Welcome to A Place to Turn

Discover the pinnacle of health and wellness services at A Place to Turn, serving individuals in and around Westlake Village, Pasadena, and Joshua Tree, California. Unlike typical private practices, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive and curated care tailored to each client's unique goals.

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About Us

Specialized Therapies for Trauma and Family Conflicts

At A Place to Turn, our skilled team specializes in a range of cutting-edge therapies to address trauma, mental health disorders, marriage/couples discord and family conflicts. Our offerings include our own creation holistic integral therapy (HIT), hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and marriage and family counseling.

From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we utilize holistic perspective to all therapy modalities from CBT talk therapy, EMDR and innovative holistic integral therapy (HIT) to alternative treatments like hypnotherapy, neurofeedback (NFB) and red light laser treatment  to provide transformative healing.

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Services

Psychotherapies

From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we utilize holistic talk therapies and innovative treatments like eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

  • > Anxiety & Depression
  • > Art Therapy
  • > Diversity Therapy - people of color, LGBTQ+
  • > Domestic Abuse & Family Violence
  • > Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • > Gottman Techniques
  • > Grief & Loss
  • > Hypnotherapy
  • > Group Therapy Classes
  • > Marriage or Couples Therapy
  • > Neurofeedback Therapy
  • > Post Traumatic Disorder and Complex PTSD
  • > sex Therapy
Introducing Cheri McDonald

Meet Dr. Cheri McDonald, PhD, LMFT, PATP

Cheri McDonald, PhD, LMFT, PATP, is the esteemed founder and Clinical Director of A Place to Turn, serving patients in Westlake Village, Pasadena, and Los Angeles, California. With over 35 years of experience in psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and intuitive coaching, Dr. Cheri has established herself as a leading trauma expert. Her compassionate approach helps clients overcome the complexities of losses and challenges that hinder their path to life wholeness and happiness.

Education and Credentials

Dr. Cheri earned her Bachelor of Science in family sciences from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in 1983. Continuing her educational journey, she obtained her Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from California Lutheran University in 1987. In 2007, she earned her doctoral degree in philosophy of clinical hypnotherapy from Pacific University, with studies conducted in Culver City, CA, and Hawaii.

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We Want You to Know That

We Care About You and How You’re Really Doing

From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we utilize holistic talk therapies and innovative treatments like eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

Programs

Transform Yourself

Learn how you can become a master of your own life and unleash your own true potential with our exclusive mastery coaching DrCheriBreakFree™ program by Dr. Cheri McDonald PhD LMFT

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Media

A PLACE TO TURN IN THE MEDIA

Photo still of Dr. Cheri McDonald on NBC, marriage, family therapist and founder of A Place to Turn, Inc.
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Dr. Cheri being interviewed at The Author Incubator event.
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Dr. Cheri McDonald, marriage, family therapist and founder of A Place to Turn, Inc. and creator of To Love...& Beyond.
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Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Green five stars.

Cheri and her team are excellent. I recommend A Place 2 Turn to anyone who is in need of mental health, life coaching or just plain support

Peter E.
Green five stars.

Shelly is an incredible therapist who has helped me to navigate the ups and downs in my life. She has helped by providing me with positive methods that I can use in my daily life and relationships. She has been someone I can rely upon, and I always look forward to our sessions. She has an incredibly kind and respectful demeanor, and I recommend her very highly if you are looking for a safe place to do some self work.

Aria Weinberg
Green five stars.

After spending time with Dr. Cheri, my perspective related to my personal life dramas has moved from a place of self-destruction to a point where I have been able to deal with them in a mentally healthy way. She has made all the difference in my life.

David Lynch
Green five stars.

Dr Cheri is the best!!  She is a very knowledgeable and  caring therapist. I always look forward  to sessions with her. She's helped me process things in new ways and in our marital counseling, she  has an amazing gift of discerning the not so obvious and can read between the lines so well.   She tells it like it is and I love that about her.   Kind, honest, professional, and great at what she does. Highly recommend!!

Michele Pagán
Green five stars.

Gina has been very helpful to our relationship!

Erick Mason
Green five stars.

Dr. Cheri and her team at A Place to Turn do excellent and important work. She's also an accomplished author and her staff offers compassion and guidance in a safe environment.

Dan Kahn
Green five stars.

Finding a good therapist is far more difficult than finding a good medical doctor.  I found two great ones at A Place To Turn — Kristen and Cheri.  They both have helped me immeasurably.  Thanks to you both

Terry Ahern
Green five stars.

Dr. Cheri runs a cutting edge practice, while delivering warmth and a healing journey. Her team is dedicated to community wellness.

Diane Knudsen
Green five stars.

My husband and I met with Amy Gandin, she is FANTASTIC. She made the whole process much easier. She’s very busy and difficult to get in with but if you can do. Anyone who has ever participated in any kind of psychological therapy will know she’s an unusual find. Truly great.

Candice Brittain
Green five stars.

The nicest people offering a wide range of treatments and services to help those in need. From first contact, they are friendly and supportive and eager to determining the appropriate care.

Mark Knudsen
Green five stars.

This is an amazing place- very caring staff, extremely professional. The pandemic and a family of five squeezed together doing work and virtual schooling caused lots of fighting, and we got the help we needed here. Can’t recommend enough!

Rachel Spalding
Green five stars.

Friendly and relaxing environment. My experience with my counselor was exactly what I needed right now. I would recommend her to anyone!

Sheri Plowman
Green five stars.

Dr. Cheri and her team are incredibly knowledgeable and are always looking for more ways they can help others.

Kyle Kenworthy
Green five stars.

Dr  McDonald has helped me through some difficult times and I have a better life because of it.

Chuck Dollison
Green five stars.

Cheri is an amazing therapist, she is dedicated and truly cares for her clients

Garrit Jacobson

Let’s Work Together to Change Your Life!

Choose A Place to Turn for expert trauma therapy, holistic integration, executive coaching and a pathway to a brighter future. Experience the profound impact of our specialized approach and embark on a journey of healing and sustainable change. Contact us today and start transforming your life.