Find a Therapist in Ladera Heights, California.

Dr. Levine is one of only 5% of all clinical psychologists holding Board-Certification (ABPP) & has over 30 years of experience, having previously served as the Chief of Psychology at Mt Sinai Medical Center in NY and then as a Psychologist at UCLA Medical School. He then completed a 2-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy at Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia. He will answer the phone (323-417-2325) personally with no receptionist or secretary to deal with! Or, simply email him at BHpsychologist@gmail

People go to therapy to address a problem that is distressing them and causing interference in a significant aspect of their life (work, social life, interpersonal relationships, sleep, etc.) After the immediate problem is resolved or significantly reduced, most of my clients continue to stay in therapy because they have started noticing a change in themselves that they like! To me, therapy isn't just about reducing symptoms. It is about much more. It's about experiencing meaning in life. It's about connecting with the best version of ourselves and knowing that person is there within us. That's true self-confidence. My clients tend to tell me they feel more "whole". That's therapy to me.

How long does therapy take? This is a question I am often asked and yet is so difficult to answer. So much depends on what you expect and want from their therapist. Some people want a to address a specific problem they are facing and others want and ongoing therapeutic relationship. Personally, I much prefer working with patients who are looking towards the longer term commitment. I love getting to know my patients and becoming the holder of their stories as I try to facilitate growth and change.

My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that by uncovering the source of our problems, we can work together to heal and find a sense of confidence and clarity. I provide unique and tailored psychoanalytic therapies to help my clients make sense of their lives and better understand the source of their issues. When the source is identified, a path to wellness can be established. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment, free of judgment and pressure, where my clients can look into their emotions, experiences, and behaviors to gain insight and clarity. I believe that understanding our emotions is the key to unlocking our potential and finding relief and healing.

My approach to therapy incorporates the belief that the way people function, behave, think, feel, and relate to others is impacted by their life experiences. As children (and even in adulthood) we learn about ourselves and the world around us from the experiences we have. The choice to come to therapy is a courageous one rooted in a decision to explore how past (and/or current) experiences may be contributing to current challenges. I work with my clients to help them increase overall wellness and life satisfaction by exploring past experiences, current challenges, and how their choices, actions, and beliefs can be used to promote healing.

I believe that psychotherapy is helpful to help clients who are experiencing a wide variety of issues. I employ a blend of cognitive behavior therapy and psychodynamic therapy to help clients start feeling better quickly while giving them time and space to work on deeper issues. This approach can help you in making progress with anything from anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, panic, and more. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and direct. We will work together to determine your goals and tailor a plan to reach them. Let me help guide you towards feeling your best self.

Psychotherapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. In our sessions together, I will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, we will work to build self-esteem, reduce anxiety and worry, and strengthen your existing coping skills. I will also incorporate mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to help you connect with your inner self and find meaning and purpose in your life. Whether you're dealing with specific issues or just looking to improve your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth.

I have 20 years of diverse professional experiences and extensive training. I am a published writer, lecturer and passionate about my field. I specialize working with Individual Adults and Teens. My style is conversational, and I strive for a collaborative and compassionate practice with my clients. Though, I am trained in a variety of therapies, I primarily work in narrative and psychodynamic theory. Additionally, I may draw upon other similar or complimentary theoretical approaches to create a highly personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

I truly believe psychotherapy provides a healing, transforming relationship that will ultimately empower you to make long-lasting life changes. One main goal in my personal therapeutic approach is to fundamentally change the struggle you likely have with your thoughts and feelings, so you can be free to experience a better quality of life. I tend to utilize a variety of therapeutic frameworks to conceptualize and fit your specific needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Relational Therapy, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

My view of psychotherapy is a very personal one. My relationship with my clients is of utmost importance, because our work needs to feel safe, respectful, caring and effective. My clients and I decide together on goals for our work. The safety can allow my clients to explore parts of themselves and their histories that have shaped their views of self and views of others, including the meaning of life and their deepest fears and needs. Our work will respect who you are, what you have experienced, your fondest desires, and the blocks you have learned to set up for your protection and that perhaps no longer serve you. You may find that you no longer have to feel alone and untended.

Psychotherapy is the opportunity to talk about and process your problems or challenges with a trained therapist. Sometimes, we don't need someone to try to fix our problems for us, which is what most of our friends try to do when we talk about them. Sometimes we need someone who will listen and be a sounding board so we can think through and process for ourselves. I want to support you with your goals and your needs in Los Angeles CA and we can make a therapy plan (psychotherapy or other types) that you feel will best suit your needs. Most importantly, I provide that safe environment for you to be able to be vulnerable, talk about, and process whatever is on your heart and in your mind.

The issue is not what happened to you, it’s the impact it had and how you are able to deal with it. Psychotherapy helps. It involves our talking together to address the problems you’re having in your life. We’ll see what works, what doesn’t, why not, what you’ve tried, and what other options there may be. We’ll look to understand how the difficulties came to be and what gets in the way of changing them. We’ll see what’s happening in your life now and how old patterns of thinking and behaving may interfere for you. We’ll explore other alternatives. I strongly believe people can change, and I see that happening in my office regularly. You’d be surprised how therapy can change your life.

Psychotherapy is a fun, engaging, and transformative process! As your therapist I will work closely with you to identify what is working in your life, as well as what is missing and what isn't working. We will identify your real, hidden and emergent dreams, and goals. I will hold you accountable to making the changes you desire real, and this will further assist you in becoming more of the person that you want to be. I have assisted countless individuals and couples in the process of self discovery, living your truth, and living an identity of your choice, not one ascribed to you.