Hello! I offer adult clients (18-80) individual therapy. I have more than 10 years of experience and specialize in solutions, strengths, and change. I see therapy as an important part of a holistic approach to overall well-being. I draw on eclectic sources including Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Feminist Therapy, and Person-Centered Psychology. This approach seems to work best for most people.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is a get-to-know each other meeting. I’ll ask you if you have any questions about me, my education, experience, the therapy process, the forms you filled out, or the way I do therapy. I’ll ask you to tell me in your own words why you decided to start therapy, what you are looking for and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I want to hear about what is important to you. I will guide you and offer information and suggestions, with the understanding that you are in charge of your life and your therapy process. I most want you to learn to trust your own perceptions, intuition, and decisions. Identity is the foundation of all work in therapy and we will focus on aspects of your identity that are important to you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
If you want to have more clarity about who you are, understand how life experiences have and continue to show up in your life, have symptoms of anxiety or PTSD, or behaviors you’d like to change…if you are in a relationship that is not what you want it to be…this includes your relationship with yourself, let’s talk. We can work toward your having more self-worth and a meaningful life.
Trauma Informed Care
I have worked with military veterans since 2016, many of who experienced combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have worked with civilian clients all of my career who have experienced interpersonal and other trauma including discrimination, social marginalization, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in EMDR and Exposure therapies, but found that these methods are not appropriate or wanted by many clients. In those cases, a combination of Talk Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Strength-based, and Solution-focused therapy seems to be most effective.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Although I am not officially trained in CBT, the techniques and approach are similar to other therapies including Mindfulness, Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Resource Development. I have studied and use with clients techniques such as awareness of emotions and thinking, challenging negative thought patterns and replacing negative thoughts with more useful and strength-building thinking habits. I also use 12-Step and SMART philosophy with clients.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Living and working in Los Angeles, I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals and couples. My graduate training included the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and The Center in Long Beach. As a Caucasian therapist, I am aware of how my physical attributes and life experiences could affect the therapeutic relationship. I invite conversation about that as well as experiences of prejudice and discrimination you may have experienced. I have been told by BIPOC clients that I have compassion for and understand the harmful effects of discrimination and prejudice.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have studied and experienced Mindfulness and Meditation through the UCLA MARC program and on my own for over 20 years. I use mindfulness techniques to teach clients how to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, develop insight into their conditions, to reduce and manage symptoms. I suggest a daily 5-minute guided meditation practice using an app such as CALM. Research has shown that consistency, not how long each day a person meditates, has the biggest positive effect. For clients who need more guidance, I will demonstrate in session mindfulness techniques or use Clinical Hypnotherapy. It is always the client’s choice.
Hypnotherapy
I have taken Clinical Hypnotherapy classes through the Ericksonian Foundation and use the techniques I have learned with clients who want or need to use this form of therapy for relief from anxiety and racing thoughts, somatic awareness, and developing awareness and confidence in their decision-making.
2 ratings with written reviews
March 29, 2025
Linda has been very supportive and is very easy to speak with.
February 17, 2025
I was able to share my trauma from childhood, and how it has affected me today. It was a relief to get in touch with those feelings, to share them with someone who is willing to listen, and to shed tears.