Brian Oltman, Psychotherapist in San Diego, 92108

Brian K. Oltman, MFT

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Counseling, Coaching
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
MFT - CA BBS #41932

My Approach to Helping

My approach to counseling is based on your needs and concerns using an eclectic integration of these counseling theories: Client Centered, Solutions Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Spiritual Counseling. These methods, along with others are used to encourage growth through increased self-awareness, enhanced relationships, expression of feelings, purposeful living, effective communication, conflict resolution and spiritual growth. I have over 25 years of experience as a counselor and administrator with various non-profit organizations, agencies and hospitals.

I offer a sliding fee scale ranging from: $65-$125. The average fee for counseling is: $70-$80. Fee is set during the first session for the first and following sessions. I will give you a "Super-bill" fee statement for you to submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. I will work with you as you work with your insurance company to receive maximum benefits.

More Info About My Practice

I Can Help You: * Gain a better understanding of yourself * Explore personal goals and values *Develop skills for improving your relationships * Find resolution to the issues or concerns troubling you * Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety * Manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures * Improve communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you * Break unhealthy patterns and develop new ones * Discover new ways to solve problems * Improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

I see the purpose of therapy as the process of empowering individuals, couples, adolescents, and families to grow and nurture various aspects of their lives. I use an approach that is caring and empathic. I am dedicated to helping clients discover their potential as human beings through the integration of mind, body & spirit. My therapeutic focus includes: relationships & intimacy, depression, anxiety, crisis intervention, post-traumatic stress, anger management, thought disorder, spirituality, chronic illness, terminal disease, bereavement, LGBT, HIV/AIDS, Gay Teens, life & career transitions, communication, managing stress, time mastery, setting and maintaining priorities, etc.

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

Effective counseling is a two way street. It takes a cooperative effort by both the person receiving counseling and the therapist. And it takes a commitment to make sometimes difficult changes in behavior or thinking patterns. What you expect to achieve with your therapist should be clearly defined as you begin your counseling. You and your therapist should discuss realistic time frames for reaching your goals and agree on how you will measure your progress. It’s important that you and your therapist establish a good relationship that allows you to be completely honest about your thoughts and feelings. Often, this requires “chemistry” between both of you in which you feel comfortable with your therapist’s personality, approach and style. If after the first few sessions you don’t feel this chemistry, look for another therapist with whom you feel more comfortable. While you are responsible for making changes in your life, an effective therapist can help pinpoint the obstacles in your way. If you have control over these obstacles, a therapist can suggest behavioral changes to help you overcome them. An effective therapist can identify negative thinking patterns that may be feeding feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. By encouraging you to build upon personal strengths and suggesting skills that can overcome self-inflicted feelings of hopelessness, a therapist can help you develop a more positive attitude.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Coaching
Consultation

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

African American, Asian American, Buddhist, Christian, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgendered, Jewish, Latino American, Middle Eastern, Military/Veterans, Native American, Pacific Islander, People with Disabilities, Women/Feminist