LP, 27 years of experience
Hi! I am a California based telehealth psychologist. I have been in practiced since 1997 and graduated from WSGP, formerly PASPP. I hold certifications in employee related issues, relationship coaching, trauma, substance abuse, disordered eating, nutrition and health/wellness. I have written several mindfulness based self-help books on the topics of finding space, inner calmness, contentment, courage, getting better sleep and staying present. I help to facilitate change in those looking to get unstuck, cope with loss, take healthy risks, communicate effectively and become more emotionally resilient.
After our brief introductions, we will start by reviewing your completed intake form and surveys. By doing so, together we will pin point one of the challenges you are facing and find the best way to approach your concern. I have found setting clear expectations for future appointments and gradually assisting my clients in coming up sound objectives helps build mutual trust and keeps our clinical dynamic flowing in positive direction.
I have been an active Telehealth Psychologist since 2005. With the covid shut down, I was well prepared to shift my practice from in person to online. I thnik that the best Telehealth counseling practice stresses the importance of strong analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills all of which I posess. These strengths plus my ability to actively listen, be patient and compassionate aids in my ability to build trust and tailor treatment planning to each of my clients.
I work best with those who are motivated to change but need the extra support, structure and tools to do so. These people can be younger or older adults who find themselves repeating unhealthy patterns, getting in their own way or who have temporary lost their way in life. I understand that life can throw us curve balls and sometimes we need some coping tools as well as supportive coaching to get through those struggling moments.
Arlene Unger offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, Kern Family Health Care - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal), San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) and Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal in California.
I have had extensive experience using CBT with my patients. I was trained in this type of therapy since graduate school. In the session I explain to my patients how thoughts, feelings and actions are linked together. I encourage my patients to acknowledge their feelings, assess their beliefs and examine their expectations surrounding those beliefs before coming up with an action plan I point out how distorted forms of thinking can lead to negative mood states, feelings and self-sabotaging behaviors. By using such CBT tools as cognitive restructuring, activity planning. reframing and rescripting I help my patients unravel those distortions and change their thinking and behavioral patterns.
I've had many hours of training in ACT therapy and worked with with hundreds of patients using this therapeutic modality. In the first session I explain how internal (self-talk) can lead to external action or inaction. in subsequent visits I encourage self-awareness and self-observation while providing the necessary guidance/compassion to show how acceptance of one's feelings and circumstances can be freeing. I acknowledge that my patients have feelings about their emotional state which might lead to emotional paralysis and mental stuckness. By using such ACT techniques as facing the situation, acknowledging thoughts are just thoughts, instilling mindfulness, exploring values and many others, I help my patients see that changing their view of themselves and their predictament can lead to unstuckness and positive changes in their lives.