Mental Health Therapist Online California| Individual Therapy California
Behavioral Health Therapy Online California
You deserve to live the life you want. Every moment of your life is a precious opportunity to be with people you care about, communicate with love, connect, learn, and become the best version of yourself. Working with an online therapist California can help you achieve these things.
Life isn't always filled with wonderful things. There are challenges too. You may experience many setbacks and sadness. Your stress can escalate at work when you are working on a project or just trying to get through the day. Perhaps school is your primary stressor, with assignments and a busy schedule to maintain. You could be having a rough time at home with family turmoil, relationship problems, adjusting to divorce, or parenting issues. Extended family dynamics may be impacting your daily life and increasing stress. Perhaps family trauma is getting in the way of living the life you want. Inner turmoil might be causing you to feel uncomfortable and you may be having suicidal thoughts or distancing yourself from others by isolating.
Some life-changing events can cut deep and impact you to the core of your being. Sometimes you can get through it and get back to life without too much trouble. However, some things can rock your world so much you feel inept. You may have difficulty completing daily tasks. These situations can lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, isolation, loneliness, and frustration. Working with a mental health therapist online California can help you move towards the life you want.
You may get to a place where you feel hope is gone and there's no way back to the life you once had. Please know that things can improve even if you can't see the path. No matter how far down the rabbit hole you have fallen, there is a way out. Things can get better. You can find your way.
You have the power to initiate change in your life. You can improve your quality of life no matter what is blocking your way. You don't have to do it all by yourself. You can find meaning, hope, and purpose working with a licensed therapist in California. Individual therapy online can make it easier to get the support you need.
What is individual therapy?
You do not want a one-size-fits-all therapy. You want individual therapy custom designed just for you. Finding a counselor who understands your needs, has experience with your issues, and you feel comfortable enough to share personal insights and problems with is imperative. Studies show that the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of successful treatment.
I tailor every aspect of your treatment to fit your needs, personality, and what you hope to gain from your sessions. Most of my clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions, but this is up to you. How you time your sessions is entirely up to you. We will have no pre-set requirements and no required agenda.
Individual therapy is a one-on-one process where you work with a professional mental health provider. You experience private therapy online working with a therapist in a safe and confidential environment to address your personal needs.
Counseling is a place for you to explore your relationships, values, feelings, reactions, beliefs, and behaviors and find solutions for challenges. You can decide what parts of your life you would like to change and the strength, abilities, and talents you want to incorporate in your life more. You may want to become the version of yourself that you've always dreamt about, improve your relationships, or work on your communication.
No matter what dreams or aspirations you have in mind, working with a psychotherapist can help you move toward your desired change.
So many good reasons exist to work with an individual counselor. It is effective for a variety of emotional issues, problem solving, and mental illnesses. California online therapy can help get you where you want to be in your life.
How Counseling Impacts Life
Counseling is about support. It's about supporting you as you build yourself up as a person. It's about the process of becoming the best version of yourself. In therapy, you build confidence, find solutions, and become inspired. You can find what you need to move toward the outcome that fits who you are and what you want for your life. Your counseling success rate depends heavily upon the relationship between you and your therapist.
The purpose of therapy or counseling is to help you with mental health issues, to support you through challenging times and transitions, and to help you make the changes you want to make your life better. Meeting with a counselor is an opportunity to talk about your issues, learn about yourself and find solutions. You make your own goals. Many clients seek coping skills, self-improvement, to feel better about themselves, or to solve a specific problem. You can work on anything important to you.
With confidence and inspiration, you can move forward. Counseling is about what you need and what you want to do with your life. Feeling good about yourself and knowing you have value helps create the foundation for what is to come. When you have them, believing in your capabilities becomes easier. Having a solid foundation gives you the ability to follow your passions. You can consider doing things others might tell you "can't be done."
Following your dreams and passions is a good thing. They teach you about yourself. They expand your capabilities. A new mindset that helps you believe in yourself strips away things that have been stopping you from doing what you want to do and reaping the rewards.
Everyone has experienced challenges in their life. You have too. Life can present difficult times filled with trauma and pain. They can hold you back and keep you from achieving your goals or show you things about yourself and help you grow.
Everyone's life has many difficult things to learn how to get through. There will be problems to solve, disasters to deal with, obstacles, and losses. The list of difficult situations goes on. With resiliency, you can make changes and persevere through life's challenges. What you experience becomes part of who you are and what you know.
As we go through life, we collect experiences. They add to who we are. They help us grow. We learn from all our experiences, both rewarding and challenging. Every challenge provides tools and understanding to deal with the next challenge. Getting through experiences that stretch us and those that reward us teach us resilience and the skills we need to deal with whatever may come our way next.
