Smiling woman therapist with long blonde hair wearing a blue shirt against a light background.

Unlocking Deeper Understanding, Achieving Growth and Lasting Change

INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES & Group THERAPY in Hermosa Beach &
online throughout CAlifornia

Regina Abayev JD, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
#148775

Transformative Therapy for Individuals and Couples

If things were simple, you wouldn’t be here.
I'm here to help support you through the hard stuff.

You've built a life that looks successful on the outside. Yet, there's a persistent sense that something's missing. The pressure to perform, the constant juggling act, the feeling that your relationships – with your partner, your family, and your own sense of self – are getting lost in the shuffle. You might be navigating conflict with your partner or family, battling that internal critic despite your achievements, or feeling the weight of anxiety, burnout, or a persistent lack of fulfillment. It's a common experience: external success doesn't automatically equal inner peace. You're intelligent, driven, and used to solving problems, but this feels different. You crave a deeper sense of meaning, stronger connections, and a life where your inner experience matches your outer accomplishments. You yearn for deep connection, a sense of being understood, and to be truly seen and appreciated in your closest relationships and in your career.

I get it. My own years spent succeeding in high-stress, high-pressure environments – law, tech, and investment banking – have given me firsthand experience with the demanding schedules and unique challenges that come with ambition. I understand the way external success can sometimes come at the cost of personal well-being and the deep longing for secure and fulfilling connections, including healthy relationships. That's why my practice is dedicated to helping individuals and couples like you find a life with greater purpose, deeper connection, and more authenticity and fulfillment. You deserve to be understood, to be valued, and to be met with respect and insight, no matter what your prior experiences have been. What you can expect is a therapist who is intelligent, insightful, authentic, grounded, relatable and genuinely interested in you and your life experiences.

In my practice, I work with individuals and couples who are ready to move beyond unhealthy patterns and create lasting change. I'm growth and solutions-oriented, committed to helping you understand the underlying causes of your struggles and develop practical strategies for lasting change. My approach is direct, engaged, and trauma-informed, creating a safe space for honesty, vulnerability, and genuine connection. Together, we'll explore how past experiences shape present behaviors, examining ingrained patterns that contribute to conflict and stagnation. I offer therapy for burnout, anxiety, relationship issues, and more.

For those seeking accelerated progress, I also provide intensive individual and couples therapy options, designed for focused exploration and lasting transformation.

What I Help With:

Internal Struggles:

You might be experiencing:

  • Burnout: That crushing exhaustion – emotional, physical, and mental – from too much stress.

  • Anxiety and Fear of Failure: The pressure to succeed can trigger intense fear, even where you excel.

  • A Sense of Unfulfillment: That "successful but not happy" feeling, a lack of purpose.

  • Perfectionism and Self-Criticism: The relentless drive for "perfect" that makes it hard to enjoy your wins.

  • Indecisiveness: Struggling with big decisions, personally and professionally.

  • Imposter Syndrome: That nagging feeling you're a fraud, despite all evidence to the contrary.

  • Trouble Relaxing: Difficulty switching off and enjoying downtime.

  • Lack of Self-Compassion: Being your own worst critic.

  • Identity Issues: Feeling lost or unsure who you are outside of work or other roles.

  • Difficulty Asking for Help: The belief you have to handle everything solo.

  • Emotional Numbness: Shutting down emotions.

  • Difficulty Delegating: The idea that only you can do things "right," leading to overload

  • Fear of Transition: Resistance to needed life changes.

  • Risk Aversion: Hesitancy to take calculated risks, even when they could be beneficial.

  • Risky Behaviors: Engaging in activities that have negative consequences, despite knowing the risks.

Relationship Challenges:

You and your partner(s) might be dealing with:

  • Lack of Intimacy: Emotional or physical distance.

  • Feeling Disconnected: A sense of isolation from each other.

  • Communication Problems: Difficulty expressing needs and feelings.

  • Trust Issues: Hardship trusting others, perhaps due to past experiences.

  • Fear of Vulnerability: Difficulty being open and honest.

  • Power Imbalances: Unequal dynamics in the relationship.

  • Work-Life Imbalance: Conflict and resentment from struggling to juggle everything.

  • Feeling Used or Exploited: The sense that people are only interested in what you can offer.

  • Strained Relationships: Neglecting important connections.

  • Infidelity: Emotional or physical affairs, breaches of trust.

Workplace Challenges:

  • Conflict at Work: Stressful and unproductive situations with colleagues or superiors.

  • Overwhelm: The constant stress of managing too much.

  • Stagnation: Feeling stuck or lacking progress in your career.

  • Disappointment: Experiencing setbacks or unmet expectations in your professional life.

Unhealthy Coping Patterns:

  • Turning to overwork, social media, over-exercising, restrictive eating, drinking, prescription medication misuse, or other behaviors that once seemed helpful but are now causing harm.

