her undergraduate work was at the University of Southern California. Her studies in Spiritual Psychology frame her point of view that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. This unique perspective permeates into Dr. Mednick’s further studies. Dr. Mednick has also received an additional degree in the field of Consciousness Health and Healing. This concentration allows her a deep understanding of the most severe addictions and traumas, and to assist in finding ways to help trauma survivors and sex addicts heal on all five levels of consciousness: Mental, Physical, Energetic, Emotional and Spiritual. Dr. Mednick has built her practice with clients worldwide. Through trauma, illness and addiction therapy, she transitions clients with the identification of living as “victims” or “survivors” all the way to that of living as “thrivers.” She offers her clients complete healing to find deep meaning in past occurrences, and to take the “silver lining” in it all and view their issues as blessings in disguise. Dr. Mednick strives to bring her clients completion in the trauma/addiction/illness cycle, and to move them from pull into the trauma vortex (pain and chaos) towards easily and consciously choosing the healing vortex (calm and relaxed). Dr. Mednick took ongoing training in advanced EMDR techniques such as the Strategic Developmental Model for EMDR, is certified in Brain Spotting, and trained in Sensory Motor Psychotherapy and Somatic Therapy. This assisted her most extremely traumatized clients and addicts process their issues much more easily, and without undue distress. Dr. Mednick believes in the importance of the Inner Journey and how best to support her clients in reconnecting with that which is inside. Dr. Mednick had also undertaken twelve further years of study with world-renowned Energy Medicine specialist Christine Schenk. She was a member of the first US graduating Master’s class. Dr. Mednick is one of the few people in America trained in the CHRIS®-Technique, and as a part of the services she offers, Dr. Mednick blends these techniques into her work at Serenity Trauma Healing Center. The addition of the CHRIS®-Technique to all the psychotherapeutic education has helped Joanne to assist her clients in reaching higher levels of inner peace, connectedness in their body, and achieving a sense of wellness in their lives. Through her many years as a therapist and her deep commitment to cutting-edge education, she has learned to pinpoint even the most resistant clients’ deepest issues and help them to change their destructive patterns. Dr. Mednick believes it is her life’s purpose to help others move along their own path towards full and complete healing. We treat dual diagnosis clients with emphasis on underlying psychological trauma.
Dr. Raskin is a leading board certified internist and Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Treating patients in his private practice since 1996, Dr. Raskin has earned a reputation for exceptional patient care and effective individualized treatment. Today, through cutting edge and compassionate techniques, Dr. Raskin helps his patients maintain and regain their health. Dr. Raskin contributes regularly to local and national television broadcasts. Most recently he has appeared as a medical expert on Good Morning America and Nightline.
Obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles in 1993. He is a Fellow at the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychology Specialties in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, a Fellow at the American Psychotherapy Association, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security. He has been an adjunct professor of doctor of clinical and forensic psychology programs at Alliant International University, at National University, and at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, California, and an adjunct professor of clinical and counseling psychology at Argosy University and Antioch University in Los Angeles, California for 25 years.
He has conducted research and published over 20 professional journal articles on topics involving psychological aspects of terrorism prevention, psychological profiles of terrorists, and profiling terrorists, as well as various seminal articles on psychological evaluations for federal immigration courts in cases of asylum and inadmissibility. Additionally, he published research articles involving addictions, chronic mental illness, stress and coping, cross-cultural issues, and human-animal interaction. He is a Licensed Psychologist in California since 1997, and he is the director and owner of the Counseling Center of Santa Monica, a private practice in Los Angeles, California since 2000.
