Therapists in Van Nuys, CA
There are no results for therapists in Van Nuys
Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in California below.More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of K.a.p Yaakov Bekhor, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/111c2c8b-ba00-485c-9280-5d165976bac6/1/320x400.jpeg)
K.a.p Yaakov Bekhor
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Nella mia clinica privata, offro la psicoterapia assistita dalla ketamina (KAP) tramite la piattaforma Journey Clinical. Journey Clinical fornisce la valutazione psichiatrica e il supporto medico per la prescrizione della medicina, mentre io offro lo spazio terapeutico e la guida per l’esperienza psichedelica. Ho ottenuto la qualifica da MAPS per la terapia con MDMA e da Fluence per la psicoterapia assistita dalla ketamina, oltre a portare la mia vasta esperienza personale. Conduco sessioni di preparazione prima della sessione assistita dalla ketamina e sessioni di integrazione dopo l'esperienza con la ketamina,
Nella mia clinica privata, offro la psicoterapia assistita dalla ketamina (KAP) tramite la piattaforma Journey Clinical. Journey Clinical fornisce la valutazione psichiatrica e il supporto medico per la prescrizione della medicina, mentre io offro lo spazio terapeutico e la guida per l’esperienza psichedelica. Ho ottenuto la qualifica da MAPS per la terapia con MDMA e da Fluence per la psicoterapia assistita dalla ketamina, oltre a portare la mia vasta esperienza personale. Conduco sessioni di preparazione prima della sessione assistita dalla ketamina e sessioni di integrazione dopo l'esperienza con la ketamina,
![Photo of Margherita Mera, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34c13f94-7f36-4c68-81e2-2193dd45c4cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Margherita Mera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Ognuno ha una storia da raccontare e un insieme unico di circostanze, sfide ed esperienze che ci rendono chi siamo. Sono diventata terapeuta perché credo che tutti meritino uno spazio sicuro dove possano essere ascoltati e supportati per affrontare qualsiasi problema che impedisca loro di essere la persona che vogliono essere. Ho esperienza con bambini, adolescenti e le loro famiglie, così come con giovani adulti, lavorando su questioni che vanno dall'ansia e depressione all'autostima, trauma, difficoltà di adattamento alle transizioni della vita, relazioni complicate o con persone che semplicemente volevano conoscersi più a fondo.
Ognuno ha una storia da raccontare e un insieme unico di circostanze, sfide ed esperienze che ci rendono chi siamo. Sono diventata terapeuta perché credo che tutti meritino uno spazio sicuro dove possano essere ascoltati e supportati per affrontare qualsiasi problema che impedisca loro di essere la persona che vogliono essere. Ho esperienza con bambini, adolescenti e le loro famiglie, così come con giovani adulti, lavorando su questioni che vanno dall'ansia e depressione all'autostima, trauma, difficoltà di adattamento alle transizioni della vita, relazioni complicate o con persone che semplicemente volevano conoscersi più a fondo.
![Photo of Massimo Avincola, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f612703-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Like a journey, change requires a first step in order to begin. Congratulations for taking this first and important step. Whether you are feeling depressed, overly anxious, having problems in your relationship or are just feeling stuck and don't know why, therapy can help. You don't have to be alone on this journey. My approach is to provide a comfortable, supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can begin to feel safe and talk about what is troubling you.
Like a journey, change requires a first step in order to begin. Congratulations for taking this first and important step. Whether you are feeling depressed, overly anxious, having problems in your relationship or are just feeling stuck and don't know why, therapy can help. You don't have to be alone on this journey. My approach is to provide a comfortable, supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can begin to feel safe and talk about what is troubling you.
![Photo of Marcie B. Scranton, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e576a43-43cc-4635-805b-89b4398612b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
When life feels out of balance, it's easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, anger. If you are involved in a difficult relationship, feeling stuck, or need support in navigating your challenges, please know that there is hope. By overcoming obstacles and resolving distressing issues, we can calm your anxiety, alleviate depression, and deepen your self-awareness. With your goals in mind, I work to heal old and existing wounds, and to make positive differences in your relationships, your career, and your ability to communicate in healthy, productive ways.
When life feels out of balance, it's easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, anger. If you are involved in a difficult relationship, feeling stuck, or need support in navigating your challenges, please know that there is hope. By overcoming obstacles and resolving distressing issues, we can calm your anxiety, alleviate depression, and deepen your self-awareness. With your goals in mind, I work to heal old and existing wounds, and to make positive differences in your relationships, your career, and your ability to communicate in healthy, productive ways.
