Photo of Katrina Wood - Wilshire Valley Therapy Centers, Psychologist
Wilshire Valley Therapy Centers
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
(747) 207-4245 View (747) 207-4245
Photo of Maritza Valdez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maritza Valdez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
Hello, my name is Maritza Valdez and I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients throughout California. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, medical illnesses, caregiving challenges, and substance use/addiction. I focus on using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hello, my name is Maritza Valdez and I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients throughout California. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, medical illnesses, caregiving challenges, and substance use/addiction. I focus on using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
(559) 483-9352 View (559) 483-9352
Photo of Peter Shorts, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peter Shorts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
I'm Peter Shorts, LCSW practicing in California and on the Big Island in Kailua Kona and Pahoa. Therapy can be a journey of discovery, recovery, and healing as we seek to understand the context of life, constellation of relationships, and our internal emotional landscape. Uncovering our deeper needs being sought, and their imprint on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
I'm Peter Shorts, LCSW practicing in California and on the Big Island in Kailua Kona and Pahoa. Therapy can be a journey of discovery, recovery, and healing as we seek to understand the context of life, constellation of relationships, and our internal emotional landscape. Uncovering our deeper needs being sought, and their imprint on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
(858) 727-5499 View (858) 727-5499
Photo of Valeriya Pestrikova - Anxiety - Couples - Sex Therapy, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Valeriya Pestrikova - Anxiety - Couples - Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003  (Online Only)
I offer therapy for individuals and couples, specializing in alternative lifestyles, including non-monogamy, polyamory, BDSM/kink, and sex work. Utilizing Gottman's couples methods, I address relationship and intimacy issues, helping you navigate the complexities of your unique lifestyle and its societal pressures with understanding and depth. My work is committed to promoting emotional resilience and connection within a safe, non-judgemental, supportive environment. Let’s collaborate to foster your growth and well-being. Together, we'll explore new paths to enhance your relationships and personal growth.
I offer therapy for individuals and couples, specializing in alternative lifestyles, including non-monogamy, polyamory, BDSM/kink, and sex work. Utilizing Gottman's couples methods, I address relationship and intimacy issues, helping you navigate the complexities of your unique lifestyle and its societal pressures with understanding and depth. My work is committed to promoting emotional resilience and connection within a safe, non-judgemental, supportive environment. Let’s collaborate to foster your growth and well-being. Together, we'll explore new paths to enhance your relationships and personal growth.
(424) 392-6764 View (424) 392-6764
Alcohol Use Therapists

Are there specific medications for alcohol use?

There are oral medications approved to treat alcohol use disorder—such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone, which also comes in an injectable form. These medications do help people reduce their drinking as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings, disulfiram can make a person feel sick when they drink, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.

How do alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other patients in recovery; in outpatient programs,individuals live at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff can also include people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other tools for recovery.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for alcohol use reduce the amount of alcohol they intake. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.