Avrille Birnbaum, PsyD
Hello, I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I received my PsyD from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, and have been in private practice for the last seven years. My pre and post-doc training were in memory care, which combined my love of relational therapy and the practicality of neuropsychology.
My pre and post-doc training were in memory care, which combined my love of relational therapy and the practicality of neuropsychology.
That training gave me a great basis to explore both the emotional world with my client and psychoeducation that can allow a client to understand better how they work as a whole person.
First session
In our first session, I like to take a history to find out what brings you to therapy and what you would like to accomplish. I find that with context it's easier for me to create a treatment plan and tailor our work together so that the time and energy that you invest align with your needs and goals. In this session, like with all others, please feel free to ask questions and let me know what works best for you.
Strengths
Having been on both sides of the therapy couch, I find that creating a warm, conversational space with my clients creates an easier space to talk about things that are vulnerable. Sometimes we'll use humor, and sometimes we'll discuss things practically. I always invite my clients to feel free to let me know what works (and what doesn't work) in a session so that I can support them in the best and most respectful way possible.
Ideal clients
I love working with clients who are dealing with social anxiety, neurodivergence, communication difficulties, and life transitions. I have experience working with clients with chronic health issues and have to regularly deal with navigating the medical system. I have much experience working with members of the LGBTIQ+ community. I've worked with Transgender and Nonbinary clients, supporting their processes of interfacing with healthcare, social/professional challenges, and the joys that come with each person's individual journey. I have experience (and life experience relevant to) working with clients who are part of traditionalist and/or indigenous, and diaspora cultural practices, worldviews, and beliefs (First Nations, ATRs, Espiritismo, etc.). My goal as a therapist is to be of service and help each person sort out roadblocks, figure out how to work around them, and how to drive your road in a way that works for you, specifically. You are the one living your life, so it should be suited to you--not to me, a theory, or a cultural view that is not relevant to you.
Treatment methods
Integrative
Because every client comes from a different experience, culture and history, one theory or approach will not work equally for each person. Rather than use one method, I have learned many well so that I can tailor my work to the client, not vice versa.
Psychoeducation
This method is used to help with health, medication, and understanding ways to see behavior in a neutral way, rather than one that is based in shame or fear.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 31005