Larry Brooks, Psychologist in Glendale, 91203

Larry Brooks, PhD

Profession(s):
Psychology
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Psychology - PSY 8161

My Approach to Helping

Psychotherapy is a very personal experience. It is not like a visit to a medical doctor. It calls for an active commitment on your part in collaboration with my efforts to understand you. Its effectiveness depends on how hard you work on your issues during and outside therapy as well as on how well we work together.

It is my belief that self-examination, the willingness to face emotional difficulties, is fundamental to effective coping and living a full and gratifying life. My goal is to create a safe place where you will feel supported to do the challenging work of self-exploration and behavioral change.

Self-awareness +support + action + time = change

I am pragmatic and interactive in my approach and adapt my style to the client's particular needs. Individuals come to therapy for different reasons, with unique histories, strengths, weaknesses, and expectations.

Typically I will conduct an informal evaluation that lasts between 2 and 4 sessions. During this time, we will have a chance to get to know each other. I will develop an initial understanding of your concerns and how I can best be helpful to you. And you will have the chance to assess whether or not I am the person with whom you would like to work with. After these initial sessions, I will provide you with feedback that will give you a realistic sense of how therapy can be helpful.

Psychological change takes time and requires patience. It involves learning and integrating new coping strategies, changing longstanding patterns of behavior, and becoming more accepting and less judgmental of yourself. While one can often experience a reduction in symptomatic distress after a handful of sessions, most psychological problems don't get resolved in a couple of sessions. Depending on one's presenting problems, personal history and individualized goals therapy can last from a couple of months to several years.

More Info About My Practice

My fee is $200.000 per hour. Sliding Scale is available.

I accept insurance from a limited number of companies that at present includes Blue Cross PPO and HMO and Aetna PPO. If you have insurance and wish to use it, please check with me to determine whether or not I accept your insurance.

If you have any questions about services, availability, fees, etc., please call me so that we can talk.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Successful psychotherapy depends on the quality of the relationship between client and therapist.

The sense of being listened to and understood by another person can be deeply grounding and motivating. Self-awareness creates the space for change. Within this space one begins to take risks and try new behaviors. These efforts lead to different outcomes and more adaptive ways of thinking about one's life.