The more resilience and strength you collect along the way, the better you can handle the next situation you encounter. The more problems you solve, the more you learn that you can solve problems. The more hurt you travel through, the more you know you can overcome challenges and come through the other side. You can look back and see how counseling impacts life when you review all the things in your life that are better. You can experience the counseling impact on relationships as you spend more time enjoying the important people in your life.
Expecting life to be smooth sailing is to ignore the truth. Life is hard. Rising to the challenge gives us what we need to survive. Accepting the challenge brings us to a place where we can incorporate new things into our lives.
Everyone deserves to believe in themselves. Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to follow their dreams and passions. We all have our ways of working through challenges. Counseling can help you find yours. Working with a mental health therapist online, California residents can get the support needed to move forward toward their desired future.
What is the foundation of therapy?
With human development, we are always becoming. Throughout the stages of life, we become different versions of ourselves. Each version has a purpose and value. Everyone always has value and worth. We need to discover that value and learn about our worth.
Knowing we are worthy is another part of the foundation that moves us forward. It allows us to take risks and believe in ourselves. It helps us see opportunities we wouldn't see otherwise. Opportunities are always available.
Passion can grow anywhere. You have the options you need and the ability to move forward when you believe in yourself. Others may have told you you don't have worth. You do. Every human does, just by being human. You deserve to live the life you want.
You deserve to follow your heart and do what feels right. You may not have done all this yet. There's time. You may need a new environment. Maybe you need the right kind of support. You may need a new mindset that supports you. Only you know the right path to take. There are many choices. Choosing you is a good choice.
What is best for you can be difficult to see. Many things can obscure their view. Everyone has doubts about themselves. We all wonder if we can really do what we set out to do. There are voices of others in our heads reminding us of all our faults and past mistakes. We forget that everyone makes mistakes and are harder on ourselves than we would be on someone else for making the exact same mistake.
Keeping the lessons we learned from our errors in perspective can be challenging. Mistakes have value. Every mistake we make teaches us something new. We learn another way that doesn't work for us. Each mistake brings us closer to our personal answers.
When we welcome mistakes and change our mindset to see them as part of the learning process, our experience of mistakes changes. Mistakes become valuable building blocks for the foundation of our life.
Therapy is about pulling all these things together. It is about meeting your personal needs so you can move forward and become the best version of yourself.
You get to choose what changes you want to make and the direction you want your life to go. To quote Dr. Seuss, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
With individual therapy, California residents can experience the foundational components of psychotherapy.
How Solution Focused Brief Therapy can help you reach your goals with a mental health therapist online, California
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that can help you build your own custom solutions that fit your lifestyle. The SFBT mindset lends itself to a counseling success rate that can come more quickly than expected.
SFBT doesn't fit within traditional psychotherapeutic frameworks. It is different in many ways. Research done around the world using different control populations, different clinical settings, and spanning multiple countries, show the positive benefits of SFBT.
A wide variety of studies with a wide variety of participants show how SFBT benefits clients. These studies include research with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Solution Focused Brief Therapy studies have included a variety of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, stress, parenting, behavior issues, relationship problems, and personal growth.
In a one-year follow-up, research has shown that Solution Focused Brief Therapy maintained effectiveness at reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood-related disorders. Substance abuse and trauma also respond well to SFBT, with a decreased severity of symptoms for both.
Solution-focused therapy is a change-oriented therapy designed to help you find solutions that improve your life. It focuses on increasing hope for your future and finding unique solutions that help you move forward. It can help you:
- see things differently
- develop a more positive outlook
- address mood issues like anxiety and depression
- change your mindset
- resolve family trauma
- explore how you see others
- Address mid-life issues
- improve relationships
- address marital issues as an individual
- recover from abusive relationships
- plan for co-parenting
- address relationship challenges
- understanding dementia
- repair family relationships
- build social connections
- address caregiving issues
- support a family member through recovery from addiction
- get unstuck and not let the past interfere with your present and future
- improve behavior
- reduce stress
- Explore how adoption impacts your mindset and address the impact of loss
- notice your strengths and abilities
- increase self-worth and self-esteem
- change mind set around people pleasing
- be kinder to yourself
- address family trauma
- reduce people-pleasing
- create a neurodiversity friendly environment
- address perfectionist behaviors
- increase confidence
- address overthinking
- improve depression and anxiety
- manage bipolar symptoms
- recover from burnout
- believe in yourself
- improve motivation
- hold on to the changes you make and incorporate them into your everyday life
- improve your relationships
- break unhealthy relationship patterns
- work on family dynamics
- recover from trauma
- communicate better
- improve adult child - parent relationships
- relationships with family members with mental health issues
- heal from trauma
- deconstruct from religious upbringing or beliefs
- address perfectionism
- find your own identity
- build self-esteem
- establish boundaries
- change your self-image
- change your lifestyle
- address narcissistic thoughts
- improve your quality of life
- recover from a stigmatizing or non-inclusive environment
- deal with life transitions
- understand phases of life
- address issues related to aging
- become empowered to be your true self
- recover from domestic violence and sexual assault
- rebuild your life after divorce
- find your place in the world
- address attachment issues
- manage grief
- improve parenting skills
- recover from addiction
- maintain sobriety
- move toward becoming the best version of yourself
Once you see how the changes you want can fit into your life, it is easier to maintain your desired changes. Your life will become different as your changes become part of who you are naturally. You will be able to notice different things about yourself, your environment, and your relationships with others.
