Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Playa Del Rey, CA

Photo of Don Rubish, PhD, Psychologist
Don Rubish
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Sometimes when things go wrong, we don’t know exactly why. Problems at home or work, health issues, relationship struggles, and life transitions can all create a sense of deep disconnect. Being understood will often increase your personal satisfaction and improve your life on a deeper level. The ultimate goal of this work and my main interest is that you come to know yourself more deeply and live a more complete and satisfying life, thereby raising your level of functioning and returning to or discovering a life of gratification and vitality. I am a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience, licensed in Calif. and Colorado.
Sometimes when things go wrong, we don’t know exactly why. Problems at home or work, health issues, relationship struggles, and life transitions can all create a sense of deep disconnect. Being understood will often increase your personal satisfaction and improve your life on a deeper level. The ultimate goal of this work and my main interest is that you come to know yourself more deeply and live a more complete and satisfying life, thereby raising your level of functioning and returning to or discovering a life of gratification and vitality. I am a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience, licensed in Calif. and Colorado.
(310) 870-9472 View (310) 870-9472
Photo of Kaitlyn Power, LCSW
Kaitlyn Power
LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Life, especially nowadays, comes with a lot of unparalleled challenges, and I hope to provide support and compassion to encourage my clients to feel safe in expressing their current thoughts and feelings about their unique life circumstances. I aim to help my clients make more more satisfying life choices through increased insight into how their mind works. This will in turn help my clients better tackle life's challenges, especially surrounding life transitions, relationships, and family issues.
Life, especially nowadays, comes with a lot of unparalleled challenges, and I hope to provide support and compassion to encourage my clients to feel safe in expressing their current thoughts and feelings about their unique life circumstances. I aim to help my clients make more more satisfying life choices through increased insight into how their mind works. This will in turn help my clients better tackle life's challenges, especially surrounding life transitions, relationships, and family issues.
(310) 361-2707 View (310) 361-2707
Photo of Dr. Malika Stewart-Bey, LMFT, DMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Malika Stewart-Bey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
You are welcome to positively change your life. Dr. Malika is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with clients in the entire state of California. Dr. Malika offers a safe space of unconditional positive regard for you to totally be yourself, as you explore your thoughts and feelings. Dr. Malika has worked in the areas of child development, parenting, addiction treatment, couples therapy, premarital counseling, non-monogamous/Polyamory, LGBTQIA, foster-care/transitional aged youth issues, homelessness, issues pertaining to systemic racism, as well as joined alongside clients overcoming anxious and depressive symptoms.
You are welcome to positively change your life. Dr. Malika is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with clients in the entire state of California. Dr. Malika offers a safe space of unconditional positive regard for you to totally be yourself, as you explore your thoughts and feelings. Dr. Malika has worked in the areas of child development, parenting, addiction treatment, couples therapy, premarital counseling, non-monogamous/Polyamory, LGBTQIA, foster-care/transitional aged youth issues, homelessness, issues pertaining to systemic racism, as well as joined alongside clients overcoming anxious and depressive symptoms.
(424) 233-1178 View (424) 233-1178
Photo of Shannon M Kalberg - Westside Therapy Collective, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Westside Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
If you are looking for long-term change and a team of highly effective therapists, look no further. We believe that therapy begins with finding the right fit with the perfect therapist who takes a collaborative and holistic approach. Our team incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational therapy. Please contact Shannon Kalberg, LMFT to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.
If you are looking for long-term change and a team of highly effective therapists, look no further. We believe that therapy begins with finding the right fit with the perfect therapist who takes a collaborative and holistic approach. Our team incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational therapy. Please contact Shannon Kalberg, LMFT to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.
(844) 592-0133 View (844) 592-0133
Photo of Ragon Duffy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ragon Duffy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291
I believe therapy is about connection. Therapy is based on the connection with your therapist to create a meaningful, supportive space to explore your most vulnerable emotions. Therapy can help you strengthen your connection with the people in your life in a positive and hopeful way. And most of all, therapy can grow your connection to your most authentic self. Therapy can help guide and support you through times of stress, build communication and interpersonal skills, and develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
I believe therapy is about connection. Therapy is based on the connection with your therapist to create a meaningful, supportive space to explore your most vulnerable emotions. Therapy can help you strengthen your connection with the people in your life in a positive and hopeful way. And most of all, therapy can grow your connection to your most authentic self. Therapy can help guide and support you through times of stress, build communication and interpersonal skills, and develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
(424) 347-1704 View (424) 347-1704
Photo of Delena Zimmerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Delena Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
As a strengths-based therapist, I am here as a warm and compassionate partner to walk alongside you through some of life's most difficult challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, process, and cope with past pain, present fears, and future uncertainties. I provide empathy, insight, and a fresh perspective, as we sort through the muck of life together, and you discover your own inner strength and power. You experience healing hope. I'm highly intuitive, coupled with an open heart, and experience working with a range of emotional issues to help guide you toward leading the fulfilling life you desire.
As a strengths-based therapist, I am here as a warm and compassionate partner to walk alongside you through some of life's most difficult challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, process, and cope with past pain, present fears, and future uncertainties. I provide empathy, insight, and a fresh perspective, as we sort through the muck of life together, and you discover your own inner strength and power. You experience healing hope. I'm highly intuitive, coupled with an open heart, and experience working with a range of emotional issues to help guide you toward leading the fulfilling life you desire.
(213) 223-8027 View (213) 223-8027
Photo of Natasha Mehta, PhD, Psychologist
Natasha Mehta
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
(424) 232-0695 View (424) 232-0695
Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C
Sarah Raike
PA-C
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. You enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. You enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(323) 366-3083 View (323) 366-3083

