Joshua David Bienenfeld
Hi, I’m Joshua. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and times when life simply feels overwhelming. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you are more than the problems that brought you here. I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS), an approach that helps us understand the different “parts” of ourselves, including the anxious, critical, angry, fearful, or protective parts that can sometimes leave us feeling stuck.
I may laugh with you or cry with you as we reflect together on your improving wellbeing.
Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with me?” IFS helps us become curious about what these parts may be trying to protect us from and what they need to feel safe enough to change. You won’t find judgment in my therapy room. You also won’t be expected to figure everything out on your own. We’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you, helping you better understand yourself, heal old wounds, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. My goal is not to change who you are. It’s to help you discover more of the calm, confidence, clarity, and strength that may already be there beneath the noise.
First session
We will spend most of our time talking about how you've been feeling recently and asking questions to understand better why you may feel that way. The first session is about building an initial connection and helping me know where we should go. Everyone is different, and I like to listen before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward. This is a journey, and I am the guide.
Strengths
One core belief I bring to therapy is simple: you have the capacity to heal. In Internal Family Systems (IFS), we call this the Self, the calm, compassionate, curious, and courageous center of who you are. I don’t see my role as telling you who you should be or directing your journey. I see myself as a trusted companion, bringing more than 30 years of clinical experience, curiosity, compassion, and sometimes a little humor as we work together to understand what is happening in your life and within you. I strive to create a space where all of you are welcome, including the parts you may struggle to accept in yourself. We can be serious when we need to be, laugh when we can, and sometimes sit together with sadness when words aren’t enough. Most importantly, I will listen. You deserve to feel heard, understood, and cared for without judgment. My role is to help you become curious about your own story, recognize the strengths you already carry, and access more of the confidence, clarity, and compassion within you. The journey is yours. I’m honored to walk alongside you.
Ideal clients
I work with individuals, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression. Whether you’re facing overwhelming worry, persistent sadness, or a sense of being stuck, I offer a supportive and empathetic space to help you navigate these challenges. My approach combines Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address the root causes of your distress, build resilience, and develop practical strategies for managing your emotions. Together, we will work towards finding clarity, fostering self-compassion, and achieving meaningful progress in your mental health journey. Let me be your guide!
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 15982