Hi there, my name is Ariel Black and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Southern California. I have over 10 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy and I am passionate about providing my clients with long-term holistic healing. I primarily work with adults and mature teens that struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD and previous childhood trauma. I believe that there is no exact recipe or standardized treatment in therapy. Each person that comes to see me is unique and presents a different set of issues. This is why I hope to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored towards helping each person achieve their goals. As a psychodynamic therapist, my main focus is the relationship and connection I have with my clients. I believe that it is important to feel grounded and secure when processing deep rooted and painful issues. Some of the common themes in my practice include: family abuse, sexual trauma, grief/loss, relational trauma, attachment issues, co-dependency, abandonment, and neglect. If you would like to read more about my practice and clinical background, feel free to check out the link to my website below. http://www.arielblackpsychotherapy.com/

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

During our sessions together, I will be utilizing a psychodynamic framework. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on revealing the subconscious and reoccurring patterns that are preventing one from moving forward and accomplishing their mental health goals. Unlike other styles of therapy, psychodynamic is a long-term style of counseling that requires commitment. It isn’t meant for those searching for a quick fix or “bandaid” style of coping. In fact, it is more so ideal for those yearning for deep-rooted, meaningful changes and understand that true inner healing is a process. Prior to our initial meeting, I recommend that you take a few minutes to relax and center yourself. It’s common to be nervous before starting something new. Some of my clients write down a tentative list of ideas or mental health goals that they wish to accomplish. However, please note that this doesn’t need to be formally done and mental health goals can change with time. Typically, I utilize our first session to introduce ourselves to each other and assess if we are going to be a good match. I also use this time to verbally review and answer any questions about the informed consent, cancellation policy, office hours, ect.

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

My experience as a therapist has enabled me to make positive changes in people’s lives and I am privileged to be a part of that journey. I feel that one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is the ability to sit through and process deep emotional pain with my clients while also allowing them to feel nurtured and understood. I think that a lot of my clients would describe me as warm and maternal, but also having a blunt and corky sense of humor too. In the past I have been told that my artsy and creative mind helps clients discover new and unique ways of thinking. However, in the end I truly hope to provide my clients with a warm and welcoming space to be themselves.

About Ariel Black