Hi, I’m Teal Berkowitz, an LMFT based in California. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship issues, and emotional trauma. My approach is personalized, integrating techniques from CBT, attachment-based therapy, and EMDR to create a supportive space for healing. I work with you to explore your past and present, empowering you to break free from negative patterns and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.
In our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we’ll complete a thorough biopsychosocial assessment. This means we’ll explore your personal history, current life circumstances, and any emotional or mental health concerns you’re facing. By understanding the root of the issues you’re experiencing, we’ll be able to collaboratively decide on the best approach for achieving your goals moving forward and create a tailored plan that fits your needs. I know this can be intimidating so please know, you can only share what you feel comfortable sharing considering it will be the first time meeting me. We will always go at a pace that you are most comfortable with.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my down-to-earth and relatable approach, which helps clients feel comfortable and understood from the start. I believe in creating a space where we can be real with each other, and I often use humor when it feels right to lighten the mood and make the process feel less intimidating. I also enjoy asking thought-provoking questions that encourage insight and self-reflection, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the changes you want to make.
I’m best positioned to serve individuals who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and emotional trauma. Whether you're navigating difficult life transitions, healing from past wounds, or looking to improve your emotional well-being, I work with clients who are motivated to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive space. I particularly connect with those who are open to understanding how their past experiences influence their present and are ready to create meaningful change in their lives.
In my practice, I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship struggles. While I don’t follow rigid CBT protocols, I use its principles in a flexible way, tailoring them to your unique needs so we can work through emotional trauma and create healthier ways of thinking and coping. My goal is to empower you to understand yourself better and build a stronger sense of self-worth.
In attachment-based therapy, I help you explore how your early relationships have shaped your current emotional patterns and connections with others. By understanding these attachment styles, we work together to heal past wounds and create healthier, more secure relationships, especially when it comes to intimacy, trust, and emotional regulation. My approach is personalized, allowing us to focus on your unique experiences and build a stronger sense of emotional safety.
In EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I guide you through processing past traumatic experiences by using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess distressing memories in a healthier way. This technique can be especially helpful for emotional trauma, as it allows you to reframe negative beliefs and reduce the emotional charge tied to past events. My approach is focused on helping you feel safe and supported while you work through these memories at your own pace.