“A woman is like a tea bag, you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Anonymous
"I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do." - Salma Hayek

Have you ever wondered where your life is headed? Have you been through the career-loop long enough to discover its rewards, revelations, and revulsions? Do you wonder, after all the progress women have made in the recent past, why it seems like you’re spinning your wheels? And what about the men in your life? Do they ever change? Are they forever “stuck” in a loop of alpha male domination, suffering from what Freud called “penis envy”? (Freud was stating that women suffered from such a malady. Freud, missing his own bias in the matter, was simply wrong, in my opinion!) Especially from a WOMAN who is as capable as the man, perhaps even more so? Do the men in your life, when threatened, act out? And why do women feel the need to take a step back and placate?

There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest an assertive male is rewarded, while an assertive woman is labeled and often avoided (by both genders!). Why is this so? Is this culture? Is this my individual personality? And why does it appear that men need reinforcement to feel secure? Who raised these “guys” in the first place? And what does that say about the unconscious nature of our culture and gender roles?

Aside from all the contention and issues, there might be a more basic question –What do I want from me? How do I live with who I am? And how do I come to terms with a world and culture that still may not mesh with my experiences and desires? How do I build a life? If these are points you ponder, perhaps I can help.

There are no guarantees in life. Relationships are often challenging. Perhaps, due to my training and my unique life experiences with gender, I can help. Metaphorically speaking, if men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, then perhaps I can serve as your bridge to Earth (communication, connection, and understanding). It is our truth we ultimately must face if we are to reconcile ourselves and our existence. Perhaps my perspectives and insights can help you sort through and bridge what culture, what women, what men, and what you yourself expect, want, hope for, and need.

I have been fortunate enough to have a second chance in life.

Perhaps we are all deserving of second chances as we find our way in this world.

Helen Hill MFT / (310) 779-7795

My approach is that of "feminist psychology" - a post-modern psychology perspective which reasonably concludes that the mental health and wellness of women is different from men, and, hence, cannot be effectively dealt with as long as standards of male health are applied to women. To me, this would seem like common sense.