Leanor Johansen, Psychologist in Beverly Hills, 90212

Leanor Johansen, Ph.D.

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Psychologist - PSY 23615

My Approach to Helping

APPROACH TO THERAPY: My approach is to provide you with the care you seek from a self-growth and strengths-based prospective. You are human first and foremost. I offer a warm, safe, confidential space where you are encouraged to be your true self without judgment. I believe every person deserves to feel human dignity, respect, and self-worth. You and I will think together about areas you want help with. Our work will be collaborative in that we will set goals by discussing areas you feel you want to change, develop, shift, or understand. I listen carefully to the issues you present and provide feedback and input to assist you. I do not tell you how you should live your life as I believe you are a capable person with your own healthy internal resources. I will help you to work through any stuck areas which may be holding you back from living the life you want and feeling differently. I believe if you are still reading there may be something in my approach which resonates with you. This is a positive sign of your strength, courage, and willingness to want to work through areas you seek help with. Asking for help is rarely easy, however good things can happen once the first step toward change is made.

More Info About My Practice

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED OR WANT HELP: Friends and family may be able to offer care and social support, however they are not trained to help you in the way a professional can. If you feel like you're ready to seek change or if you feel that you want to develop particular areas of your life that may be holding you back, then it is good time to call and seek help from a professional therapist who cares.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU: The best way to reach me is by calling 310 553-3755. I typically answer my own phone, but in many cases you will get my voicemail. Please do not hesitate to leave a confidential message with your name, number, and the best times to reach you. I will return your call as soon as I am able and usually within 24 hours or less. I value your time and understand you want to be called back soon.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST PHONE CALL AND INITIAL SESSIONS: When we talk by phone I will initially ask you some basic questions about the reasons you are seeking treatment and answer any questions you may have. We can talk to see if we may be a good fit for therapy and I will do a brief initial intake. If you and I both feel that we are a fit then we can set up an initial in-person therapy appointment. If not, I can provide you with options or referrals. Keep in mind that the first few sessions of therapy are for us to continue to evaluate if we are a good fit to work together. If for some reason we determine that we may not be, I will provide you with alternative options and or referrals. You have nothing to lose by calling for an initial phone intake as it is FREE of charge. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you begin a new therapy journey.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

MY OWN LIFE AS A HUMAN HAS ENHANCED MY THERAPEUTIC WORK: I believe that each person has lived their own experiences which shape who they are. I've had my own human life experiences that were challenging, but I was able to find internal and external resources to help me grow and be the healthiest person I can. If you believe that there exists somewhere inside of you a healthier self, then I will do my best in a collaborative effort with you to facilitate your growth.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

THERAPY IS A HEALTHY CHOICE AND SOME OF THE HEALTHIEST PEOPLE COME TO THERAPY: It is so important that you allow yourself to value your decision to come to therapy. Therapy can be seen as something negative usually to those who do not fully understand it. The person who chooses to ask for help is doing so not because they are weak or flawed, but because they have attempted to do it on their own and were less successful. They recognized that it was time to have a professional assist them to increase their chances of having a more positive outcome. The person recognized that the therapist could be part of a supportive team who works with them to facilitate change. The person who comes to therapy has a brave and healthy side and coming to treatment is done out of a decision to allow someone to assist them on their journey to becoming a more joyful healthier self.

Services I Provide

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

Ages I Work With

Adults

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & MIDDLE AGED ADULTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE STRESS: I help young to middle aged adults balance career and life goals. In particular, helping those who appear to others like they have it all, yet inside they struggle with bouts of depression, anxiety, inadequacy, perfectionism, self-doubt, or stress.

SELF-GROWTH & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: I help adults wanting to increase their own motivation, self-growth, and personal development. Sometimes people get stuck, stagnant, or have fears which prevent them from achieving their highest potential. Some people may feel they are doing pretty well in the world, yet they desire to improve in a certain area of life. Having a therapist to assist your personal development who will show you areas that may be blocking your success could make a difference in your development and success.