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sterling Walker, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sterling Walker
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(310) 879-5156 View (310) 879-5156
Photo of Alicia Brandt, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alicia Brandt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90066
I am trained in traditional "talk" therapy and more post modern treatments such as solution focus and motivational interviewing.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
I am trained in traditional "talk" therapy and more post modern treatments such as solution focus and motivational interviewing.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
(323) 870-8228 View (323) 870-8228
Photo of Sara DeLaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara DeLaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
I use evidenced-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in my work.
Are you feeling stuck in some aspect of your life? Are you ready for a change, but are unsure of where or how to start? I would like to help! Life takes on new meaning when we look inward, develop a greater sense of purpose and feel energized. So many things can get us stuck, leaving us unsure or afraid to move forward. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back and enhance your journey of self-discovery. With 15 years of experience working with people, I have learned valuable tools to help you on your journey and have seen people make incredible progress.
I use evidenced-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in my work.
Are you feeling stuck in some aspect of your life? Are you ready for a change, but are unsure of where or how to start? I would like to help! Life takes on new meaning when we look inward, develop a greater sense of purpose and feel energized. So many things can get us stuck, leaving us unsure or afraid to move forward. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back and enhance your journey of self-discovery. With 15 years of experience working with people, I have learned valuable tools to help you on your journey and have seen people make incredible progress.
(424) 347-1474 View (424) 347-1474
Photo of Liz Cruz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liz Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066  (Online Only)
My approach is to incorporate treatment interventions and modalities that will work best for you, whether it’s utilizing Mentalization, Attachment, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, or other client-centered approaches.
As a professional of color and daughter of immigrant parents, my passion is to connect, strengthen, and empower communities of color to healing and resiliency in a culturally attuned and compassionate therapeutic process. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between patient and therapist. I have extensive experience working with adolescence, adults, parents, couples, and families developing and maintaining, healthy and fulfilling relationships. My services are offered in English and Spanish through tele-health. I seek to create a warm, attentive environment, to nurture an opportunity for therapeutic connection.
My approach is to incorporate treatment interventions and modalities that will work best for you, whether it’s utilizing Mentalization, Attachment, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, or other client-centered approaches.
As a professional of color and daughter of immigrant parents, my passion is to connect, strengthen, and empower communities of color to healing and resiliency in a culturally attuned and compassionate therapeutic process. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between patient and therapist. I have extensive experience working with adolescence, adults, parents, couples, and families developing and maintaining, healthy and fulfilling relationships. My services are offered in English and Spanish through tele-health. I seek to create a warm, attentive environment, to nurture an opportunity for therapeutic connection.
(424) 322-6481 View (424) 322-6481
Photo of Elia Rank, LPCC
Elia Rank
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066
In addition to this client-driven and centered philosophy, I utilize numerous therapeutic practices including Solution Focused, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Criminal Thinking, and Trauma Focused approach.
Hello, I am Elia Rank. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I believe in a client-centered and client-driven approach. I believe that clients are the expert in their own lives and know what they want to accomplish in treatment but just need support in identifying new strategies to help them achieve their goals. My area of practice is individual adults 18 and over. I come from the Rogerian-Centered approach that believes unconditional positive regard is the most effective way to build and sustain therapeutic rapport, as well as trust.
In addition to this client-driven and centered philosophy, I utilize numerous therapeutic practices including Solution Focused, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Criminal Thinking, and Trauma Focused approach.
