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My Approach For You

Welcome to a Safe Space.

The heart of effective therapy is a trusting relationship. I’m committed to offering a safe, welcoming space for you to explore doubts, fears, and hopes—whoever you are and whatever you carry.

Come as you are.

I welcome all seeking help to my therapy practice and strive to make this a Safe Space for everyone. Here, everyone is valued- LGBTQ+ folks, all genders, and anyone seeking nonjudgmental, inclusive, and compassionate support.

Our work together isn’t about changing you; it’s about helping you step into who you’re becoming. We’ll highlight your strengths and gently let go of the beliefs that keep you from living more authentically.

My therapeutic process draws not only from evidence-based psychological theory, but is also influenced by Eastern and Western philosophy, faith traditions, humanity’s storytellers, and, more importantly, through the privileged hearing of the personal struggles and courageous acts of clients. My aim is to acknowledge your own beliefs while providing a firmly secular approach with my practice.

My goal in our session is to embrace the process of ἀλήθεια.

ἀλήθεια comes from the Greek word “Aletheia,” Which translates to uncovering or revealing truth.

Therapy, to me, is a verb: an active path we walk together. It’s your path, and I’m honored to accompany you on it.

Begin with your first act of courage in any of the following therapies


Individual

I work with anyone 14 and older—of any background, belief system, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Whether you’re setting goals, building coping skills, or simply need someone to listen, I’m here to help. No matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you’ll be met with acceptance and support. We can’t move forward until we believe we deserve a better future—let’s start there together.

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Adolescent

Life can be overwhelming—especially for teens in today’s world. As an experienced teen counselor, I help you build lasting strategies to handle life’s demands and make the most of its opportunities. Whether it’s school stress, family conflict, or constant social pressure, you’ll find a compassionate ear and practical, doable solutions here.

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Secular Therapy

My therapy with you is reality-based, with an honest appraisal of what works and what doesn’t in your life.

Truth is the answer.

But it’s found through challenging your own beliefs about your place in this world — not through dogma or mythical figures.

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Trauma

Trauma lands differently for everyone—but healing starts with safety. Your trust is my priority. In my Corona office, we’ll move at your pace, make sense of the past, and build tools to move beyond it.

Together, we’ll have honest conversations that help you not just recover, but rewrite your story. As a survivor myself, I understand the path from trauma to transformation.

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Telehealth

Telehealth allows us to provide counseling and therapy to our clients via live video conferencing. This can be done anywhere you have a computer or smartphone.

Telehealth appointments can be very beneficial if getting to a traditional in-person appointment is not convenient, or you simply just don’t want to.

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Psychotherapy Services
L. Alan Wager, MA LMFT

I continue to travel my own path. In fact, I became a therapist because of it.

Before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and becoming licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I had sought therapy myself. I’ve been through that humbling process of admitting a need for help. I struggled to acknowledge, accept, and reconcile my own past of sexual abuse and being raised in a home with a father suffering from depression and alcoholism.
When I have free time my wife, Laurie and I enjoy hiking our precious local mountains in Southern California.  To be out in nature with the beautiful, expansive views in natural surroundings offers solitude and solace. Hiking not only provides a respite but can also provide a challenging and rewarding experience.

Nature holds a restorative quality. It may not cure our anguish, but it is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Despite what I might believe about myself, I can find contentment in a moment, among this reality of this expansive nature that lies before me, and that I too belong.

My own life experiences have helped me to develop a personal understanding of the difficulty that life can bring and the ability to have compassion for the struggles of those who seek my help. I know that I can’t solve your problems for you, but I am passionate about offering you a safe, nonjudgmental space. I welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and orientations—including LGBTQ+—and am committed to genuine inclusivity. My desire as your therapist is to be present with you to discuss your frustrations and fears, and challenge those negative beliefs that prevent you from finding peace and contentment in your life.

FAQs

What are your hours?

I know that clients seeking therapy can have busy lives. Because of this I offer appointments ranging from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday by appointment only.
I also provide sessions every other Saturday.

So how long do sessions usually last?:

A “session hour” is typically 50 minutes. 

How much will a session with you cost me?

My fee is $130.00 for a 50-minute session. 

Who do you work with?

My clientele are primarily individuals, but due to the nature of therapy it may be helpful to talk to other people in your life.
As your therapy progresses, we can talk about whether this is a good idea for you.

What do you do in sessions with your clients?

This is a common question when clients first start therapy. It’s understandable that people are guarded about telling a stranger the most intimate details of their life. I see our therapy as cultivating a trusting, secure relationship.

During our time together, we work to unpack and sort out those problem areas that tend to create barriers and weigh you down. I’ll offer challenges, insights, and strategies that will help you to come to resolution. It starts with a conversation.

I’ve heard that people get assignments and homework to do between sessions. Do you do that?

I haven’t had much success with clients finding the time to complete homework during the week. So that I am not the cause of more stress in your life, I don’t usually give homework, although I have when it can help you to progress.

Most of the time I will offer suggestions and challenges to help you become aware of certain habitual behaviors or actions that happen throughout your day so that we can discuss them during your next session.

What is your professional training and experience?

After earning a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2006 I began to practice as a Registered Intern under the supervision of a licensed therapist. After completing my internship I became licensed to practice psychotherapy as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), on May 10, 2011.

Even though I have completed formal education, I believe my actual training began through my own life experiences and struggles to reconcile traumatic events in my own life. My path included seeking therapy before I ever considered becoming a therapist. My challenges are invaluable in providing you therapy that connects to real world experiences.

What makes you think you’re so special and can give me all the answers?

I’m not so special and I don’t have all the answers. In fact, I can’t do anything for you that you aren’t willing to do for yourself. I’ve got some training and knowledge to offer and I have a passion to help you find peace in your life.

Progress is never guaranteed in therapy, but when it happens it’s because you’ve done the work, the heavy lifting, required to challenge and change your story. It’s your courage that motivates me to do this work. And it is my honor to be a small part of the story of your life.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Rates & Insurance

Rates:

My fee is $130.00 for a 50-minute session. 

Insurance :

There are very few insurance companies with whom I work.

What’s wrong with accepting my insurance?

Therapists differ on if and how many insurance companies to work with. My own reasons for not accepting insurance have to do with the amount of paperwork and oversite by the insurance companies. I have chosen to keep my practice more intimate, which means I honestly do not have the time to process all the forms needed for submitting your information to the insurance companies.

To be honest, I would rather not pin a label on you just to get paid. Sometimes problems don’t fit neatly into a single diagnosis. My goal for you in therapy is for you to define yourself, so I don’t want to force another label on you.

More importantly, your confidentiality and privacy are compromised whenever your mental health information is submitted to an insurance company. Insurance also needs a diagnosis to authorize your session and payment.

There are many excellent therapists who accept your health insurance. If you wish to utilize your insurance, I would suggest giving them a call to get a referral in your area.

Payment:

My primary means of payment is cash or credit card.

Cancellation Policy:

I set up appointments to accommodate your schedule. I understand that things happen, so sessions sometimes need to be rescheduled or canceled. Let me know as soon as possible, if you can’t keep your appointment, and I’ll work with you to find a better time.

If you don’t let me know within 24 hours, it makes it almost impossible to fill your session slot. My policy is to charge for a full session rate if I don't hear from you.

Any Other Questions:

Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

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