![Photo of Ro Reyes Ph.D., LMHC, PhD, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1f087b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise are psychological assessment and the creation interventions individually tailored to improve your quality of life and your work performance Treatment focus is anxiety, depression, personality issues, stress management, and unhealthy relationships.
I specialize on working with people who work under pressure and need to feel at their best. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life, dramatically. I'll help you identify positive changes to reduce your anxiety, ease your stress, and gain more control in your life. You will achieve a higher quality of life in a non-judgmental space, you'll discover untapped strengths, and you will enhance your current capacity to cope with the difficulties of life.
My areas of expertise are psychological assessment and the creation interventions individually tailored to improve your quality of life and your work performance Treatment focus is anxiety, depression, personality issues, stress management, and unhealthy relationships.
I specialize on working with people who work under pressure and need to feel at their best. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life, dramatically. I'll help you identify positive changes to reduce your anxiety, ease your stress, and gain more control in your life. You will achieve a higher quality of life in a non-judgmental space, you'll discover untapped strengths, and you will enhance your current capacity to cope with the difficulties of life.
![Photo of Sergio Ocampo, MA, LMFT, SEP, BEng, EMDR II, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f3fa5e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sergio Ocampo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP, BEng, EMDR II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036
BOOK AN ONLINE SESSION TODAY! - Do LOVE and HAPPINESS elude you? Are you FEELING DOWN and blue or ON EDGE and irritable? Did something harmful, hurtful, or devastating happen long ago that still haunts and negatively influences you today? If you have the need to talk to someone in a safe, secure, confidential environment, I can help. Childhood experiences, traumatic events, and family issues often stay with us throughout our lives. These can affect our moods and views of the world and may show up as anxiety, depression and even PTSD symptoms – sleepless nights, constant worrying, and a sense of emptiness are not uncommon.
BOOK AN ONLINE SESSION TODAY! - Do LOVE and HAPPINESS elude you? Are you FEELING DOWN and blue or ON EDGE and irritable? Did something harmful, hurtful, or devastating happen long ago that still haunts and negatively influences you today? If you have the need to talk to someone in a safe, secure, confidential environment, I can help. Childhood experiences, traumatic events, and family issues often stay with us throughout our lives. These can affect our moods and views of the world and may show up as anxiety, depression and even PTSD symptoms – sleepless nights, constant worrying, and a sense of emptiness are not uncommon.
![Photo of Corinna Klein, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fd97b2d-7a0b-4bfc-a0a0-c7e9253165eb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Corinna Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Online Only)
I am a licensed therapist with expertise treating trauma, emotion dysregulation, grief, anxiety, and depression across the lifespan. I also specialize in supporting parents of young children with intense emotions, and working with couples and individuals in their transition to parenthood. My treatment approach integrates psychodynamic principles and attachment theory with evidence-based treatments. I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and licensed to provide psychotherapy in both California and New York.
I am a licensed therapist with expertise treating trauma, emotion dysregulation, grief, anxiety, and depression across the lifespan. I also specialize in supporting parents of young children with intense emotions, and working with couples and individuals in their transition to parenthood. My treatment approach integrates psychodynamic principles and attachment theory with evidence-based treatments. I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and licensed to provide psychotherapy in both California and New York.
![Photo of Dr. Cassidy Blair, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c94a38c9-1f7c-49d5-ac44-58cf0103b4b1/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
![Photo of Madeline Karabian, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb4111b2-8a87-4e72-add2-81c04abda2f0/1/320x400.png)
Madeline Karabian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
My private practice work focuses on life transitions, anxiety, depression, sex, and intimacy.
My approach to therapy is one of active, yet gentle collaboration between therapist and client. My practice as a psychotherapist is to help cut through outdated narratives that often prevent us from creating the changes to live a satisfying and enriching life. I draw from my experiences working with individuals, couples, families and kids at a community mental health center, as well as at an elementary school. Additionally, I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and am a Prepare/Enright Premarital and Marriage Assessment Facilitator.
My private practice work focuses on life transitions, anxiety, depression, sex, and intimacy.
My approach to therapy is one of active, yet gentle collaboration between therapist and client. My practice as a psychotherapist is to help cut through outdated narratives that often prevent us from creating the changes to live a satisfying and enriching life. I draw from my experiences working with individuals, couples, families and kids at a community mental health center, as well as at an elementary school. Additionally, I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and am a Prepare/Enright Premarital and Marriage Assessment Facilitator.
![Photo of Kathleen Mojas, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfb921a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in cutting edge techniques that work at the level of the unconscious mind to help gently and efficiently shift unwanted patterns of behavior. We often don't realize that the way we respond and perceive things in the present is due to past programming. This programming not only creates a blueprint for who we choose and how we behave in our intimate relationships but also determines our ability to cope with stress and deal with painful emotions throughout our lifetime. The techniques I use and teach my clients work especially well with anxiety, phobias, depression and trauma.
