Narcissistic Personality (NPD) Therapists in Orange County, CA

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.

Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.

For the past 40 years, I worked in Australia & America as a therapist and educator. I was Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and later worked with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. Since I am also a writer, I see you as the main character in your personal story called to face & transform adversity into personal happiness. I help individuals overcome anxiety & depression & help couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and increase love & intimacy. I am the co-author of "Power Tools for Men: A Blueprint for Healthy Masculinity" & co-author of "Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict into Intimacy."

Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.

As a seasoned therapist, I specialize in helping couples find a deeper connection, repair rupture, and define meaningful and realistic goals for their relationship. I also specialize in collaborating with individuals to achieve desired outcomes. I am an expert in my field and not an expert in your life. Therefore, I will work hard to help you understand your intuitive self and guide you to a path of healing on your own journey.

In a world of 7.7 billion people, we somehow, at some point, find ourselves feeling overwhelmingly alone. These feelings of loneliness can come for a variety of reasons. Not being able to let go of the past, a fear of the future-- anticipating the worst. Not feeling good enough, smart enough, attractive enough. Holding on to a part of yourself that brings you feelings of guilt and shame. Wanting to feel like you can breathe and let go. Searching for peace. The goal of feeling confident in your ability to handle life's struggles. All of this is normal. All of this is attainable. All of this is within you.

Life is filled with challenges that affect each of us in different ways. I believe the way we approach and overcome those challenges allows us to experience life to the fullest. I began my Marriage and Family Psychotherapy practice to use my life experience, education, and passion to help serve the mental health needs of our community. Through my experience in a variety of settings, I discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, learn new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.

When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage counseling, individual therapy, or therapy for your teen, I can help you get on track to a healthier more fulfilling life.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.

I am not here to fix you because you are not broken. I am not here to judge you because you are free to be whoever you want to be. I am here to help you reach your goals and find a trajectory to true happiness. Your journey to wellness begins when you recognize the role you play in your own life. You are powerful, capable, and worthy of the joy you seek. I am here to walk this path with you.

Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.

A compassionate, exceptionally skilled and caring psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I am focused on helping you deal with life's challenges. I work with clients seeking to improve their lives and assist them in healing from current and past trauma and stress, finding better tools to address problems, and improve your overall life satisfaction. An expert in the field of trauma and dissociative disorders including sexual trauma & abuse, traumatic accident or injury, difficult or abusive relationships, divorce and parent-child issues. I am an engaging therapist who listens, provides useful input, and meets you where you are.

Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.

Are you feeling unfulfilled in your relationships, choices, and just life? Those who feel detached from those around them often believe they're a burden and bring no value to those around them. If any of that resonated with you, you may feel disconnected from different areas of your life, such as work, relationships, family and interests. Many individuals go through life never feeling like they belong, lack fulfillment, joy, and a sense of identity. You're here looking to finally put yourself first, to find a sense of satisfaction in your life, and I'd love to be part of that journey, so you no longer feel alone.

Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.

Welcome to my page! Above all, I am here to help you articulate, process, and ultimately navigate your current struggle(s) in a new and sophisticated manner that will empower you to find healing and a deeper sense of meaning in your life. Truly helpful therapy is uniquely tailored to each person and it is my aim to foster this approach with you.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.

Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences that often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.