Hi, I'm Andrew (he/him/his) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that does not have a "one size fits all" approach. I balance direct feedback with a gentle sense of exploration. Therapy involves ongoing revaluation of what is helpful, and so I encourage feedback from my clients. The main question I pose to my clients and myself is simply "is what we're doing working?" Much of the therapy I offer centers around learning to manage unpleasant thoughts and feelings by learning skills and new ways of looking at problems. But I also recognize that it can be important to slow down and recognize the weight of the pain we carry.
In my work as a therapist I also value humor, stopping to appreciate and learn from good days and growth, and being a fellow human being.
If you would like to schedule a 15 minute consult call, please message me so we can arrange a time.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During a first session I begin by outlining expectations and go over my policies. I might ask you about your experience with therapy and if you have any questions about the process. I will listen to what it is that brings you to therapy and ask you questions that help me understand your background and the issues you are struggling with. When I have an idea of how I might best help you, I will give you my thoughts and we will work together to develop a treatment plan. Starting therapy can be anxiety inducing, which is why I am a firm believer in transparency. I encourage questions and feedback at all times.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I take pride in my ability to guide clients through overcoming trauma and helping them feel that no matter what they've been through, they're safe to share it with me and know that I'll remain a steady presence for them.
I am very comfortable with being flexible and adapting to my client's needs as they may change. Nearly every client has something change in their life during the course of therapy, and I invite clients to honestly evaluate what they need from therapy when these events happen.
I emphasize growth as well as overcoming problems. I want you to leave therapy on a trajectory to live the life you want to live and not just cope with it.
About Andrew Listvinsky
Address
5252 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA, 407Appointments
Free consults, virtual & in-person
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I've used ACT when working with clients struggling with everything from relationship issues to severe trauma. ACT is an alternative to conventional CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and I often will introduce it to clients who have gone through CBT treatment in the past and felt that something was missing for them. I find ACT especially helpful when clients are struggling with something that makes it difficult to find a way forward. We can use ACT to decrease the power your thoughts have over you and then identify the next steps by exploring and following your values. I also utilize ACT with clients who struggle with trauma and have not gotten enough benefit from other methods such as Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've utilized CBT with a wide range of clients. I find it's a helpful place to start especially for clients who are new to therapy. It helps clients learn the most important skill of therapy: observing ones own mind and how it relates to what we do. Many people who have experienced CBT associate it with dreaded "homework" assignments. For those who find them helpful I am happy to oblige. In general, I find it most helpful to apply the techniques of CBT in conversation with a client to make the learning more natural.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I went through a training with the Veterans Health Administration to learn CPT. There I worked with Veterans to help them with an assortment of traumatic experiences. CPT is a treatment model specifically to help people with PTSD and other trauma disorders. It's especially helpful in working with clients who aren't ready to describe the events of their trauma in detail but are ready to work towards getting better.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I have found that IFS is especially effective for clients who wish to address their trauma and have felt overwhelmed by other approaches. It helps clients understand themselves and their patterns in a more gradual manner. It's also very helpful for anyone who is looking to get a deeper understanding of how they came to be who they are. I also use IFS heavily when working with DID/OSDD.
Grief Therapy
I have helped people through different phases of grief. This includes people who suffered a loss or death of a loved one as well as those currently going through a loss. My experience has included formal grief groups as well as working with families with a loved one in hospice care. I focus on helping my clients struggling with grief to work through their feelings and validating the pain involved in loss. I also help clients recognize the wide range of ways grief can show itself and provide education so that you can make your way through grief as smoothly as possible.