I specialize in cutting edge techniques that work at the level of the unconscious mind to help gently and efficiently shift unwanted patterns of behavior. We often don't realize that the way we respond and perceive things in the present is due to past programming. This programming not only creates a blueprint for who we choose and how we behave in our intimate relationships but also determines our ability to cope with stress and deal with painful emotions throughout our lifetime. The techniques I use and teach my clients work especially well with anxiety, phobias, depression and trauma.
![Photo of Nadya Leavitt - Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec4a8221-c3e2-4e06-a3b5-546fa81fb889/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other mental health diagnoses, our skilled professionals are here to guide you through the healing process.
At Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care. Our group practice is comprised of a diverse team of therapists, psychologists, and social workers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our clients. With practitioners from various cultural backgrounds and fluency in multiple languages, we are uniquely equipped to connect with and support individuals from all walks of life. We accept most major California insurances, making our services accessible to those who need them.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other mental health diagnoses, our skilled professionals are here to guide you through the healing process.
At Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care. Our group practice is comprised of a diverse team of therapists, psychologists, and social workers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our clients. With practitioners from various cultural backgrounds and fluency in multiple languages, we are uniquely equipped to connect with and support individuals from all walks of life. We accept most major California insurances, making our services accessible to those who need them.
![Photo of Gabriella Calò Siegel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c71097b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
With an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, compulsive and addictive behaviors, anger management, sexual abuse, trauma,ptsd, c-ptsd, relationship issues, life transitions, creative blocks and stress.
There are many reasons to seek out therapy. The ultimate purpose for considering therapy is often to resolve whatever is in the way of having a better life.
As an active, empathic and experienced psychotherapist, my goal is to assist individuals in overcoming the barriers that prevent them from experiencing, the relationships in their lives in a full and rich way. I work to understand each individual's unique struggle, while respecting personal history and cultural background.
Ultimately, I help individuals to see how past experiences and behavioral patterns may contribute to their current symptoms and difficulties.
With an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, compulsive and addictive behaviors, anger management, sexual abuse, trauma,ptsd, c-ptsd, relationship issues, life transitions, creative blocks and stress.
There are many reasons to seek out therapy. The ultimate purpose for considering therapy is often to resolve whatever is in the way of having a better life.
As an active, empathic and experienced psychotherapist, my goal is to assist individuals in overcoming the barriers that prevent them from experiencing, the relationships in their lives in a full and rich way. I work to understand each individual's unique struggle, while respecting personal history and cultural background.
Ultimately, I help individuals to see how past experiences and behavioral patterns may contribute to their current symptoms and difficulties.
![Photo of Gia Buonaguro, MA, MFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb253af5-79e7-449c-8ca8-80636ae74c41/2/320x400.jpeg)
I will help you gain: Relief of symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and at heart, a Healer. I believe healing involves the Mind, Body, and Spirit and that through this connection, we can let go of painful Trauma and Limiting/False beliefs that hold us back. I work with Individuals and Couples to help bring clarity where they may be confusion. I use EMDR and Somatic Experiencing to help people work with Trauma and to develop and strengthen their sense of self. When we come from this place of self-awareness, we can have truly satisfying relationships with others because we have healed the wounds within.
I will help you gain: Relief of symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and at heart, a Healer. I believe healing involves the Mind, Body, and Spirit and that through this connection, we can let go of painful Trauma and Limiting/False beliefs that hold us back. I work with Individuals and Couples to help bring clarity where they may be confusion. I use EMDR and Somatic Experiencing to help people work with Trauma and to develop and strengthen their sense of self. When we come from this place of self-awareness, we can have truly satisfying relationships with others because we have healed the wounds within.
![Photo of Tanya Nord - Tanya Nord, MA, CHt, MFTI, MA, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d5b9fe0-b416-44e6-8156-d95572c03a16/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tanya Nord, MA, CHt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTI, MA, CHT
Not Verified Not Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Waitlist for new clients
I help my clients through various challenges such as anxiety, anger, depression, grief, addictive behavior and transitions in their professional and personal lives. I use CBT, Narrative Therapy, Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Life Coaching, Past Life Regression and Solution Focused Therapy modalities in my practice. I offer sessions in Russian and Italian.
I help my clients through various challenges such as anxiety, anger, depression, grief, addictive behavior and transitions in their professional and personal lives. I use CBT, Narrative Therapy, Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Life Coaching, Past Life Regression and Solution Focused Therapy modalities in my practice. I offer sessions in Russian and Italian.