Hello, I am Elia Rank. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I believe in a client-centered and client-driven approach. I believe that clients are the expert in their own lives and know what they want to accomplish in treatment but just need support in identifying new strategies to help them achieve their goals. My area of practice is individual adults 18 and over. I come from the Rogerian-Centered approach that believes unconditional positive regard is the most effective way to build and sustain therapeutic rapport, as well as trust.
(424) 622-5297 View (424) 622-5297
Photo of Kristina Roman, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristina Roman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291  (Online Only)
I harness my education in creative writing, journaling, yoga, movement, and interventions such as CBT, Problem Solving, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfullness techniques to offer my clients a full-circle approach.
Hi, I’m so happy you’re here. While finding the right therapist can be challenging, my mission is to lead with compassion and empathy, to create a space for my clients to be authentically themselves. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, chronic illness, life transitions, trauma, or relationship issues–you are safe here.
I harness my education in creative writing, journaling, yoga, movement, and interventions such as CBT, Problem Solving, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfullness techniques to offer my clients a full-circle approach.
Hi, I’m so happy you’re here. While finding the right therapist can be challenging, my mission is to lead with compassion and empathy, to create a space for my clients to be authentically themselves. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, chronic illness, life transitions, trauma, or relationship issues–you are safe here.
(424) 473-1920 View (424) 473-1920
Photo of Katie Hagen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Hagen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066  (Online Only)
My top priority as your therapist is to create a safe space for you to heal. I provide warm, gentle, and open communication using reflective listening, empathy, and validation. I consider myself integrative, in that I intuitively pull from different modalities to support my clients individually. The modalities I tend to use most are relational/person-centered process-oriented therapy, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I train to be trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
My top priority as your therapist is to create a safe space for you to heal. I provide warm, gentle, and open communication using reflective listening, empathy, and validation. I consider myself integrative, in that I intuitively pull from different modalities to support my clients individually. The modalities I tend to use most are relational/person-centered process-oriented therapy, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I train to be trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
(858) 567-0583 View (858) 567-0583
Photo of Lisa Espinoza, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Espinoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Lisa Espinoza and I'm a LCSW based in Central California. I like to encourage clients that no matter what they feel or their circumstances, they can improve their lives with the right support and tools. My approach to therapy utilizes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Solution Focused, and Supportive. I allow the client to set the stage for what they need in their life. I work with them based on their strengths and provide exercises they can engage in to improve their thought lives, better manage their emotions, and overall build their confidence for communicating their needs.
Hello! My name is Lisa Espinoza and I'm a LCSW based in Central California. I like to encourage clients that no matter what they feel or their circumstances, they can improve their lives with the right support and tools. My approach to therapy utilizes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Solution Focused, and Supportive. I allow the client to set the stage for what they need in their life. I work with them based on their strengths and provide exercises they can engage in to improve their thought lives, better manage their emotions, and overall build their confidence for communicating their needs.
(559) 414-8120 View (559) 414-8120
Photo of Gina Gregory, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Gregory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
I incorporate creativity, humor and compassion alongside evidenced based therapeutic modalities which include CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing and mindfulness, to support you in creating meaningful life changes.
Often times we get stuck in patterns related to our thoughts or behaviors that get in the way of us getting to where we want to go. These patterns can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and at times, interfere with our relationships and overarching goals. Through a collaborative approach, I aim at helping you explore your own motivation to take meaningful steps in creating the life you want to live by examining these patterns.
I incorporate creativity, humor and compassion alongside evidenced based therapeutic modalities which include CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing and mindfulness, to support you in creating meaningful life changes.