He served as an Attending Psychologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for 16 years and served as a Regional Clinical Director for Aegis Treatment Centers in Southern California for 3 years. Dr. Vaisman-Tzachor co-authored 6 books during his military service about computerized weapon systems, and 2 books on astronomical navigation. Additionally, he published 3 psychology-based novels during his psychology career. He currently serves on the editorial board of SAGE Open Journal of Police Emergency Response (JPER); on the editorial board of LUPINE Scholarly Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (SJPBS), and on the editorial board of IRIS Open Access Journal of Addiction and Psychology (OAJAP). His forensic psychology career spans 28 years in which he served as an expert witness for various courts including the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; Federal Courts, Federal Immigration Courts, and Federal Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as at the California and Arizona Family Courts; the California Superior Court in civil matters, and at the California Criminal Court. He presented on topics involving aspects of forensic psychology at various local and international professional conferences and institutions of higher learning.
Z Zoccolante, LMFT, is originally from Hawaii and brings over 10 years of experience in somatic bodywork and cognitive processing, connecting the body, mind, and soul through massage, coaching, esthetics, acting, and travels.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Z utilizes her creative background in her specialty with trauma and addiction recovery blending cognitive and creative modalities as well as brain based EMDR, Brainspotting, and CRM to fiercely and lovingly move through things that keep us stuck in trauma loops and old stories that no longer serve us.
She’s the author of Throwing Up Rainbows and the study guide (Amazon), for eating disorder recovery support, as well as the podcast Throwing Up Rainbows found on iTunes and ThrowingUpRainbows.com. She’s passionate about assisting others in their personal empowerment to create expanding possibilities of feeling free, happy, healthy, and whole. She’s currently in a PhD program in Depth Psychology.
Jade Dearing is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#132706) who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Her experience includes working with clients suffering from Complex-PTSD and the full spectrum of dissociative disorders including borderline personality disorder to dissociative identity disorder, and in a county mental health setting as a part of a triage team of psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, doctors, case managers, and other therapists working together to provide mental health support to those in desperate need of services. In addition, she has several years of experience in substance abuse in-patient treatment. She is trained in EMDRIA-approved EMDR, and the Safe and Sound Protocol rooted in the Polyvagal Theory and is currently training in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, and trauma healing through hypnosis.
Bella is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200). Bella received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Therapy and a Minor in Psychology from Berklee College of Music. She has worked with individuals of all ages, stages of life, and abilities from end-of-life hospice care, to early childhood, to individuals with developmental disabilities. During her time in college, and afterward while clinically working in human services, Bella built a strong connection to her yoga practice and knew she needed to further develop her relationship with yoga by doing a 200-hour yoga teacher training. In 2020, when COVID-19 hit, Bella felt the pause of the world and found it challenging to move forward in any direction. This allowed time for her to finally take part in yoga teacher training and found that yoga was her way to create movement in stillness.
Movement, music, and mindfulness are the three modalities Bella has always heavily aligned with, and she incorporates the three of them together to help create a safe, inclusive, and healing experience in her work. Bella has seen the power that music, movement, and mindfulness have on the physical, emotional, and energetic body, as well as a way to deepen the relationship with the self, others, and nature. Bella believes that engaging with these modalities alone, or together, can elicit positive, and long-lasting changes and genuinely enjoys the connections built throughout the process. In her spare time, Bella enjoys hiking, cooking, making jewelry, and spending time with animals.
Tehilla is currently studying to complete her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She also has a BS Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Tehilla has always been passionate about helping people and has long been volunteering in the human services field. She has volunteered for several non-profit organizations and has been part of social advocacy programs and child-mentoring.
Tehilla began her journey in neurofeedback to alleviate her own instabilities and symptoms, and to regulate her nervous system. Since then, she has completed clinical training in ILF Neurofeedback and has certification for completion of the course for Clinical Applications in Neurofeedback. She is also working on receiving additional certification in the Othmer Method of Neurofeedback, OMC-I. She has been focusing her scope of practice in the trauma field, and has been able to successfully use neurofeedback to alleviate symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Tehilla has also completed certification requirements for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She uses the DBT modality to educate and implement life skills and mindfulness for clients with a trauma history or personality disorders. She is also in the process of completing certification in Trauma Informed Practice to further round her skill-set as a neurofeedback clinician and future clinical social worker. She is committed to continually furthering her education in order to better help her clients build a life worth living, while incorporating evidence based solutions, support, and nurturance.
A Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Amanda trained in SE with the global organization formerly called The Foundation for Human Enrichment, currently called The Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, graduating the program in 2007.
In addition to being an SE Advanced Level Session Provider and Assistant at the SE trainings worldwide, Amanda is trained in Trauma Informed Touch work, Developmental Trauma, NeuroAffective Touch, Eye of the Needle near death and surgery trauma, Syndromes, is a Licensed Bodyworker, has a BA in Psychology, is a Birth Doula, and was first a Child Development Specialist and Preschool Teacher in her previous career. Put together, Amanda is able to provide clients with all the body-oriented tools necessary to enhance their success on their journey through trauma.
At Serenity, Amanda offers SE Sessions and Education. When appropriate, she provides gentle informed therapeutic touch work. These sessions help guide clients to a deeper sense of autonomic regulation.
She teaches and guides you to an understanding of what your Nervous System is informing you of when you feel the effects and symptoms of trauma, and guides you gently through the process of returning from that traumatized state back to a sense of being yourself again.
“Once we are Somatically Literate and truly understand the language of our sensations, then we are capable of allowing the natural physiological processes of returning to a sense of wellbeing and functioning without fear. In some cases, we may be developing this sense of wellbeing and function for the first time.
SE work and education tends to be a missing link for many clients therapeutic journey, connecting what they know in their mind is true, such as knowing a particular traumatic event is in the past, to having their body, which otherwise keeps responding as if there is still a threat of danger or risk, begin to respond to the fact that the event is over and in the past, bringing body and mind together again, thus resolving PTSD symptoms, often permanently.
SE work helps you help your body move through that sense of danger or risk so you can be fully embodied and present with what is true for you now; that you are safe, that you survived, and that you are ready to thrive.”
~ Amanda on SE in practice.
Alma is certified in Somatic Psychotherapy and Practices and has worked in Somatic Experiencing for 7 years in Latin America and The United States. Alma has a B.A in Psychology, is registered in the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and has complementary studies in Western and Eastern practices, emotional intelligence and Neuro-Psycho-Education. In 2015, Alma founded Body-Mind Center in Villa de Leyva, Colombia, being a pioneer in the field using Body Movement techniques, to embody emotions and bring about body awareness. Alma is a certified Personal Trainer in Latin America and Europe, Reiki practitioner and Yoga Instructor (Inbound Yoga) and initiated as Kriyavan (Kriya Yoga). Alma had observed in her own healing experience, how the movement of the body could not only release tension from a traumatic or stressful event, but also speak up for the emotions.
As a Rock Climber and yoga practitioner, Alma was able to find the Body-Mind connection and consciousness and bring that experience to her clients. As part of Alma’s career, for 8 years, she worked as Forensic Expert and was the author of published researches in the subjects of Suicide, Domestic Violence and assault. “Climbing the pinnacle of life, one rock at the time. We start on the ground until we get to the top of the hill we want to climb”. Alma.
Terry Adamson, JD is a certified life coach specializing in helping people through life transitions, using skills and insights to help people navigate through emotional pain. She specializes in helping clients who have gone through trauma and grief reignite their passion for life, discover their resilience, and regain inner peace. Terry has gained exceptional compassion for others and mentoring skills from her 18 years as a Malibu Superior Court Commissioner, and an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, mentoring and coaching students since 1993. Terry has been studying spiritual and positive psychology since 2010. She is a certified Wayfinder Life Coach through Martha Beck Inc. She has also completed two Mastermind spiritual psychology courses with renowned life coach Robert Holden.
Terry uses techniques including meditation and exercises, such as affirmations, ideal day visualizations, metaphor and dream analysis, developed to access the right brain, to guide clients to discover their own intuition and resilience. She is passionate about helping clients to flourish, reignite their passion for life, and experience inner peace. Terry’s coaching methods have proven to be effective in helping clients reduce their emotional and physical pain, using spiritual psychology to help create healthy neuropathways. Terry’s own experience of overcoming severe trauma and grief and discovering post traumatic strength has inspired her to dedicate her career to helping others experience more joy in their lives.
