Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Van Nuys, CA
![Photo of Kelly Smarkel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87d42f7c-f6b6-41ac-82c9-a3bfa7052e9b/3/320x400.png)
My name is Kelly Smarkel, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Sacramento, California, and I work with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I utilize Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain greater insight and understanding to make progress toward their goals and start to feel better. Through my educational background and lived experience, I can relate to many issues that often take the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and feeling lost or hopeless.
My name is Kelly Smarkel, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Sacramento, California, and I work with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I utilize Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain greater insight and understanding to make progress toward their goals and start to feel better. Through my educational background and lived experience, I can relate to many issues that often take the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and feeling lost or hopeless.
![Photo of Michelle Payton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70aa242c-bd2c-400b-858d-2786f2b46192/1/320x400.jpeg)
Some of the therapeutic approaches I draw from include Seeking Safety, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Logotherapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome strong and distressing feelings through understanding the root of these emotions and working through them. I am fully trained in Safety and Attachment- Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR Therapy and am confident in my abilities to help you navigate and heal from any past trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.
Some of the therapeutic approaches I draw from include Seeking Safety, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Logotherapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome strong and distressing feelings through understanding the root of these emotions and working through them. I am fully trained in Safety and Attachment- Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR Therapy and am confident in my abilities to help you navigate and heal from any past trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.
![Photo of Sterling Walker, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbeee99d-273c-40d1-864b-7c446cab7d7e/1/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Omar De La Cruz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f869572c-c038-4509-8969-3af8f58d95aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience with different modalities that would include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Hi! My name is Omar de la Cruz, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have an extensive amount of experiencing working with individuals having difficulties with substance use and mental health. I have worked with children, youth, and adults experiencing difficulties in different areas, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship difficulties, and trauma. My goal is to meet clients where they are at and through my expertise be able to work on the therapeutic goals that individuals have.
I have experience with different modalities that would include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Hi! My name is Omar de la Cruz, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have an extensive amount of experiencing working with individuals having difficulties with substance use and mental health. I have worked with children, youth, and adults experiencing difficulties in different areas, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship difficulties, and trauma. My goal is to meet clients where they are at and through my expertise be able to work on the therapeutic goals that individuals have.
![Photo of Ying Zheng, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1d17ea0-5eab-4199-95fc-4f7aa4ebed00/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Ying Zheng, a California state-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in this field for a decade, worked in multiple sites such as high school, cross-cultural community center, hospital and church. I would like to see counseling as my passion and life pursuit. I respect everyone’s right to make a decision about faith, but I do approach therapy using Christian perspective and values. In addition, I would borrow techniques from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, client-centered, and psychodynamic.
Hello, I am Ying Zheng, a California state-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in this field for a decade, worked in multiple sites such as high school, cross-cultural community center, hospital and church. I would like to see counseling as my passion and life pursuit. I respect everyone’s right to make a decision about faith, but I do approach therapy using Christian perspective and values. In addition, I would borrow techniques from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, client-centered, and psychodynamic.
![Photo of Dale Simpson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13b90acb-08d9-43ed-a62e-899d0e3eb96e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Some approaches I've been trained in include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Ecotherapy, or Nature Based Therapy.
I believe that everyone can find purpose and solutions to personal and relationship challenges in each season of life through personal self-discoveries. I serve as a partner and guide to aid you in gaining more clarity and understanding in navigating those self-discoveries. I am open, patient, and nonjudgmental, and am coming from a place of compassion and understanding. I strive to create a space that can foster safety to allow your truest and most authentic self to show up and be present. It is important for us to create a space for you to feel your wounds as well as your hopes and dreams.
Some approaches I've been trained in include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Ecotherapy, or Nature Based Therapy.
I believe that everyone can find purpose and solutions to personal and relationship challenges in each season of life through personal self-discoveries. I serve as a partner and guide to aid you in gaining more clarity and understanding in navigating those self-discoveries. I am open, patient, and nonjudgmental, and am coming from a place of compassion and understanding. I strive to create a space that can foster safety to allow your truest and most authentic self to show up and be present. It is important for us to create a space for you to feel your wounds as well as your hopes and dreams.
![Photo of Kristen Fragoso, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7a0ece0-43d8-416f-949b-7433f725566b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Kristen Fragoso, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients navigate the hardships of day-to-day life. I want my clients to, first and foremost, feel safe and comfortable talking with me about anything. I understand that building a relationship takes time and is the most important task in having successful sessions.