The Solution Focused process helps you look back at times you were able to deal with a difficult situation and find parts of yourself that you want to amplify. Together we will explore your life experience, behaviors, exceptions, coping skills, relationships, thought processes, and what is already working to discover resources to build customized solutions. As I ask you questions to help you explore ideas, strengths, talents, past successes, and other areas of your life, you will be able to create solutions that help you move your life in the direction you want to go.
I will always be respectful and will never expect you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. We will discuss whatever is important to you at the moment. I will never discount your experiences or your pain. I will acknowledge everything you say.
Solution Focused Therapy is non-judgmental and compassionate. I will always make an effort to understand and hear what you are saying. Solution Focused Brief Therapy is client focused. What you want is in the forefront, not what I think would be good for you or what a book with protocols written by someone you don't know thinks is best for everyone.
We will collaborate to create a clear vision of what you want, develop solutions that fit your vision, and help you achieve your goals. The Solution Focused format is conversational. We will have specialized conversations that help you formulate solutions comfortably without pressure or expectations.
Solution Focused Therapy is practical. It focuses on growth through changes you want. We will look for clear, practical changes that will support you as you grow into the best version of yourself.
How long does Solution Focused Brief Therapy take?
It depends. The founders of Solution Focused Brief Therapy included the word "brief" in the name because they were contrasting SFBT with the most common therapy at the time, Psychodynamic Therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is the type of therapy you see in old movies where the client lays on the couch and talks while the therapist listens quietly, taking notes with very little input. This type of therapy is known for being a very long process. Many people start with three or more weekly appointments and continue therapy for years and years. Some see Psychodynamic Therapy as a lifetime process. It is the type of therapy that they are talking about in movies when they say, "I'll have to talk to my analyst (or therapist) about this and get back to you." Psychodynamic clients often run things by their therapist before making decisions.
The founders of SFBT wanted to avoid the concept that therapy has to take a long time, so they included the word "brief" in the name. There is no exact definition of "brief." Today therapists explain it as "As long as it takes and not a moment longer." This idea leaves space for diversity and ongoing issues and doesn't limit clients who want to work on multiple topics or wish to make deep personal changes. It can take longer to unravel complicated problems and deal with more severe diagnoses.
In my experience, SFBT can be anything from a single session to a couple of years plus. That said, it is up to the client when therapy should end. Most of my clients feel complete after 8 - 15 sessions. Others want to continue on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to check in and address additional issues. Some return to counseling when there is a significant life change, like a death in the family, divorce, trauma, or a major transition to address.
Is therapy worth it?
Most clients say they notice many benefits in their daily life from therapy, including emotional relief. Many are especially pleased with their counseling impact on relationships.
The counseling success rate is higher than you might think. Studies show that 75% of clients who participate in psychotherapy sessions report benefits such as improved mood and a reduction in depression and anxiety. Other studies show psychotherapy improves emotions, reactions, and behaviors.
How psychotherapy changes your brain
Therapy is associated with positive changes both mentally and physically. Brain imaging studies have documented changes in neuropathways after psychotherapy.
Brain imaging studies show changes in neurobiological models of anxiety disorders after psychotherapy. Findings about depression show decreases in activity in some prefrontal areas and increases in others after psychotherapeutic treatment. Some study images show changes in brain structure and function after psychotherapy. There are also significant reported differences between psychopharmacological medication interventions and talk therapy.
With studies showing brain changes and positive results lasting benefits, the answer to, "Is therapy worth it?" is a resounding yes.