Often times we get stuck in patterns related to our thoughts or behaviors that get in the way of us getting to where we want to go. These patterns can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and at times, interfere with our relationships and overarching goals. Through a collaborative approach, I aim at helping you explore your own motivation to take meaningful steps in creating the life you want to live by examining these patterns.
(424) 251-5515 View (424) 251-5515
Photo of Liana Abascal, PhD, MPH, dipACLM, Psychologist
Liana Abascal
Psychologist, PhD, MPH, dipACLM
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
We integrate treatments, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, self-compassion and positive psychology.
Is your life not where you want it to be? Change is hard. While doing things differently can feel uncomfortable at first, it is possible to do, and becomes more comfortable with time. Change often applies to the behaviors we engage in, or the thoughts that we have. Change can also apply to our relationship with our thoughts, and it is powerful to become less tied to the random thoughts that appear in our head. Let us help you with this! We are passionate about helping people get unstuck and move forward in their lives. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, and includes warmth, compassion and humor.
We integrate treatments, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, self-compassion and positive psychology.
Is your life not where you want it to be? Change is hard. While doing things differently can feel uncomfortable at first, it is possible to do, and becomes more comfortable with time. Change often applies to the behaviors we engage in, or the thoughts that we have. Change can also apply to our relationship with our thoughts, and it is powerful to become less tied to the random thoughts that appear in our head. Let us help you with this! We are passionate about helping people get unstuck and move forward in their lives. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, and includes warmth, compassion and humor.
(858) 682-6427 View (858) 682-6427
Photo of Tom Szabadi, MA, LMFT, LPCC, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tom Szabadi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My approach is tailored from Gestalt, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship/intimacy issues, infidelity/betrayal, addiction, and alcohol/substance abuse disorders. I am a sex-positive therapist who works with clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which can assist with resolving lingering effects of past traumatic memories. It can also lesson the hold of negativity and limiting beliefs and move you to a much healthier self-concept and higher self-esteem.
My approach is tailored from Gestalt, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship/intimacy issues, infidelity/betrayal, addiction, and alcohol/substance abuse disorders. I am a sex-positive therapist who works with clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which can assist with resolving lingering effects of past traumatic memories. It can also lesson the hold of negativity and limiting beliefs and move you to a much healthier self-concept and higher self-esteem.
(213) 513-7301 View (213) 513-7301
Photo of Jennifer Clarissa Alonzo, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Clarissa Alonzo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Through guided self-exploration, and by using elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) together we can co-create a roadmap to evaluate why you may experience feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, fearfulness, and or sadness.
Do you feel disconnected from people in your life? You are not alone. Relationships are often difficult because people struggle to connect with themselves. Connection is a basic human need. We long to connect with others and it starts by connecting with ourselves. This can be complicated by painful life experiences that lead to fear, mistrust, and hurt that can manifest in relationships with others, taint how we feel in the world at large, and impact how we see ourselves.
Through guided self-exploration, and by using elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) together we can co-create a roadmap to evaluate why you may experience feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, fearfulness, and or sadness.
Do you feel disconnected from people in your life? You are not alone. Relationships are often difficult because people struggle to connect with themselves. Connection is a basic human need. We long to connect with others and it starts by connecting with ourselves. This can be complicated by painful life experiences that lead to fear, mistrust, and hurt that can manifest in relationships with others, taint how we feel in the world at large, and impact how we see ourselves.
(310) 742-1627 View (310) 742-1627

See more therapy options for Playa Del Rey

Motivational Interviewing Therapists

How does motivational interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.

Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?

Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.

How long does motivational interviewing last?

Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.

What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?

In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.