My Approach to Helping
I can help you learn to recognize and modify the patterns, beliefs and behaviors holding you back. Experience has taught me the best thing you can do to help yourself is to take action--my job is to help you figure out what you need (and want) to do to change things. Together we will help you identify and develop the tools, resources, and motivation to move forward. Small changes really can lead to big results.
More Info About My Practice
Sessions are available in person in Westlake Village (MMFT), or via Telehealth (MMFT, CWR). While I work with clients in many fields, a significant percentage of my clients are in the TV, Film, Music, and related industries. I am a lifetime member of the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder (EITF), which is now managed by GoodTherapy.org. I am a vocal LGBTQ ally and I welcome everyone in my practice.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-advocacy, life changes, stage-of-life issues, stress, career changes, loneliness, divorce recovery, and finding a path that makes you truly happy. Helping people build the self-esteem needed to love themselves and take control of their lives is a major component of my work.
Film and television: I work with people from many areas of the MPI: creative, crew, executives, production, writers, editors, etc. From EP to PA, I understand the demands a career in the industry places on you. I can help you find healthy ways to manage the stress, figure out what self-care looks like in your world, and make the most of your precious free time so you can lead a happy, healthy life.
I understand the business world, and have worked in a variety of capacities, including: systems analysis, project management, strategic planning, etc. I know what it is like to deal with cranky bosses, pressure, workplace bullies, RIFs, etc. I understand the stress of having direct reports and being responsible for a team, department, major project, or the entire company. I have been there. I also understand the unique stressors founders and entrepreneurs endure: you do everything--it is all on the line, every day, and nobody loves your company as much as you do. I can help you learn to manage the stressors and find a healthy work-life balance.
My Role as a Therapist
My role as a therapist is to be in your corner, helping you address the issues which brought you to therapy. I can help you figure out why you may be "stuck", and help you identify resources and strategies to get you unstuck. We will work together to help you make the changes necessary to create the life you really want. When challenges and obstacles seem to block your path, I can help you regroup, take stock, set goals, and identify what specific actions you can take towards realizing those goals. I can't do it for you (only you can), but I can help you chart your path, and figure out what to do next.
My Therapy Focus
I consider myself a Solution-Focused, Narrative, Family Systems therapist for good reason: I attended a Family Systems-oriented graduate school, and studied postmodern Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Narrative Therapy techniques as my areas of concentration. I also studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology, and utilize interventions from both. In therapy, my approach takes the following into account: your resilient traits, your ability to adapt, your personal narrative, your ability to access to internal and external resources, and your experiences within your family of origin and how they have shaped your beliefs and patterns of behavior.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Therapeutic Alliance: Research indicates the most important factor contributing to success in therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist. To determine whether you may be a good fit, I suggest giving the therapist a call to get a feel for them. I offer a brief, no-pressure phone consultation for this reason. If we seem like a good fit, we can schedule a session. Getting to know each other over the first few sessions to is a normal part of the process of choosing a therapist. It is okay to conclude a therapist is not the right fit for you. If either of us feels we are not a good fit, let's talk about it. Making sure you get the help you need, in a manner that works for you, is what matters most to both of us.
I look forward to speaking with you, and discovering how I can be of service to you. If you would like to discuss working together, give me a call or send me an email. Let's find out if we are a good fit.
(Please note Change Within Reach, Inc. and Matthew McLean Family Therapy, Inc. are not affiliated in any way.)