![Photo of Andrew Sidoli, MSW, LCSW, SUDCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1171706-ce80-4348-a941-ad32ee9cb316/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Sidoli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SUDCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
This is a very unsettling time for many and being able to help my clients find their footing in such an uncertain time is my passion. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma. My approach is to provide a safe, non judgmental space for growth to occur. I am comfortable working with individuals and couples, and often explore and help resolve maladaptive patterns, cognitions, and intimacy issues that many people struggle with. I help clients identify their goals, develop a plan, and encouragement and accountability to implement that plan, tweaking along the way if needed.
This is a very unsettling time for many and being able to help my clients find their footing in such an uncertain time is my passion. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma. My approach is to provide a safe, non judgmental space for growth to occur. I am comfortable working with individuals and couples, and often explore and help resolve maladaptive patterns, cognitions, and intimacy issues that many people struggle with. I help clients identify their goals, develop a plan, and encouragement and accountability to implement that plan, tweaking along the way if needed.
![Photo of Mervin Maier, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401fb65e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a vast knowledge in areas of trauma, attachment, parenting, foster/adoption, depression, anxiety, ADHD, special education, spectrum disorders, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
We all need strong, healthy relationships for our personal, social, emotional growth and development. At times the pathway to building strong relationships can be perplexing and bewildering. My therapeutic approach provides a supportive, safe harbor that is both collaborative and non-judgmental. I will help families, couples, and individuals build robust, satisfying lives and deeply meaningful relationships.
I have a vast knowledge in areas of trauma, attachment, parenting, foster/adoption, depression, anxiety, ADHD, special education, spectrum disorders, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
We all need strong, healthy relationships for our personal, social, emotional growth and development. At times the pathway to building strong relationships can be perplexing and bewildering. My therapeutic approach provides a supportive, safe harbor that is both collaborative and non-judgmental. I will help families, couples, and individuals build robust, satisfying lives and deeply meaningful relationships.
![Photo of Giovanni Aponte, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c222baf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we all face friction in our relationships and day-to-day living. Consistently encountering the same types of issues, however, can be the result of blind spots that blur our view of reality. Psychotherapy exists, in part, to help identify these areas of hazy perception and to resolve them over time. And with improved clarity come choices that are more plentiful, more attainable, and more likely to result in an improved appreciation of everything around us -including ourselves. This process can only happen in a safe, non-threatening environment.
I believe that we all face friction in our relationships and day-to-day living. Consistently encountering the same types of issues, however, can be the result of blind spots that blur our view of reality. Psychotherapy exists, in part, to help identify these areas of hazy perception and to resolve them over time. And with improved clarity come choices that are more plentiful, more attainable, and more likely to result in an improved appreciation of everything around us -including ourselves. This process can only happen in a safe, non-threatening environment.
![Photo of Denise Maratos, PhD, EdM, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fcf039a-3f5f-452c-9ece-ffcb6800b329/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
![Photo of Michael Chindamo, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02d3d1b1-c9d1-463c-afaf-be7f94a7a384/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael Chindamo is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2009. He has a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of South Florida, a B.S. in Neurobiology, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rochester. Are you feeling overwhelmed due to life changes and relationship conflicts? Are you uncomfortable in social interactions, Do you at times feel angry and don’t understand why? Does nothing seem to give you pleasure anymore? Do you find it difficult to sleep?
Dr. Michael Chindamo is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2009. He has a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of South Florida, a B.S. in Neurobiology, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rochester. Are you feeling overwhelmed due to life changes and relationship conflicts? Are you uncomfortable in social interactions, Do you at times feel angry and don’t understand why? Does nothing seem to give you pleasure anymore? Do you find it difficult to sleep?
![Photo of Natasha Stebbins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/609bf700-0262-4ebe-9fc1-dcc867a6a421/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Stebbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Natasha, a BIPOC therapist, Latinx female, licensed clinical social worker, and mental health practitioner of 18 years. Whether life has been a series of challenges and struggles or life has just jolted you with a massive shift or shake-up, I'm here to work with you. Each of us faces different adversities and our responses to those experiences can differ based on our strengths and supports. I'm a strong believer that we each possess the superpowers we need to not only survive but thrive.
Hi! I'm Natasha, a BIPOC therapist, Latinx female, licensed clinical social worker, and mental health practitioner of 18 years. Whether life has been a series of challenges and struggles or life has just jolted you with a massive shift or shake-up, I'm here to work with you. Each of us faces different adversities and our responses to those experiences can differ based on our strengths and supports. I'm a strong believer that we each possess the superpowers we need to not only survive but thrive.
See more therapy options for Van Nuys
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.