My approach to helping is eclectic. This simply means I don't strictly adhere to one way of working. I work differently with each person I see. And I often use various approaches, including psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, dialectic behavioral, existential, feminist, and relational therapies, as well as mindfulness and EMDR. The reason for this is not fanciful; it's practical. We have the research to show that what we do can help. We know, for instance, that cognitive behavioral therapy can show effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, anger and traumatic memory with standardized protocols; dialectic behavioral therapy is indicated for maintaining emotional regulation, and treating self-harm and suicidality; mindfulness shows efficacy for stress and anxiety as well as substance abuse; and EMDR shows evidence that it works for PTSD, trauma related disorders, depression, anxiety and shows some evidence of efficacy with addiction treatment. So that's the science. It indicates that some forms of therapy show more efficacy than others for particular symptoms.
The science of psychotherapy also reveals to us other factors at play in helping you feel better. Just to make things more confusing, we know that whatever modalities or approaches we use, there are other factors that are fundamental to your improvement in functioning and well-being:
Do you feel there is an alliance with your therapist?
Does the therapist demonstrate empathy for you?
Does the therapist create a healing environment?
Although we cannot guarantee healing, if your therapist has a sound rationale rooted in research, and the three factors above are present, you are more likely to experience improvement.
I serve Echo Park, Silverlake, Los Feliz, Atwater and the surrounding areas including Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City. Areas of focus include Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-Esteem, Mental Health, Grief, Loss, Medical Issues, Addiction, Trauma, LGBT-Affirmative, Work Issues, Men's Issues.