Meet 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. Elizabeth Brewer, Psy. D
Registered Psych Associate
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Come as you are. Many people carry the belief that something in them is broken. I tend to meet that belief with curiosity. Over time, it often becomes clear that what feels like a problem has been, in its own way, a form of protection. Something inside you learned how to help you survive, even if it no longer feels like it’s working. My work has come to center around a simple but often unfamiliar idea, that healing is not about fixing what is broken.
My path into this work has been shaped as much by movement and the body as by psychology. With over 17 years of experience working with the body as a movement therapist, yoga teacher, aquatic therapist, and dancer, I’ve come to understand the body as a kind of storyteller, holding experiences that don’t always have words yet. Alongside my clinical work, I serve as teaching faculty at a graduate university, supporting the development of future clinicians in the field of psychology.
Meet Talia Fragner
AMFT
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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.
It’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. Therapy offers a space for your teen to explore their thoughts and emotions openly, to build skills for handling peer pressure, self-image, and big feelings. Together, we’ll work toward helping them feel more confident, connected, and capable of managing whatever life throws their way.
Meet Valerie Franco
Registered Psych Associate
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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’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. 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. I see clients virtually in California or in person in Torrance, and I’d love to help you start making those changes.
Meet Micaela Meile,
AMFT
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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 Dr. Valeria Krocak, Psy.D.
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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.