My name is Robert (Bob) Hehrlein; I practice psychotherapy under my California, Marriage, and Family Therapist license. I have over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, initially working as an addiction counselor, which led to self-employment as a recovery/life coach. After graduation from National University, I worked as a therapist for mentally ill outpatients, providing psychoeducation to groups on topics such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Some of the issues that I processed with my group members involved anxiety, depression, anger management, and healthy relationships. For over two years I have provided teletherapy for a diverse clientele exhibiting a range of mild to moderate psychological symptoms. We can all feel overwhelmed when we experience one of life's hurdles. At these times, having someone to listen with empathy, and provide a non-judgmental space that promotes self-reflection, stability and growth is extremely empowering. I am passionate about helping others by utilizing a collaborative and holistic approach that incorporates evidence-based interventions, motivation, and self-acceptance.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, after a brief introduction, I will ask many questions in order to develop a treatment plan. During this interview, it is my intention to achieve rapport with you and give you the sense that what you say will be actively listened to with compassion and without judgement. By the end of session, you will come to believe that your goals for therapy can be achieved and symptoms, i.e. anxiety and depression, greatly alleviated.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I use a variety of interventions usually starting with questioning to stimulate self-awareness, define the problem, expose beliefs, and challenge cognitive distortions. Changing irrational beliefs to rational beliefs will result in improved emotional and behavioral functioning. Teaching distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness are the foundation of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and are used with excellent results for any number of problems that bring people to therapy. Many people are in an existential crisis and need to discover their meaning of life, confront the inherent anxiety of living, and take responsibility for finding their purpose. If all this seems rather directive and imposing, often what is called for is my empathy, unconditional positive regard, being transparent with feelings, thoughts and beliefs, and allowing my clients to lead the discussion.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have considerable experience, both personal and professional with alcohol dependence, and as a result am very familiar with the predisposition and mentality of addiction, regardless of the substance or behavior involved. Many people come to therapy because they are overwhelmed and stressed. It is essential that they learn to truly relax, and perhaps advance to mindfulness and meditation. I have had considerable success helping people control their anger by understanding the underlying causes and learning not to rage in inappropriate and socially damaging situations. I have conducted couples therapy with varying degrees of success, but have been especially helpful when infidelity was involved. I am very comfortable working with clients who identify themselves as lesbian, gay or binary, as I am with gender-fluid individuals. One of the things I most appreciate about my profession is the great diversity that makes up my clientele at any given time.

About Robert Hehrlein