With a mental health therapist online California, you can focus on issues such as:
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Neurodiversity
- Addictions/ Substance abuse
- Adoption issues
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Risky behaviors
- Trauma
- Childhood trauma
- Sexual assault
- Religious trauma
- Medical trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anger management
- Grieving a painful loss
- Sleep issues
- Aging challenges
- Creating healthy habits
- Worry
- Health anxiety
- Stress
- Phobias
- Burnout
- Job stress
- job satisfaction
- career-related grief
- making career changes
- mid-life issues
- Divorce
- Women's issues
- Men's issues
- Anger management
- Chronic pain/illness
- Increasing self-awareness and self-esteem
- Address people pleasing
- Improving self-talk
- Emotional regulation
- Personality differences
- Personal acceptance
- Impostor syndrome
- Self-care
- Perfectionist behaviors
- Changing thought patterns
- Reducing negative thoughts
- Decision making
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Relationship dynamics
- Becoming more comfortable with dating
- Recovering from a breakup
- Improving the quality of your relationships
- Working on couples issues
- Changing relationship patterns
- Poly & Open relationships
- Improving communication skills
- Codependency
- Attachment issues
- Leaving a physically or emotionally abusive relationship
- Recovering from domestic violence
- Parenting
- Parenting adult children
- Problem solving
- aging issues
- Boundaries
- Self-worth
- Self-esteem
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Workplace issues
- Family counseling
- Nutrition and mental health
- Food related issues
- Body image
- Body dysmorphia
- Family relationships
- Understanding and supporting a family meber with mental health or substance use issues
- Communication with family members
- Families with adult children
- Emerging adulthood issues
- Transitions
- Fears
- Recurring disturbing thoughts
- Transition to college
- Young adults transitioning to adulthood
- Difficulty leaving home
- Work/life balance
- Healthy weight loss
- Health at Every Size (HAES)
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, depressed, anxious, or just want to live a better life, individual therapy with an online therapist California can support you as you move toward your goals. Therapy adult services can provide personalized strategies so you can address urgent problems.
Many people ask, "Is therapy worth it?" Give it a try and see the benefits of therapy for yourself. Experience firsthand how it can help you change your life.
Online Therapist California: Individual therapy online
Individual therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, and talk therapy all refer to the same treatment for mental health issues and support traversing life's problems. They all provide the same support to help you through difficult times, whether done in person or online. The purpose of therapy is to make changes that help you live the life you want. Working with a therapist online has become much more popular in recent years. It makes it easier to fit working with a mental health professional into your schedule. It removes several barriers to getting treatment. All in all, individual therapy online increases access to mental health services. Studies show online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions and, in some cases, more effective if it makes the client more comfortable.
When you work with an online therapist California, you work one-on-one in a supportive and confidential environment. Meeting online protects your confidentiality more than going to an office and participating in sessions in person. Since you don't have to travel and show up at a specific location, with individual therapy online, nobody will see you coming and going from appointments. Online platforms are secure and HIPAA compliant.
Areas Served
Providing private therapy online allows me to work with clients all over California. I see clients in both southern and northern California. Using a HIPAA compliant platform to meet for sessions with California online therapy makes it easier for my clients to access adult therapy services.
Most of my clients live in these areas:
Los Angeles
San Diego
Orange County
Encino
Woodland Hills
Agoura Hills
Westlake Village
Thousand Oaks
Ventura
Santa Barbara
San Fransisco
Fairfax
Napa
Petaluma
Oakland
Richmond
Mountain View
San Jose
Salinas
Los Altos
San Ramon
Hayward
Berkeley
Davis
Sacramento
Florin
Rio Linda
McClellan Park
Roseville
Rocklin
Fair Oaks
Citrus Heights
Folsom
El Dorado Hills
Granite Bay
Auburn
Using private therapy online California can increase your chances of finding a therapist who has openings in their schedule so you don't have to wait months to start working toward your goals.
Adult Therapy Services: Adult Counseling California
I provide adult therapy services that are confidential and convenient. With individual therapy online, we can focus on what's important to you. My goal is to help you make long-lasting improvements that increase your quality of life. I will help you make core changes so you can manage your current problems and navigate future challenges life brings your way. We will lean on your strengths and abilities to develop unique solutions to overcome problems and increase your personal satisfaction. Therapy adult services can help you become the best version of yourself.
Choosing an online therapist in California that's right for you.
Individual therapy is a unique service. Shopping for a mental health therapist online California isn’t like shopping for a new outfit. If you're looking for counseling, you're probably going through a rough patch. You have a purpose for therapy that is unique to your needs. You need a practitioner you can connect with and feel comfortable enough with to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas. You need to choose a psychotherapist for a good fit, not just because their office is located near your home or office. Choosing an online counselor is a personal thing and you should be just as comfortable with the fit as you are with your favorite outfit.
Your counseling sessions are for you. You can focus them on anything that you feel would make your life better. Whatever your needs or goals are, I will support you without judgment. You can safely explore and move your life in the direction you want to go. individual therapy online can help you move toward becoming the best version of yourself.
Counseling is about support. I am neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, BIPOC affirmative and LGBTQ-friendly. You will always be treated with respect.
REFERENCES
Kim, Brook, & Akin, 2018
Kim et al, 2010; 2019
Maljanen, et al. 2012