About Individuals Couples Joe X. Cantu MA MFT Psychotherapy for Individuals & Couples West Los Angeles and Torrance, CA My practice is based on the philosophy that rewarding, satisfying relationships are not only vital to human survival, but the natural state in which we are meant to exist. I believe that relationships are an essential component to a person’s ability to experience joy and thrive. My practice was established to help unravel the complexities of relationships gone awry. As such, I am committed to helping clients feel better about themselves, their relationships and their lives. It is my goal to dismantle the barriers that keep individuals from satisfactorily sharing their lives with others in constructive, nurturing and meaningful ways. Human beings are social animals by nature. We possess the same primitive drive for procreation as the lesser primates. However, this drive is directed not only toward procreation, but towards social interaction, companionship and socialization as well. Current research has established socialization to be a key component of overall well-being and happiness. From the moment of conception, human beings exist in a relationship. At the point when we are deemed to exist, humans are engaged in a lasting and complex bond with our mothers. This primal and organic connection, along with those to other primary caregivers, hold complexities that resonate throughout our lives. It is these fundamental attachments that not only influence our relationships, but help mould who we are. Individuals come to therapy with difficulties which often stem from unconscious reenactments of their childhood relationships with primary caregivers. My work with individuals focuses on repairing the attachment failures and emotional wounds from the past that interfere with the healthy enjoyment of a client’s experiences of themselves, their relationships and their lives. Couples often seek marriage counseling because the intimacy, trust and love initially present in their relationships have been lost. They are tired of arguments and confrontations, of feeling frustrated, shut out, devalued or ignored. People in need of couples counseling or marriage therapy often ask themselves questions such as: How did things go wrong? Remember how excited we were to be together? How do we get the love back? How do we regain what we once had? Through education, insight, awareness and improved communication my clients learn to identify and overcome the barriers that keep them from living in safe, nurturing, and emotionally satisfying relationships. My clients learn how to express their feelings without triggering conflict. Clients learn to stop casting blame and actively listen; to have discussions instead of arguing; to communicate instead of shutting down; and to participate fully in each other’s lives in a constructive, supportive, appreciative and loving way. My successful work with couples is greatly influenced and informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy developed by Dr. Susan Johnson, Imago Therapy developed by Harville Hendrix, as well as and the work of John Gottman. All three theorists are universally recognized experts in their field and are well-known teachers and lecturers. John Gottman’s theories are based on the extensive clinical observation of over 20,000 couples during a span of more than 14 years. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and am dedicated to saving relationships and bettering lives. I am also the founder and president of The Los Angeles Relationship Counseling Center. Take the first step toward change. Call and join me on a journey toward the kind of fulfilling, satisfying and joyful relationships you always dreamed of sharing with those you love. Contact me today... home | individuals | couples languages | about me | contact 10436 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 3050 Los Angeles, CA 90025 25202 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 216 Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 226-2994 jcantu117@aol.com Languages Contact Site Map