Dona Laressa Desmond, Ph.D. LMFT, Marriage Counselor in Woodland Hills, 91364

Dona Laressa Desmond, Ph.D. LMFT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling Psychology, Coaching
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMFT

My Approach to Helping

COUPLES COUNSELING LOS ANGELES
When you come to my office you will feel two things rather quickly: SAFE AND UNDERSTOOD.

We'll explore the issues and I'll guide you to the bottom line. We will focus on solutions. I CUSTOM DESIGN AN APPROACH THAT IS UNIQUELY TAILORED FOR YOUR SITUATION.

Special Forte: WORKING WITH COUPLES AND THE ENTIRE RANGE OF COUPLES ISSUES. From "normal" issues to the non-traditional, I have an unflinching fascination with all facets of human nature.

SPECIALTY: COUPLES COUNSELING. It's very hard when you and your beloved are out of sync, on the brink or caught in destructive patterns. When love has gone off course it disturbs everything in the rest of your life. This is when an experienced Couples Counselor is your next step.

I understand how love can slide into bad patterns. Maybe you want to change your partner, your own reactions or the trajectory of your love life. Sometimes passion has died. Sometimes the relationship will survive only if you can learn to communicate better. You need a RELATIONSHIP RESCUE 911.

More Info About My Practice

*I do counseling at my offices as well as via Skype, iChat and phone.*

* Contact me about using insurance.

*You can also pay for your sessions with check, credit cards or via Pay Pal.

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TESTIMONIALS:
"...We really liked how you were non-judgmental, didn't take sides and were non-bias to each of our personal difficulties and weaknesses. We know we need a counselor to be that for us and thank you for doing that because it makes us feel safe to open up. We also appreciated your keen ear and listening to each of us. And when we started to argue, you de-escalated it without telling us we were bad and with that we managed to express what we wanted. We found it very helpful when you were describing how men and women are wired and it gave us something to refer to and it's something we will always remember. Also by you taking some time before you spoke showed us that you were careful and focused and we could tell you gave us a more tailored approach for US, instead of a generic freewheeling recipe. This shined for us."

"...I'm glad that I have the opportunity to write about my experience with Dona Desmond. I started seeing her when I was dealing with the after effects of an illness, but I continued to see her because her feedback was, and is, very valuable to me. I tend to ask her be "the voice or reason" in my life. Her style is friendly and comfortable. In my opinion, Dona's clinicial strength is that she comments, not only listens. In my sessions we have a dialog, a real conversation. I am not doing all the talking. She gives me thoughtful, thought provoking comments, not just the classic "...and how does that make you feel?" I tend to be action oriented. She worked with my style and helped me to create an action plan. She offered suggestions and helped me weigh my ideas and options. I always feel that I am an active part of the solution. If you are looking for a knowledgeable well balanced approach that leaves you firmly in charge I would definitely suggest seeing Dona Desmond."

"...I'm a perfectionist. I'm emotionally aware and relationship savvy, but I still went through amazingly confusing times in my relationship. I felt like a plastic bag tossing in the wind. But Dona grounded me in a way that appealed to my intelligence. What I liked was her experience and perspective, and how she applied it to me when perspective was what I was missing. I'm also a stickler for authenticity. Dona proved, in small ways, that she is in it to help."

"...I was referred to Dona Desmond after several tragic events resulted in a depression and sadness I hadn't experienced before. I was apprehensive about therapy and with sharing intimate details of my life with a stranger. However, when I met Dona she immediately made me feel comfortable and safe. Her kindness sets you at ease, her intellect is like that of a healing mentor, and her humor reminds you she's always your ally. Dona helped me through a very dark period by giving me the skills and tools necessary to overcome and cope with death, fears of dating, self-loathing, obstacles at work, as well as phobias and general anxiety. She has shown me points of view I was blind to, exposed me to perspectives I wasn't aware of and helped me rediscover the tools already inside me. I will never be able to articulate how truly grateful I am for everything she's done as it's played a pivotal role in my mental, physical and psychological development. Thank you!"

"...Dear Dona, Thanks once again for your clear, concise and organized summation of our situation. This has indeed served as a platform for our understanding. You showed us a linear process for progress. Your intelligence & diligence with that wonderful touch of humanity and personalization are so rare and priceless today. It definitely sets you in a elite league of your own."

"...As a therapist, Dona's wording is professional, direct, clear and a feeling of knowing is very present. No matter how bad I think it is, which is usually pretty bad, I can feel from her that things will get better and they have."

" Thank you again for your help. My girlfriend and I both feel very comfortable with your style, knowledge, support, and professionalism."

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Coaching
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy
Other

Ages I Work With

Adults

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

Couples Counseling* Intimacy, Love and Sex Therapy* Marriage Counseling* Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills* Relationship Rescue 911* Relationship Therapy* Angry Relationship Recovery* Adult ADD/ADHD*