Maxcy Dancy, LMFT
Individual, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST, #113104
Welcome to Malibu Lake Therapy
Find Healing and Growth in a Safe, Compassionate Environment
At Malibu Lake Therapy, we understand the challenges of navigating life's major transitions. Our practice is dedicated to helping you uncover your inner strength and resilience, finding healing through compassionate and individualized care. Whether you're dealing with difficult relationships, family conflict, or seeking to improve communication in your relationship, we're here to support your growth and well-being.
Located in Ventura and Agoura Hills
Conveniently located in both Ventura and Agoura Hills, California. Malibu Lake Therapy is accessible for individuals and couples seeking a welcoming and supportive space for therapy. Our therapy approach is designed to promote reflection, healing, and personal development.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
We are committed to providing a safe and compassionate space for individuals and couples to find healing and growth. We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting, but it is also an act of courage and self-care. Let us walk with you on your journey towards wellness.
Your Journey Starts Here
We work with clients who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. Together, we'll explore your challenges, set goals, and achieve significant outcomes. At Malibu Lake Therapy, your story matters, and we're here to help you write the next chapter. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Specialties and Who We Treat
Anxiety management
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or danger. It's a feeling of fear or worry that can manifest in different ways, from physical symptoms like increased heart rate and rapid breathing, to emotional symptoms like restlessness and difficulty concentrating. We understand that anxiety can be overwhelming and negatively impact your daily life if left unaddressed. That's why we offer specialized therapy for anxiety management, using evidence-based techniques to help you break free from worry and avoidance. We assist clients to overcome anxiety by cultivating acceptance of thoughts and feelings, while fostering mindfulness and psychological flexibility. The goal is to help individuals live meaningful lives by embracing emotions and breaking free from worry and avoidance, ultimately promoting peace and growth beyond fear.
adhd support
We specialize in helping individuals cope with ADHD by offering a range of strategies designed to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and enhance daily functioning. Our approach includes personalized coaching sessions, practical exercises, and evidence-based techniques that promote long-term success. It's my commitment to ensure each of my clients receives understanding and professional guidance tailored to their unique needs and experiences. By taking the time to understand each person's specific challenges and strengths, we craft a comprehensive plan that supports their journey to better manage ADHD and lead a more fulfilling life.
YOUNG ADULT
The transition into adulthood can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. This is a time when many young adults are figuring out what direction to take in life. While at the same time learning how to do all the “adulting” work that comes with being a responsible adult. Many find themselves stuck at an in-between phase, possibly not financially independent and unable to live fully autonomous lives (i.e. failure to launch). This often develops depression or anxiety, which in turn, make change even harder. Or on the flip side, others may become overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adult life and neglect important mental development experiences such as having close/romantic relationships, traveling or spending time with friends. This way of living may lead to an accomplished work life but little connection to all that makes us alive. These are challenges, but therapy can help one to work through them, discover inner wants and desires, live a fulfilling, meaningful life.
COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS
We offer comprehensive support for individuals facing challenges with compulsive behaviors they wish to overcome. This includes issues like excessive shopping, eating disorders, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and substance misuse. Our services aim to help individuals uncover the root causes, develop effective coping strategies, and work towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
COUPLES in Conflict
Couples Therapy is designed for those who need assistance in identifying and resolving conflicts that are currently causing problems in the relationship. This therapeutic process involves open communication and understanding to address the core issues affecting the couple's dynamic. It aims to help rebuild trust, enhance emotional intimacy, and heal the relationship. Alternatively, for relationships that have reached an impasse, this therapy can offer a structured approach to becoming unstuck. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings, decide on the future of their relationship, and, if necessary, separate amicably so they can move forward in their lives with clarity and purpose.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Life presents numerous challenges and changes, such as relocating to a new city, which might involve adjusting to a different culture and finding new social circles, or ending a relationship that served as a foundation for a long period, resulting in emotional upheaval. Starting a family introduces new responsibilities and dynamics that can be both exciting and daunting, while losing a job can create financial strain and uncertainty about the future. At times, we may feel stuck during these transitions, unable to progress or find a clear path forward. These shifts can be confusing, overwhelming, or leave us feeling conflicted and hesitant to act due to mixed emotions and fear of the unknown. Engaging with a therapist can provide valuable support and insight, helping you comprehend your situation more deeply, clarify your needs and desires, and work toward a fulfilling resolution that aligns with your personal goals and values.
GRIEF
Grief is a profoundly challenging experience that everyone encounters at some point in life. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a breakup, the end of a significant relationship, the loss of a dream or goal, or even the passing of a beloved pet, grief manifests in many forms. Yet sometimes we can get stuck in grief, sadness and loss in a way that feels unmanageable and make us unrecognizable to ourselves. Sometimes we can’t function or enjoy the life we have due to the overwhelming experience of our feelings. Many people try to ignore or suppress their grief and yet often this has the paradoxical effect of making it last longer and make us feel even more lost and distressed. Often opening up and talking about your grief can actually alleviate the intensity of the pain over time. Engaging with a therapist specialized in grief counseling can facilitate your healing process and help you reengage with life fully.
Difficult Relationships
We assist clients dealing with challenging relationships, whether they're facing communication breakdowns, trust issues, or family conflict. Our approach focuses on fostering understanding, developing empathy, and enhancing interpersonal skills to find healing and improve these relationships. Some common relationship issues we often see are mother-daughter, father-son, or couples' relationships. You might be uncertain about whether this relationship can get better. Our work will be to help you gain deeper insights, enhance your communication, and ultimately decide whether the relationship can heal.
Eating disorders
In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men have or have had an eating disorder at some point in their life. There are many forms of eating disorders, the most common being binge eating, bulimia nervosa and anorexia but all are marked by an obsession around food and body shape and behaviors such as restriction of food, food binges, or purging behaviors like vomiting or over-exercising. These obsessions and harmful behaviors have often developed as a way to cope with painful emotions or events occurring in the person’s life. We address challenges related to eating disorders, with a particular focus on binge eating and lifelong dieting behaviours. We treat eating disorders by thoroughly understanding the underlying psychological and emotional issues that contribute to these conditions. Our approach involves working closely with clients to help them build a fulfilling life, rich with meaning and purpose, by setting achievable goals and providing ongoing support throughout their recovery journey.
SHAME
Shame is a powerful emotion that can deeply affect a person's self-esteem and mental well-being. It often stems from feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, or guilt and can pervade various aspects of life, leading to self-doubt and isolation. Chronic shame can manifest as negative self-talk, a lack of self-confidence, and avoidance of social interactions, ultimately hindering personal growth and fulfillment. At Malibu Lake Therapy, we understand that overcoming shame is essential for healing and living a full life. Our approach focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the sources of your shame without judgment. Through compassionate therapy, we help you challenge negative beliefs, develop self-compassion, and build resilience. By addressing these feelings head-on, we aim to empower you to embrace your true self and lead a life filled with purpose, connection, and joy.
FAMILY
Family therapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to reduce conflicts and improve relationships within families. It achieves this by teaching healthier communication methods and providing tools to foster a sense of connection and respect. Through guided sessions, family members are encouraged to understand each other's perspectives, leading to greater empathy and love. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also helps build a stronger, more supportive family dynamic over time.
Evidence-Based & Depth Therapy
We provide a personalized, integrative therapy approach, including modern psychoanalytic, intersubjective relational, somatic psychotherapy, evidence based approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT, couples counseling, and walk and talk therapy.