Hi my name is Ray Radeka, LCSW, CATC IV. I am a US Navy Veteran. I want to congratulate you on having the courage to reach out for assistance, it is not an easy thing to do. That being said you are already on your way to healing! I am a strength based, solution focused, compassionate, empathetic - intersectional therapist. I was born and raised in Southern California. I attended California Baptist University for my masters. My life experiences on every level has motivated and prepared me to become a therapist. I have been in the mental health/substance abuse field, for 11 years, 8 of that was working as a Drug and Alcohol counselor specializing in Co-occurring disorders, which is someone that has been diagnosed with a Mental Health disorder and also suffers from a Drug or Alcohol addiction. I have now been practicing as a Clinical Therapist for the last 3 + years. My experience has been working with patients who suffer from Drug and Alcohol addiction, mood disorder, relationship issues, communication problems, Veterans with severe mental illness, PTSD , co-occurring disorders and marginalized groups coping with symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. My clinical approach leans towards CBT, DBT, Strength based, Solution Focus Therapy, Meditation and Mindfulness. “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day”. —Dalai Lama
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session, we will have informal dialogue regarding the assessment you completed, review of screeners and your symptoms. We’ll discuss your background, interests, and what brought you to therapy, giving you the opportunity to share any issues or challenges you’re facing. We will explore your treatment goals, whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, or addressing specific concerns. I’ll explain the evidence-based methods I use and how they can help with your issues, as well as what a typical session might look like. We will complete the Intake assessment and Treatment plan so we know what steps we will take to achieve your goals. I’ll share initial thoughts on your situation and possible therapy directions, allowing you to ask questions and provide feedback. We’ll discuss session frequency and set small, manageable goals to start addressing your concerns. The first session you should have some feeling if I am a good match for you, this is important. I believe the therapeutic relationship is key to therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked with clients from all walks of life for the last 11 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress. I look at meeting you where you are at and focus on building a rapport with you that allows mutual respect and trust in our therapeutic relationship. I am easily relatable, I have not only the formal education but have lived experience of a journey of my own that allows me to have specific insight to the vast majority of the individuals I work with. That does not make me an expert in your life it makes me an expert in my own. This is what you will learn in working with me, what really makes you tic. I am a solution focused, results oriented provider that will challenge you to make YOU the priority in your own life... it is about time.
About Ray Radeka LCSW, CATC IV
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We will work on identifying irrational core beliefs that negatively impact your feelings about yourself and world view. By identifying these irrational core beliefs we can effect change in how you behave. As a therapist I have been able to implement CBT with individuals that have dealt with childhood trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Anger management and Bipolar disorders. This approach empowers them to regain control and confidence, fostering resilience and long-term well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy will assist in teaching you to be present, regulate your emotions, build and connect with people and skills to decrease stress. We will specifically focus on Mindfulness techniques, Distress tolerance, Emotion regulation strategies , And techniques of Interpersonal Effectiveness. I have used this in the treatment of addiction, personality disorders, anger management.
Strength-Based
The strength-based therapy approach treats you as an expert on yourself, and so it is client-specific, with treatment plans emerging from the individual rather than from the therapist or from theoretical frameworks that teach how to treat particular problems. I gently guide you toward a retelling of your personal history of traumas, stressors, and pain with more emphasis on yourself as a survivor than as a victim, and more emphasis on your strengths and survival skills than on your weakness. I have used this in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches and have found it to be effective for individuals with PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, and low self esteem.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution Focused Brief Treatment focuses on finding solutions in the present moment and looking at what hope you have for your future. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your own life and, with the appropriate coaching and questioning, are capable of finding the best solutions. I have used this in working with individuals that are trying to set goals in dealing with a life activating events such as divorce, communicating with loved ones, and addiction issues.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness interventions increase our ability to tolerate the moment without judging ourselves, others, or our environment. I have witnessed countless clients transform their lives with Mindfulness Based Therapy I and am committed to using this method to help more individuals achieve mental health and happiness.