Hello! My name is Kristen Fragoso, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients navigate the hardships of day-to-day life. I want my clients to, first and foremost, feel safe and comfortable talking with me about anything. I understand that building a relationship takes time and is the most important task in having successful sessions.
![Photo of Susan Burns, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cd5c58c-a817-4b96-82d1-5446505fe528/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Susan Burns, LCSW, and I have been in the mental health industry for over 24 years. My top specialties include Anxiety, Coping Skills, Relationship Issues, Job Stress, Grief, and Depression. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, Culturally Sensitive, Strength Based, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I have worked with individuals ranging from mild behavioral health issues to severely impaired functioning. I am a caring clinician who has positively impacted and healed many lives. I look forward to helping you on your journey of self-discovery and self-awareness.
My name is Susan Burns, LCSW, and I have been in the mental health industry for over 24 years. My top specialties include Anxiety, Coping Skills, Relationship Issues, Job Stress, Grief, and Depression. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, Culturally Sensitive, Strength Based, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I have worked with individuals ranging from mild behavioral health issues to severely impaired functioning. I am a caring clinician who has positively impacted and healed many lives. I look forward to helping you on your journey of self-discovery and self-awareness.
![Photo of Norine Campbell, CP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d86d19e-bf4f-477f-a138-31bd56c40e57/2/320x400.png)
I like to use motivational interviewing which helps me to determine where people are as far as their willingness and ability to make the changes they would like to see in their lives.
My name is Norine Campbell. I am a licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist. My approach to therapy is to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship so that the focus can be on healing in a nonjudgmental and safe space in order to move towards positive change. My focus has been with adolescents and adults dealing with severe mental illness, substance abuse issues, trauma, behavioral issues, anxiety and anger.
I like to use motivational interviewing which helps me to determine where people are as far as their willingness and ability to make the changes they would like to see in their lives.
My name is Norine Campbell. I am a licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist. My approach to therapy is to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship so that the focus can be on healing in a nonjudgmental and safe space in order to move towards positive change. My focus has been with adolescents and adults dealing with severe mental illness, substance abuse issues, trauma, behavioral issues, anxiety and anger.
![Photo of Sierra Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/634d64e4-c056-4c21-a6fe-a72ea30a0ffc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Sierra! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I’m constantly evolving in this field to ensure I provide the most safe and supportive environment for my clients. I have extensive training and experience working with a multitude of diagnoses and life problems, my focus is being a tool to help you along your healing journey. I’ve worked with teens, young and older adults that struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mania, trauma, and substance use.
Hi, I’m Sierra! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I’m constantly evolving in this field to ensure I provide the most safe and supportive environment for my clients. I have extensive training and experience working with a multitude of diagnoses and life problems, my focus is being a tool to help you along your healing journey. I’ve worked with teens, young and older adults that struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mania, trauma, and substance use.
![Photo of Jin Yi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3119daf-88d7-46b3-bc89-eccd1ba47ee4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jin Yi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Van Nuys, CA 91401 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I have worked with people experiencing opioid addiction and helped those who struggled with substance use and their maladaptive coping strategies. In addition, I have had rich experiences working with older adults for many years. In life’s journey, people face many barriers facing mountains to climb and oceans to cross. I wish to help people to break those barriers and develop healthy coping skills to live a successful life. I'm fluent in Korean. 한국어 상담 가능합니다.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I have worked with people experiencing opioid addiction and helped those who struggled with substance use and their maladaptive coping strategies. In addition, I have had rich experiences working with older adults for many years. In life’s journey, people face many barriers facing mountains to climb and oceans to cross. I wish to help people to break those barriers and develop healthy coping skills to live a successful life. I'm fluent in Korean. 한국어 상담 가능합니다.
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![Photo of Celina Serna, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f160a30-6e0d-4f49-a8a5-d4cf33d36950/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and families through life’s various challenges. I offer a variety of therapeutic practices as I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and families through life’s various challenges. I offer a variety of therapeutic practices as I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
![Photo of Chantal Daley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23a19d5d-7370-42b2-8de1-19a223a80c23/2/320x400.png)
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
![Photo of Jeffrey Riffle, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9467d762-e243-42c6-aece-38d686cda2dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Jeff Riffle, a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist living in Northern California. I help clients all across the state through telehealth. I see both individual adults and couples. Let’s talk. I establish a safe, non-judgmental, and inviting space for us to talk. I’ve been, most often, called warm and supportive by my clients. I’d love the opportunity to create that type of environment for you, as well.
