Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

WHAT STOPS YOU FROM HAVING THE LIFE YOU WANT? Do you want to feel good about yourself, to enjoy yourself, and to have satisfying relationships with others? I'll help you to look at who you really are and the relationships you are in.

We'll learn about what works, what isn't working, understanding why it's not working, and changing things so your life does work for you. I see therapy as a process of self-discovery: a careful, supportive exploration of how you act, think, feel, and relate to others today and how those all have been affected by your life experiences. It's also an opportunity to grow and develop new and more effective ways of interacting and communicating in your relationships. In therapy with me you may gain the awareness that comes from understanding, the freedom from outmoded patterns of acting and reacting, the strength to tolerate life's pains, and the capacity to tolerate its pleasures.

I see my role as an ally, guide, and navigator on your journey. I have made my own journey of self-exploration, and I see myself as continuously pursuing that voyage. I can offer support and encouragement when the going is rough, and I can also share in your pleasures and joy in living. I can help with identifying and working through obstacles, and I will work with you to increase your sense of internal harmony, to enhance your ability to relate to others honestly, openly, and deeply, and to help you feel more productive, effective, and joyful in everyday living.

Check my website to learn more about: Addictions (Substances & Behaviors), Victims of Violent Crime, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Issues, Mind/Body Integration.

YOU SET THE COURSE, AND I'LL HELP YOU GET THERE.

 

More Info About My Practice

PRIVATE PRACTICE SINCE 1981. I have taught, trained, and supervised other mental health professionals.

I hold a diplomate from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. I was Chairman/co-chair of the Victim Treatment Committee of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association for 10 years.

I have had the American Psychological Association's Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders for over 10 years.

I am a Supervisor and Certified Bioenergetic Therapist, integrating bioenergetic analysis, modern psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and other psychotherapeutic modalities since 1974.

I have published in professional journals and presented at international conferences, with particular focus on trauma in childhood and adulthood, victims of violent crime, and training mental health professionals about dealing with these issues in therapy.

Special study has concerned issues relating to gay, lesbian, and bisexual life, growth, development, coming out, being out, relationships, and homophobia. For several years I have also seen people in medical settings where patients have been recovering from illnesses including strokes, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or various other conditions affecting their mind and their emotions. I have served several terms on the Boards of the Los Angeles Society of Clinical Psychologists and the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

 

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

The general issues that I work with people about are your relationships with yourself and with others. This includes what goes on in your life that interrupts those relationships from being wonderful. When there have been traumatic events in your life, that gets in the way. When you're caught up in some kind of addictive behavior, whether it’s with substances or other behaviors, that gets in the way. When you feel uncomfortable in your own skin or are afraid of how you’ll be treated for just being yourself, such as when your sexual orientation is seen as different or parts of society see it as “unacceptable,” that gets in the way. These are issues I help people deal with on a regular basis.

 

My Therapy Focus

The focus of my work is to help you have the life you want. It’s about helping you to decide how you want your life to be, figure out what gets in your way of making that happen, and working to remove those obstacles so you can enjoy your life.

 

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

It’s helped me get to know myself better, face the rough parts, and deal with my own issues so I’m not taking them out on others. In that process, I’ve not only learned tools but also grown as a person in so many ways. I can help you do that too.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Consultation
• Clinical Supervision

Ages I Work With

• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Elders

Languages I Speak

• English

Groups I Work With

Adults,
Adolescents,
Children,
Individuals,
Couples,
Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals,
Victims of Violent Crime (Assault - Rape - Child Abuse - physical and/or sexual - Domestic Violence, Car Jacking)and their family members,
Victims of Natural Disasters,
Adults Molested as Children (AMAC),
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Bioenergetic Analysis
• Body Psychotherapy
• Body-Mind Psychotherapy
• Depth Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Humanistic Psychology
• Integration of different therapy models
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy
• Object Relations
• Play Therapy
• Psychoanalysis / Modern Psychoanalysis
• Psychodynamic
• Self Psychology
• Somatic Psychotherapy
• Systems Theory /Therapy

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Identity Issues
• Attachment
• Trauma
• Abuse: Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Addictions & Compulsions
• Life Changes
• Family Problems
• Childhood & Adolescence
• Social Skills & Problems
• Emotion Management
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Depression & Mood
• Relationships & Marriage
• Health & Body
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Sexuality
• Self-Harm & Suicide