Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California, and I’m excited to share a little about myself. I studied at California State University, Los Angeles, and have practiced for seven years. I have worked with individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. My passion is helping people, especially adults and older adults, find healing and uncover their inner strengths. I’m here to support you as you navigate life’s challenges, heal from past pain, and move toward the future you envision. Let’s work together to help you thrive! Although my schedule looks to be fully booked, I am available. I am presently addressing the scheduling tech issue with GROW. You can contact me at davidrayalcsw@gmail.com, and I can continue to attempt to book you through GROW. I am focused on providing only individual therapy at this time. Thank you.
Establishing goals at the start of therapy is a great way to keep you engaged and shape our future sessions. It encourages you to reflect on and share what you hope to achieve. Let’s start with a simple question: “Imagine you go to sleep and, when you wake up, all your problems are resolved. How will you know that things are better? What changes will you notice? How will those changes appear in your life? What will be different?” These questions can help generate specific ideas about ways to enhance your life.
Every person's journey is unique, and I aim to create a warm and welcoming space where you can comfortably share your feelings and confront any challenges you may be facing. My passion is to make a positive difference in your life! I focus on ensuring that you feel safe and at ease through friendly and empathetic communication. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships filled with compassion and understanding while fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Therapy is all about teamwork, and I’m really excited to be part of your journey! I’m here to share insights that can help you make sense of your personal experiences. Many people find that getting actively involved in their treatment leads to the best results, and I truly appreciate everything you share with me. The more you open up about your history and the challenges you face, the better I can support you. Let’s work together to make this a positive experience! My ability to provide a fresh, unbiased perspective distinguishes our sessions from conversations with friends or family, as I am not personally involved in your life. Honesty during our sessions is crucial for maximizing the benefits of therapy. While it can sometimes feel somewhat vulnerable, establishing trust is essential. Whenever you’re ready to take that dive, know that I’m here to support you every step of the way!
We all experience difficult times, and some challenges can feel overwhelming. However, it's important to remember that you don't have to face them alone! Every problem has a solution, and with a bit of help from God's grace and a thoughtful examination of our beliefs, you can heal. I am here to provide a warm and welcoming space for you to share your experiences. Together, we can explore solutions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This journey can help you fully embrace who you are and build truly meaningful relationships. By recognizing patterns such as procrastination and self-sabotage, we can uncover our purpose and gain clarity in our lives. I firmly believe that each of us is destined for something special, and our responsibility is to pursue it. Navigating a storm of emotions can be challenging, and that’s where I come in to help! I genuinely admire your courage in taking this step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Let’s begin this transformative journey together!
Throughout my career as a clinician, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with many individuals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). What I find fascinating about CBT is how it highlights the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Whenever something happens in our lives—big or small—our minds start interpreting that event, which leads to certain thoughts. These thoughts can shape how we feel and how we respond to situations. It's fascinating to see how understanding this process can empower people to make positive changes! With the cognitive model, you can discover your patterns of thoughts and feelings. This journey helps you recognize unhelpful thoughts and transform them into healthier ones. By changing those thoughts that trigger anxiety or anger, you can take control of your feelings and work towards a more fulfilling life!