I'm Dr. Jeff Riffle, a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist living in Northern California. I help clients all across the state through telehealth. I see both individual adults and couples. Let’s talk. I establish a safe, non-judgmental, and inviting space for us to talk. I’ve been, most often, called warm and supportive by my clients. I’d love the opportunity to create that type of environment for you, as well.
![Photo of Jiyoung Kim, ASW, EMDR](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a0b212c-41d5-4cd2-98ed-6892d9ef9969/1/320x400.png)
Do you find difficulties with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship/family problems, and trauma? These emotional disruptions can have a significant impact on our lives. Coping with these events requires various approaches, and I can assist you in recognizing your emotions and identifying possible patterns in your relationships. I can also help you develop resilience and acceptance towards challenging emotions, and support you in setting meaningful goals. I utilize EMDR, CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, & person-centered therapy to reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, foster resilience, and enhance the quality of life.
Do you find difficulties with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship/family problems, and trauma? These emotional disruptions can have a significant impact on our lives. Coping with these events requires various approaches, and I can assist you in recognizing your emotions and identifying possible patterns in your relationships. I can also help you develop resilience and acceptance towards challenging emotions, and support you in setting meaningful goals. I utilize EMDR, CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, & person-centered therapy to reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, foster resilience, and enhance the quality of life.
![Photo of Bernadette Wood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/080f5208-043a-46c6-a41f-230d2668693d/2/320x400.png)
Bernadette Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Van Nuys, CA 91405 (Online Only)
Hi and welcome. I was a social worker for 27 years, and have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations. I have a laid-back approach and am here to support the changes you want to make in your life.
Hi and welcome. I was a social worker for 27 years, and have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations. I have a laid-back approach and am here to support the changes you want to make in your life.
![Photo of Valerie Lloyd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5080cc73-ca1e-4519-bca5-f2961a16a0a8/1/320x400.png)
Hello there, I am Valerie Lloyd, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe in meeting my clients right where they are in their journey. Together, we walk side by side, aiming to enhance your quality of life. I see life as a beautiful journey, and I am committed to guiding individuals by introducing new perspectives and coping mechanisms tailored to their unique experiences. I blend person-centered therapy and solution-focused techniques to create a supportive and empowering space for my clients.
Hello there, I am Valerie Lloyd, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe in meeting my clients right where they are in their journey. Together, we walk side by side, aiming to enhance your quality of life. I see life as a beautiful journey, and I am committed to guiding individuals by introducing new perspectives and coping mechanisms tailored to their unique experiences. I blend person-centered therapy and solution-focused techniques to create a supportive and empowering space for my clients.
![Photo of Amanda Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d25c896-75ed-4405-9c10-c4cbd047d2c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I am Amanda Johnson, LCSW (101426). I approach therapy from a client centered lens. It's important to me that my client's feel safe, heard, and have input in their treatment. I use a Strength Based approach with a variety of other therapeutic modalities to work with many DSM5 diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, attachment, personality disorder, bipolar, and substance abuse are some of my most worked with disorders. Some of the populations I have served are, families that have encountered the CPS system, domestic violence survivors, teens released from psychiatric care, and pre-teens.
Hi, I am Amanda Johnson, LCSW (101426). I approach therapy from a client centered lens. It's important to me that my client's feel safe, heard, and have input in their treatment. I use a Strength Based approach with a variety of other therapeutic modalities to work with many DSM5 diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, attachment, personality disorder, bipolar, and substance abuse are some of my most worked with disorders. Some of the populations I have served are, families that have encountered the CPS system, domestic violence survivors, teens released from psychiatric care, and pre-teens.
![Photo of Laurel Salmon, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14e73b5d-6116-417d-851d-cb2a6749ac53/2/320x400.png)
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
![Photo of Jeneve Nunez Kanaventi, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75fc29a5-f876-4157-8880-dfe1220f15db/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kanaventi is passionate about helping families and individuals develop effective strategies to improve connection and increase resilience. She uses a creative, compassionate, curious, and collaborative approach to helping families and individuals. She demonstrates high ethical standards and a commitment to helping families and all individuals struggling. Dr. Kanaventi is unique in her approach to therapy in that her primary focus is on the current state of the family system or the individual and develop a positive connection and relationship with the person.
Dr. Kanaventi is passionate about helping families and individuals develop effective strategies to improve connection and increase resilience. She uses a creative, compassionate, curious, and collaborative approach to helping families and individuals. She demonstrates high ethical standards and a commitment to helping families and all individuals struggling. Dr. Kanaventi is unique in her approach to therapy in that her primary focus is on the current state of the family system or the individual and develop a positive connection and relationship with the person.
See more therapy options for Van Nuys
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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.