About the team
Welcome to Dynamic Psychotherapy Center! We are a diverse group of clinicians, whose mission is to help you develop emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. We believe that growth and healing are possible at any age and we hope to join you on the journey of developing more peaceful relationships with yourself and others.
Therapy is tailored to your unique needs and we work collaboratively with you to understand what you’re going through to create long-lasting change so that you no longer struggle with overwhelming feelings and self-destructive behaviors. Our therapeutic approach is kind and gentle, but also challenging so that we can support. We are here to help you in being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, thereby gaining the freedom to make different choices in your life that move you towards your goals.
Meet Dr. Valeria Krocak, Psy.D.
PSY25765
Founder And Clinical Director
Having experienced war, natural disaster, and immigration as a young child, I saw firsthand the psychological and physical impacts of trauma on people. It wasn’t until I was a practicing clinician, however, that I learned that trauma includes more than life-threatening experiences. Emotional, physical, sexual abuse, bullying, and neglect are all traumatic experiences that shape how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others.
If you’re tired of living with the aftermath of trauma, please know that healing is possible. You don’t have to live with constant anxiety, depression, insomnia, loneliness, and insecurity in yourself.
Therapy can help you to feel more calm, content, confident in yourself, and connected to the people in your life.
Meet Nora Durzo, LMFT
MFC52339
PSB94026829
Are you emotionally exhausted from worrying about relationships, work, family, and the world around you? Do you experience physical symptoms of anxiety or depression that limit your ability to immerse yourself in social experiences, pursue hobbies, a dream job, or even dating? Living with patterns of anxiety or depression can slowly drain us of our freedoms by limiting our perceptions of ourselves and our ability to cope.
The challenges we face in life can feel overwhelming at times, leading us to lose trust in ourselves and others. If you find yourself lacking energy, feeling hopeless, socializing less, and engaging in negative patterns of thinking, don’t give up! There are many roads that lead to wellness, and you don’t have to walk them alone.
Meet Talia Fragner
AMFT
140417
Navigating the teen years can feel like a constant balancing act. You want the best for your child, yet watching them struggle with friendships, self-confidence, and overwhelming emotions can be deeply challenging. Maybe you’ve seen your teen withdraw or become more critical of themselves, or perhaps conflicts with peers seem to be taking a heavy toll on their spirit. I
t’s natural to feel unsure of how to help, especially when their struggles hit so close to the heart. As a parent, you might wonder how to encourage resilience and self-worth in a world that can sometimes feel harsh and unforgiving. You want to give them the tools to handle life’s ups and downs and to feel good about who they are, even when they’re uncertain themselves.
Meet Elizabeth Brewer,
PSB94027647
In the heart of my work lies an understanding that healing is not about fixing but about reclaiming the wholeness that already exists within you. I’ve moved away from a pathologizing lens, embracing the complexity of the human experience. Here, the body is not just a vessel but a storyteller, holding within it the wisdom of lived experiences, traumas, and the myriad ways we’ve learned to survive.
My approach is grounded in the belief that our parts—those aspects of ourselves that carry pain, fear, and even joy—are not problems to be solved but voices to be heard. Through the integration of body-focused practices and an exploration of these internal parts, we work together to bring what is fragmented back into harmony, creating space for your true self to emerge. Here, we listen deeply to the messages of the body, understanding the body’s way of speaking its truth.
Meet Micaela Meile,
AMFT 140310
I have a passion for providing individuals with the support I so desperately wish I had when experiencing the whirlwind of uncertainty, excitement, and challenges that come along with various phases of life. It’s easy to feel alone in our thoughts and struggles, but the power of realizing that you are in fact not alone and are enduring a universal human experience can be incredibly powerful and healing. I am here to offer you a steady hand and a compassionate heart as we navigate this journey. You matter and so does your story.
It would be an honor to accompany you on this journey of rediscovering your peace and confidence amidst life’s challenges. You are enough exactly as you are, but I hope you are proud of yourself for your dedication to personal growth. I am excited to work together to enhance your wellbeing and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Meet Valerie Franco, M.A
Registered Psychological Associate
#94027988
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or just plain down? It’s exhausting when life feels like one long uphill battle, and things that used to be easy – like getting out of bed or staying motivated – now feel like pulling teeth. You might catch yourself thinking, “Why am I so unhappy?” or “Why can’t I connect with people the way I used to?” and it’s hard to see a way out when every day feels heavy with stress and worries.
You’re not alone in this, and it doesn’t have to stay this way. I work with teens and adults who are going through the same struggles – the weight of anxiety, feeling lost, stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break. Sometimes, it’s hard to even put into words what’s wrong, but that’s where our work together comes in. I’m here to listen, not judge, and help you figure out what’s holding you back so you can finally start feeling like yourself again.
Additionally, it can be especially difficult to work through these types of challenges for the Latine population. It can feel like you’re alone in a new country, and you’re unsure of who can/will support you or where to turn to for help. No lo tiene que hacer solo, le quiero soportar y ayudar en la manera que puedo. I can help you navigate and work through migration trauma, cultural stress, identity issues, and general life stressors.
Therapy isn’t about finding all the answers right away; it’s about understanding what’s been getting in your way and figuring out new paths that actually make sense for you. We’ll work together to untangle the patterns that keep popping up in your life, and I’ll support you in making the changes you know you need, even when they feel overwhelming.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re on autopilot and ready to start living a life that feels more aligned with what you really want, let’s chat. I see clients virtually in California or in person in Torrance, and I’d love to help you start making those changes. Book a consult today – you don’t have to go through this alone. Servicios disponible en español.