Alexandra Katehakis, MFT, CSAT, CST

Alex Katehakis is a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist.  She has extensive experience in working with a full spectrum of sexuality from sexual addiction to problems of sexual desire and dysfunction for individuals and couples.  Alex has successfully facilitated the recovery of many sexually addicted individuals and assisted couples in revitalizing their sex lives.

Ms. Katehakis was a staff clinician at the Sexual Recovery Institute for eight years and Clinical Supervisor for three of those years.  She has lectured for The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health, Rocky Mountain Association of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, LA-California Association of Marriage Family Therapists, Women's Association of Addiction Treatment, AIDS Project LA, and Pepperdine University.  Alex has been a guest on national radio programs and appeared on VoiceAmerica and WebMD, both live on-line Internet programs, as a sexual addiction expert.  Alex teaches workshops on healthy sexuality in retreat settings and has been published in the Journal of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. 

Professional affiliations include certification as a sex addiction therapist (CSAT) from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), membership in the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), certification/membership American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), membership American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), and membership California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

Associates

Aaron Alan, MA

Aaron Alan received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. He has worked extensively in addiction recovery and facilitated chemical dependency groups at the Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles and at the Jeffrey Goodman Clinic in Hollywood. Aaron's specialty is treating individuals with sexual compulsivity and sexual addiction, chemical/substance addictions, and LGBT issues. He also provided services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness at the Alcott Center for Mental Health. Aaron is a member of the CA Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT), the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors & Therapists (AASECT), and is a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association (LAGPA). MFT Intern #48425.

Jenner Bishop, MFT, CSAT

Christopher Donaghue, MSW

Christopher Donaghue received his master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia, is a California registered intern (ASW) and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.  Christopher has extensive clinical experience working with adults in individual and group psychotherapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings and currently works as the Program Director at La Ventana Rehab’s Sexual Addiction Program.  His clinical specializations include the sexuality spectrum and addictive behaviors such as sexual compulsivity/sex addiction and substance abuse, as well as mood and relational intimacy disorders.

Suzanne Pelka, PhD

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Pelka received her B.A. from UC Berkeley and her Ph.D. from The University of Chicago.  In addition to her practice at The Center for Healthy Sex, she is a research fellow at UCLA studying the psychological effects of using advanced reproductive technologies to create families.  Previously, Dr. Pelka worked in New York City at The LGBT Center providing therapy for people struggling with issues of sexuality, grief, anxiety and depression.  Dr. Pelka next worked at The Center for Contextual Change in Chicago, a psychotherapy practice that specializes in helping both survivors and offenders of sexual abuse heal from past traumas and addictions.  Dr. Pelka currently sees adults and couples and has specialties in the areas of sexuality, infertility and alternative family planning.  In her practice, Dr. Pelka draws on multiple therapeutic approaches taken from systemic, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic traditions.  She is a member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).  MFT Intern #51161.

Christopher Emerson, MA

Christopher Emerson, Ph.D. provides individual, group and family psychotherapy in his Beverly Hills-based private practice. Dr. Emerson is a graduate of Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. His clinical focus is the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders utilizing psychodynamic and existential approaches.

Chris treats substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, and issues specific to lesbian and gay individuals and couples, all with a focus on helping patients explore and integrate spiritual and existential concerns as components of psychological and emotional well-being. Dr. Emerson is a Registered Psychological Assistant (PSB31399) under the clinical supervision of Barbra Payne, Psy.D. (PSY17156), and can be reached by telephone at 310-550-4560.

Helen Hill, MA

Helen Hill is a graduate of Antioch University with a master's in Clinical Psychology.  Ms. Hill provides individual and group therapy pertaining to life and living, women's issues, teen development, and gender issues.  Ms. Hill is a firm believer in the power of "talk therapy" to heal.  Helen interned at the Antioch University Counseling Center, and is a frequent speaker / guest lecturer on issues pertaining to gender, marginalized populations and treatment. 

In addition to private practice, Helen works, via clinics, with autistic children, and teens in crisis.  Helen brings a depth of real life experience, knowledge, understanding, and compassion. Ms. Hill is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles.  MFT Intern 48896, Supervisor Cheryl Grant, MFT.  (www.helen-hill.com)

Andrew Susskind, MSW

Andrew Susskind, MSW is a pioneer and leader in the cutting-edge field of Recovery Coaching, and he is the co-founder of Recovery Coaches International (www.recoverycoaching.org).  As a coach, licensed psychotherapist, workshop leader and consultant, Andrew brings a multi-faceted perspective to his work.   Andrew facilitates workshops for Promises-Malibu and consults with ClearviewTreatmentCenter in Los Angeles infusing Recovery Coaching into their existing program.  

In addition to coaching, Andrew maintains a private practice in psychotherapy since 1992 specializing in addictions, relationships, and bereavement.  Andrew taught interviewing and relationship skills to medical students at UCLA and has provided clinical supervision to unlicensed psychotherapists since 1997.

For more information, please call 310.281.8681 or visit www.andrewsusskind.com or www.westsidetherapist.com.