Steven Isaacman, Psychotherapist in West Hollywood, 90048

Steven L. Isaacman, M.A., Psy.D., FIPA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
MFT - 29803

My Approach to Helping

My approach to helping is holistic. When people are suffering from symptoms (depression, anxiety, meaninglessness, etc) it is a sign that something is out of balance. I try to listen carefully, even to that which is not being spoken in words, with an attempt to understand the nature of this imbalance. I offer comments, ask for clarifications, and share impressions, and together, in the dialogue we create, understandings emerge.

Most people have not been properly listened to and therefore, have trouble listening to themselves. Your symptoms that bring you to therapy are a clue to what is out of balance. We need to learn to listen to them, to find out what they mean and why they are there. Parents, employers, partners and friends have biases that my interfere with their listening abilities, even if they love you and even if they try very hard. It may surprise you but good listening requires discipline, effort, and usually, training.It may take some time, but if I am able to listen to you with accuracy, this is something that you will learn to do for yourself. The ultimate goal of therapy is to graduate, to no longer need the therapist!

Had a Negative Therapy Experience?

Therapy is primarily a relationship and giving up on therapy because you have had bad or unhelpful experiences is like giving up on all relationships. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater is a foreclosure of new experiences and is borne out of frustration and a wish to protect against further disappointments and hurt. I expect that people will not trust me, at first, and that I will have to earn their trust over time. I am not offended when people begin with doubt and mistrust. I also do not make absolute promises about what we will achieve as it is impossible to know the outcome of any relationship at its beginning. I do believe that chemistry is key. Many people were born to parents with whom they did not have "good chemistry" and they had a tough beginning life because of this. A new and useful relationship with someone who can understand and does not judge but is truly curious to know you can be a profound experience and go a long way towards resolving a myriad of issues.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

I think it is impossible to answer this question for a number of reasons. One is that people often do not even know fully what troubles them and therefore what would be curative. I have worked with some people who only needed a handful of sessions, and felt, in essence, a "rebooting" had been achieved and left happy and continued on with their lives. I have also seen some people for short stints in therapy, with long breaks in between. Some of these people eventually settled in to wanting a deeper experience of coming to know themself in a way that happens over a longer period of time. One size does not fit all and I try to make people aware of the different options available and tailor the work to what is best for the individual.