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Individual Psychotherapy

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Individual Psychotherapy

People seek out therapy for a wide variety of reasons – stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, past traumas, or some combination thereof. Whether it’s these, or just simply the stuff of life that keeps getting in your way, it is a courageous decision to enter therapy. Therapy begins by acknowledging this decision and getting to know you. Listening to your story and what brought you into my office sets the stage for our work together. As a therapist, I know that our relationship is the most important factor in determining the outcome of our work – I value the level of trust and faith that you place in me.

What is your approach to psychotherapy?

This is a frequently asked question of any therapist. Over the course of my career, I have integrated the approaches from different schools of thought as clinically indicated for the person with whom I’m working. The dominant school that I have gravitated towards in working with individuals is Internal Family Systems (IFS). Here’s more about the approaches in which I have been trained:

Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome. I have been trained through the IFS Institute and am a Level 2 IFS therapist.

Imago Relationship Therapy

Imago provides a deeper understanding to help individuals obtain and sustain healthier relationships. It identifies the negative patterns that can keep one stuck, uncovers their origins in childhood and emergence in adult relationships, and then learn new tools and strategies to create more fulfilling relationships. Imago is the dominant approach in my couples work. It also blends well in addressing relationship issues with singles.

Other models which have also influenced my integrated approach:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychodynamic theory originated with Sigmund Freud and focuses on the importance of childhood and family issues as being the determinants of our personality.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive and cognitive-behavioral approaches have strong research support for the treatment of anxiety, depression and other conditions. They focus on identifying the underlying negative thoughts and assumptions which lead to our emotions and behaviors.
  • Systems Theory. Systems theory recognizes that we cannot understand the individual outside of the environment – family, community, etc.
  • Somatic Approaches. Somatic approaches have been growing in popularity because of the great importance of connecting the psychological and physical. Somatic approaches tune into the wisdom of the body in guiding the therapy.
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For spiritual and/or religious persons, I integrate this aspect of their lives into the work. Sadly, this area which is of fundamental importance to so many is often neglected in mainstream psychology. I welcome it. I have been heavily involved at St. Monica Catholic Community for over 25 years where I’ve worked with individuals, led groups, given presentations, and facilitated workshops and retreats.

Overall, it is important to look at the person holistically – recognizing that physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational aspects all interact in one’s make-up. I like to look into each of these areas to see how they can be supports to one’s overall health. Growth comes from health, and health comes from balance. Developing a balanced lifestyle is an integral piece of achieving health and growth in one’s life.

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(310) 268-7792

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PSY16269@gmail.com

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11704 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 245 Los Angeles, CA 90025

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