External Pressures:

  • Constant Comparison: Feeling inadequate compared to others.

  • Pressure to Succeed: The fear of slipping up.

  • Expectations from Others: Feeling weighed down by what others expect.

  • Fear of Judgment: Worrying about others' opinions.

  • Difficulty Saying No: Overcommitting.

  • Financial Stress: Even with good income, feeling stressed about finances.

How I Help:

  • Build Insight: We'll explore the underlying patterns and motivations driving your struggles.

  • Develop a Plan: You'll gain practical tools for stress management, boundaries, communication, and stronger connections.

  • Reclaim Your Purpose: We'll clarify your values and desires to create a more authentic and fulfilling life.

The Goal:

  • Renewed Vitality: Find relief from stress, restore your energy, and experience a greater sense of calm.

  • Healthier Living & Relationships: Experience improvements in your overall well-being and the quality of your relationships.

  • Deeper Connection: Develop stronger relationships, better communication, and greater intimacy.

  • Authentic Fulfillment: Work towards a life of purpose and meaning, less driven by external validation.

  • Greater Freedom & Choice: Feel more empowered to make choices that align with your true self and less trapped by old patterns.

Ready to Invest in Your Well-being & Your Relationships?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and goals, and see if we're a good fit.

Therapy
Services

  • Areas of Focus Include:

    Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Stress, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Relational Issues, Trauma, PTSD, Addiction, Problematic Sexual Behaviors, Finding a Sense of Self and Purpose

  • Areas of Focus Include:

    High-Conflict Couples Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Separation/Divorce Counseling, Co-Parenting Post-Separation, Mismatched Desire, Lack of Intimacy, Infidelity Recovery, and Non-Traditional Relationships.

  • Explore Relationship Patterns, Build Trust and Connection, Understanding Unconscious Patterns, Develop Insight & Growth, Develop Socializing Techniques

    What Happens in Group Therapy?

    In this group, I foster an environment of trust and understanding. You'll have the opportunity to share openly, receive honest feedback, and learn from the experiences of others. It's a space to experiment with new behaviors, challenge old patterns, and find your place in the world.

    Reach out to learn more and join the waitlist.

  • Areas of focus include:

    Feeling Different, Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, School Stress, Sports & Performance, Big Life Changes, Dropping Grades, Risky Behaviors

  • Areas of Focus Include:

    Communication Breakdowns, Behavioral Concerns in Children or Teens, Sibling Conflicts, Adjusting to Major Life Changes, Blended Family Challenges, and Parenting Disputes.

ABOUT ME

Smiling woman with long blonde hair and a blue top, against a light background.

MY PRACTICE

My clients describe me as warm, non-judgmental, direct, deep, and curious. I don't hide behind long silences or academic theories. My goal is to help you understand the source of your struggles and help you find relief. I create a safe space for open exploration, understanding, and the occasional dose of humor to lighten the load. 

Ready to dive into what matters? I'll provide insightful guidance and unwavering support to help you challenge old patterns and uncover what's truly hindering your growth. Together, we'll build a more authentic and fulfilling path forward. I understand life can be tough, but I also believe in your strength and resilience to thrive.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

My previous career journey – spanning 19+ years across law, investment banking, and as an executive/co-founder in several tech companies – shaped my understanding of the pressures and complexities of modern work. More importantly, it taught me that true success includes personal and relational well-being. I use this experience to help clients navigate career-related stress, interpersonal challenges, and major life transitions.

My background uniquely equips me to support professionals in high-pressure careers, executives and founders. I understand the intense pressure of making high-stakes decisions, resolving complex conflicts, navigating demanding work environments, and trying to find balance and meaning outside of work. Through therapy, we can work together to develop effective strategies for managing stress, fostering strong team dynamics, and achieving a healthier work-life balance.

FAMILY & PARENTHOOD

As a parent to two teenagers, one of whom identifies as non-binary, I have first-hand experience and understanding of the various challenges that families and teenagers face (in addition to issues of gender identity and expression). This shapes my commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space, where everyone feels understood and supported.

Individual and couples therapy in south bay and online in california

Hermosa Beach Office

2309 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite #202
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-2751

Phone Number & Email
(323) 646-6263

info@reginaabayev.com

 
Modern living room with leather sofa, colorful artwork, red and blue chairs, a geometric coffee table, floor-to-ceiling window, and decorative plants.

in-person therapy sessions offered at my office located on the border of hermosa and manhattan beach

My office is located in the heart of Hermosa Beach about a 10-minute walk from Pier Ave. and a 15-minute walk from the beach.

In-person and virtual sessions are offered during the week, as well as evening and weekend availability.

Serving Nearby Cities:

  • Manhattan Beach

  • Marina Del Rey

  • Redondo Beach

  • Torrance

  • El Segundo

  • Palos Verdes

  • Rolling Hills

  • Playa Vista

  • Greater Los Angeles