Samantha is a certified yoga therapist and personal trainer specializing in yoga mindfulness and assisting clients to improve their mind-body connection. She can accommodate the client’s individual needs by using a combination of modalities. Samantha uses a holistic approach with the belief that individuals have the power to heal themselves. Samantha is trained in Hatha and Restorative Yoga with a focus on Yoga Therapy. Yoga therapy is used to not only address the body’s physical needs but instead to address each layer of the self.
She attended her yoga studies at Loyola Marymount University and is currently pursuing her Master in Social Work at the University of Southern California.
In her free time, Samantha leads hikes for an outdoor adventure group, uniting people from all over Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs and teaching fitness classes.
Dara is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and Clinical Counselor. She is also an MBTI Certified Practitioner in Steps I and II. She began her practice counseling adolescents experiencing mental health and academic struggles. She has helped and empowered individuals suffering from grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma to find their voice, while displaying empathy and unconditional positive regard, teaching them coping strategies, and providing resources they will need to advance further in their recovery journey.
Dara received her master’s in clinical psychology and bachelor’s in business management, both from Pepperdine University. She has an extensive background in client services and culturally sensitive practices and brings this knowledge with her to work with individuals from all kinds of backgrounds, and personality types. She also brings insight, professionalism, and a human approach to help clients suffering from different types of mental health struggles. Dara utilizes a holistic mindfulness approach, with an emphasis on Art-based and Play therapy, Psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT. She has an immense interest in personality types and art-based techniques and enjoys applying this skill set to work with her clients.
Ale is a Certified Massage Therapist registered with the California Massage Therapy Council. She has been in the healings arts for over a decade. Her journey began working in tandem with chiropractors in a clinical setting assessing the needs of patients by utilizing an interdisciplinary holistic approach. She has extensive experience in meeting the needs of clients who have a broad range of conditions including pain, trauma & illness. Ale loves to connect meaningfully with people of various backgrounds. Her passion is to transform the lives of humankind through the healing power of touch, sound & aromatherapy. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring nature. Ale takes pride in how instrumental the staff at Serenity is in providing the utmost wellness for each client.
Samantha is a certified yoga therapist and personal trainer specializing in yoga mindfulness and assisting clients to improve their mind-body connection. She can accommodate the client’s individual needs by using a combination of modalities. Samantha uses a holistic approach with the belief that individuals have the power to heal themselves. Samantha is trained in Hatha and Restorative Yoga with a focus on Yoga Therapy. Yoga therapy is used to not only address the body’s physical needs but instead to address each layer of the self.
She attended her yoga studies at Loyola Marymount University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Southern California.
In her free time, Samantha leads hikes for an outdoor adventure group, uniting people from all over Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs and teaching fitness classes.
Olivia is open, and friendly and will meet you exactly where you are at. Before becoming a therapist she was a school social worker for several years & has warmth & compassion for kids & adolescents. She recently completed her first year of training in Somatic Experiencing.
Olivia has a wide range of experience working with diverse communities & age groups in Chicago & New York City. Olivia is trained in somatic experiencing, psychodynamic/Jungian, DBT, mindfulness, and complex trauma. She is also a certified yoga instructor & professionally trained life coach. Olivia has the knowledge and skills to help you navigate through difficult emotions & challenging times. She can motivate you as you work to achieve higher levels of fulfillment, peace, and success.
Serenity Trauma Healing Center is state- and JCAHO-accredited to provide a multitude of proven psychotherapy services to clients with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our programs include weekly evaluations and start at two weeks long but can continue for timeframes recommended by our licensed experts. We accept many insurance plans. To discuss your situation and learn more about our treatment options, contact us immediately online or at the numbers below.